Overview

The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a conservation zoo that showcases a variety of rare and endangered animals from around the world. It covers an expanse of 37 acres of lush green landscape, offering a picturesque and unique setting for any UK Zoo.

Situated in North Wales, it overlooks Colwyn Bay and the Carneddau mountains. The zoo was established in 1963 by the Jackson family as a small family-run business. It is also known as the National Zoo of Wales and is Wales’s oldest and most established zoo.

Things to do

The Welsh Mountain Zoo takes pride in its extensive collection of rare and endangered plant species from around the world. It considers itself a conservation centre for both flora and fauna and recognizes its gardens’ educational value. Visitors can explore plant and seed varieties from the Himalayas, Chile, and Central America.

Apart from the popular big cats, the Zoo also has a fantastic Children’s Farm. Young visitors can enjoy the company of adorable and fluffy animals such as guinea pigs, ducks, rabbits, and chickens. The farm’s spacious enclosures provide a comfortable environment for the animals to run, hop, swim, and strut.

The Welsh Mountain Zoo houses a diverse community of primates, including Chimpanzees, Spider Monkeys, Lar Gibbons, Ring-Tailed Lemurs, Cotton Top Tamarins, and Goeldi’s Monkeys. Visitors can observe these fascinating creatures in their natural habitats, with some preferring to live on trees and others on the ground.

Food & Drink

Graze, the local catering service, manages all the food outlets at the award-winning zoo, including the Penguin Café and Safari Restaurant. The zoo takes pride in serving the freshest and most delicious local food, catering to every visitor’s taste, ranging from traditional snacks and treats to vegan and gluten-free options. They are committed to working with local suppliers for their ingredients, adding an authentic taste of North Wales to their food.

The Penguin Café is located in one of the most picturesque spots in the zoo, with panoramic views across the estuary and overlooking the Penguin and Chimpanzee enclosures. They offer a variety of food options, such as sandwiches, paninis, salads, and jacket potatoes. The relaxing and airy environment makes it the perfect place for a break.

The flagship Safari Restaurant is situated in the heart of the zoo, adjacent to the Sumatran Tigers enclosure. They offer visitors a range of hot and cold snacks, including nuggets and chips, burgers, as well as healthy options. The restaurant is warm and friendly, and it’s an excellent place to recharge your batteries and even spot some of the big cats on the prowl!

If you’re looking for a quick snack on the go, you can enjoy ice creams and drinks from the Zoolicious sweet shop or Penguin Kiosk (open during busy periods). The zoo has plenty of space outside for visitors to enjoy and relax on the grassy slopes, making it the perfect spot for picnics!

Please note that some food outlets may close during seasonal visitor numbers and demand variations.