A visit to your local wildlife park just south of Burford, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens, is a trip to be enjoyed by all members of the family.
It is one of Oxfordshire’s major attractions and one of the most beautiful wildlife parks in the country. There are over 250 species of animals, large and small ranging from the colony of leaf-cutting ants in the Invertebrate House to the three White Rhinos grazing in front of the Manor House. Great favourites with the visitors as they walk around the beautifully landscaped parkland, include meerkats, giraffes, lions, lemurs and penguins. Latest residents include a pair of anteaters and three porcupines; latest births include lemurs and Scimitar Horned Oryx.
Don’t miss the Madagascar enclosure where you walk with lemurs and where there are some of the world’s rarest animals. The beautiful Sifaka lemurs are the only ones on view in the country. A talk takes place here daily at 12 noon on the plight of these animals in the wild and the Park has raised thousands of pounds to be used in their conservation. It is necessary for “Madagascar” to have restricted opening so visit this area between 11.30am and 3pm.
There are many signs of spring in the gardens with the bulbs and early flowering shrubs and trees and very soon there will be wonderful displays of alliums.
Throughout the Park there are many very fine old trees, including a 600 year oak which gives its name to the Oak Tree Restaurant. During the last couple of years many young trees have also been planted and late summer should see some glorious reds and yellows of autumn foliage emerging.
Families enjoy a day out at the Park walking around, riding on the train, having a picnic or eating in the large self-service restaurant. Children enjoy the farmyard, the adventure playground, the reptile house and the invertebrate house. There is so much to see. Facilities are excellent with good access for wheelchairs and buggies.
The Park is also popular for group visits for parties of all ages and for school groups; special discounted rates apply.
The Park is open daily from 10am, with special events during the summer months. See www.cotswoldwildlifepark.co.uk for full information or call 01993 823006. It is situated just 2.5 miles south of the famous Cotswold town of Burford.
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