A Visitor's Introduction to Marwell Zoo

Marwell's History and Conservation Focus

Founded in 1972 by John Knowles, a passionate conservationist, Marwell Zoo has always prioritised the protection of endangered species and the promotion of wildlife conservation. It is operated by Marwell Wildlife, a registered charity focused on animal welfare, education, and global conservation efforts.

Marwell’s mission extends far beyond simply showcasing animals to the public. The zoo is involved in several international breeding programmes and conservation initiatives aimed at preserving endangered species. These programmes include the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and efforts to protect species like the Scimitar-horned Oryx, which has been successfully reintroduced into the wild after becoming extinct in the wild in the 1980s.

In addition to its work with exotic animals, Marwell Wildlife also undertakes projects aimed at supporting native UK species and habitats. The zoo actively engages in research and fieldwork, contributing to efforts to combat the loss of biodiversity worldwide.

Marwell's Animal Highlights

Marwell Zoo is home to a wide variety of animals from different ecosystems, including savannas, rainforests, and temperate zones. Visitors can encounter iconic species as well as lesser-known but equally fascinating animals, with habitats designed to mimic their natural environments.

Big Cats: Marwell Zoo’s Amur leopards and Amur tigers are two of its most popular residents. These critically endangered big cats come from the forests of Russia and northeast Asia. Visitors can observe them in their spacious enclosures, designed to provide a naturalistic environment where they can display their natural behaviors.

Giraffe Herd: Marwell’s Reticulated giraffes are another highlight. The zoo is well-known for its successful giraffe breeding programme, and visitors can watch these majestic animals roam in the African Valley, a large, open space shared with zebra, ostriches, and other African species.

Penguins: The Humboldt penguin exhibit is always a favourite, especially during feeding times, when visitors can watch these charismatic birds dive into the water with agility and grace. The zoo’s focus on penguin conservation includes educating the public about the threats these species face from climate change and overfishing.

Primates: Marwell Zoo is home to several species of monkeys, including Siamang gibbons and Cotton-top tamarins. These animals live in environments that allow them to climb and swing, showcasing their incredible agility. The zoo’s efforts to raise awareness about deforestation and its impact on primate species are a key educational focus.

Rhinos and Hippos: Another crowd-pleaser is the White rhino, which visitors can see in a large paddock. These rhinos are part of a breeding programme aimed at conserving their species, which is under severe threat due to poaching. Marwell also has Pygmy hippos, which are smaller and more elusive than their larger cousins but no less fascinating.

Exotic Birds: The Aviary at Marwell Zoo is home to a wide variety of bird species from around the world. Colourful parrots, hornbills, and cranes are just a few of the species on display. The zoo’s bird collection also plays an important role in global breeding programmes for endangered bird species.

Reptiles and Amphibians: Marwell’s Tropical House is home to a diverse array of reptiles and amphibians, from green anacondas to poison dart frogs. The Tropical House provides an immersive rainforest environment where visitors can learn about these often misunderstood creatures and the ecosystems they inhabit.

Marwell Zoo’s Themed Areas

Marwell Zoo is thoughtfully divided into themed areas, each replicating the natural habitat of the species found within. This approach not only ensures the well-being of the animals but also enhances the visitor experience by offering a more immersive way to learn about different ecosystems.

African Valley: One of the largest and most popular areas of the zoo, the African Valley is home to animals such as giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and antelope. The valley is designed to resemble the African savanna, giving visitors a glimpse into the world of these animals as they roam freely in a large, open space.

Wild Explorers: This section of the zoo highlights conservation efforts for endangered species, featuring White rhinos, Grevy’s zebras, and Scimitar-horned oryx. Interactive displays teach visitors about conservation challenges and successes, and the animals can often be seen grazing or interacting with their surroundings.

Tropical House: A walk through the Tropical House takes visitors into a rainforest-like environment, where the air is warm and humid, and animals like sloths, tortoises, and tropical birds live among lush vegetation. The Tropical House is also home to several reptiles and amphibians, giving visitors a close-up view of creatures that thrive in warmer climates.

Penguin Cove: This area is home to the playful Humboldt penguins, where visitors can watch them swim through underwater viewing windows or interact with their keepers during feeding times. The exhibit also educates visitors on the environmental challenges penguins face in the wild.

Fur, Feathers, and Scales: This area showcases a variety of smaller species, including meerkats, reptiles, and exotic birds. It’s a great stop for families, as many of these animals are easy to observe up close in their specially designed habitats.

Conservation and Education Programmes

As a conservation-focused zoo, Marwell plays an active role in global efforts to protect endangered species and their habitats. The zoo participates in numerous international breeding programs and is a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

In addition to its breeding programs, Marwell Zoo runs educational programmes designed to engage both children and adults with issues related to wildlife conservation, climate change, and habitat destruction. School groups can take part in special workshops and guided tours that provide in-depth knowledge of the zoo’s animals and the challenges they face in the wild. Marwell also offers summer camps and holiday activities for young wildlife enthusiasts.

For the general public, there are regular keeper talks, where visitors can learn about the animals from the people who care for them, as well as hands-on experiences like feeding sessions and behind-the-scenes tours.

Family-Friendly Facilities

Marwell Zoo is designed to be family-friendly, with a wide range of facilities and activities to enhance the visitor experience. 

Play Areas: The zoo has several play areas for children, including adventure playgrounds and soft play spaces, allowing younger visitors to burn off energy while parents take a break.

Dining: Several cafés and kiosks are located throughout the zoo, offering a variety of snacks, hot meals, and refreshments. Café Graze, the zoo’s main eatery, provides indoor and outdoor seating with views of the animals and serves a range of hot meals, sandwiches, and drinks.

Gift Shop: Marwell Zoo’s gift shop offers a wide selection of souvenirs, including toys, books, and eco-friendly gifts. Proceeds from the shop go toward the zoo’s conservation efforts.

Nearby Attractions

For visitors who want to explore more of the area, there are several attractions near Marwell Zoo that complement a day out:

Winchester Cathedral: Just a short drive away, this iconic landmark is one of the largest cathedrals in Europe, offering stunning architecture and a wealth of history.

South Downs National Park: For those who enjoy the outdoors, the South Downs National Park offers scenic landscapes, walking trails, and wildlife-watching opportunities.

Wickham Vineyard: Wine enthusiasts may enjoy a visit to this nearby vineyard, which offers tours and tastings of locally produced wines.

Practical Information for Visitors

Opening Hours: Marwell Zoo is open daily, typically from 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM, although hours can vary depending on the season. It’s best to check the zoo’s website for up-to-date information on opening times and ticket availability.

Admission: Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, with discounts available for children, seniors, and families. The zoo also offers annual memberships for those who plan to visit frequently.

Accessibility: Marwell Zoo is designed to be accessible for all visitors, with wheelchair-friendly paths, accessible restrooms, and mobility scooter rentals available.

Getting There: The zoo is located near Winchester, just off the M3 motorway. It is easily accessible by car, with ample parking available on-site. For those using public transport, there are bus services from Winchester and Eastleigh to Marwell Zoo.