Wales
The National Zoo of Wales, set in stunning gardens in Colwyn Bay with rare and endangered species.
Welsh Mountain Zoo is offering free admission to fathers, grandfathers, step-fathers, and father figures on Father's Day weekend (20–21 June 2026) when a full-paying ticket is purchased. Visitors must pre-book both tickets by 11:59pm the day before their visit.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo has paid tribute to Harry Roberts, a former board member and long-standing supporter who passed away. Roberts played a key role in developing the zoo's red panda habitat and snow leopard enclosure, and donations in his memory have raised £1,157.22 to support the zoo's animal care and conservation work.
Welsh Mountain Zoo has opened a new lemur enclosure built from reclaimed local wood as part of its ambitious Madagascar project. The seven-strong lemur family is settling well and the habitat forms part of a larger walkway experience that will also include Papilio Forest butterfly house and a reptile house.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo is developing a sheltered, multi-purpose canopy structure at its centre, part-funded by the Welsh Government. The facility will feature a living wall, seating, and infrastructure for events, educational talks, and community workshops year-round.
Welsh Mountain Zoo has appointed a six-strong senior leadership team including heads of animals, capital projects, and guest services to lead the zoo's growth. The new structure supports CEO Chris Mitchell's ambitious ten-year expansion plan for the Colwyn Bay zoo.
Over 100 children and adults, including young people with learning disabilities and their families, enjoyed a dedicated day at Welsh Mountain Zoo on 18th August as part of an ongoing partnership with Conwy Connect. The visit featured optional accessible activities including a wheelchair-friendly guided walk, flamingo talk, and habitat workshop designed to be inclusive and engaging for all participants.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo's official Facebook page has been hacked and is currently posting unauthorized content promoting organic products. The zoo is working with Facebook and Action Fraud to regain control and advises supporters to avoid engaging with the compromised page until an official video confirmation is posted.
Welsh Mountain Zoo has unveiled its latest addition, the Papilio Forest tropical butterfly house, offering visitors a new immersive experience. The exhibit was promoted during the zoo's participation as an eco-exhibitor at Prom Xtra in Colwyn Bay on 15 May 2025.
Welsh Mountain Zoo actively supports wild cotton-top tamarin conservation through its partnership with Proyecto Tití, a Colombian-based initiative combining scientific research, education, and community engagement. The zoo's 20-year history of housing and breeding cotton-top tamarins contributes to raising awareness and ensuring the species' survival as habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade threaten their future.
FeaturedRoxy, a cotton-top tamarin, has arrived at Welsh Mountain Zoo from Shaldon Wildlife Trust to be a companion for resident Ronnie. The pairing was coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria Cotton Top Tamarin EEP to support the conservation of this critically endangered species, of which only 2,000 individuals remain in the wild.
Welsh Mountain Zoo has secured a new sponsorship agreement with Thornley Leisure Parks to support the care of its snow leopards and improve a children's play area. The partnership will fund wildlife conservation efforts and visitor experiences while supporting the Snow Leopard Trust's work protecting this vulnerable species.