Jersey Zoo
Jersey Zoo, La Profonde Rue, Jersey JE3 5BP
Rating: 4.7 ★ (3730 ratings)
Details
Jersey Zoo, officially known as Durrell Wildlife Park, stands as a world-renowned conservation centre established in 1959 by naturalist and author Gerald Durrell. Set within 32 acres of picturesque parkland, lush woodlands, and gentle valleys in the parish of Trinity, this unique attraction prioritises animal welfare, conservation, and educating visitors over mere entertainment. Its tranquil and thoughtful atmosphere distinguishes it, creating natural and spacious habitats where the focus remains firmly on protecting endangered species.
Venturing through the park, you will encounter over 100 species of amazing animals, many of which are critically threatened in the wild, including Western lowland gorillas, Sumatran orangutans, and vibrant lemurs from Madagascar. Engaging keeper talks offer insightful details about these creatures and the challenges they face globally, often coinciding with feeding times. For a more immersive experience, interactive opportunities like feeding giant otters or meeting tortoises are available. Additionally, children can enjoy the Dodo Playground and the Eco Explorers playground, which features an Orangutan Nest climbing structure.
This remarkable destination suits families, couples, and individuals with a passion for wildlife and conservation, offering a peaceful retreat where visitors can genuinely connect with nature. Whether you seek fun, tranquillity, or a deeper understanding of global conservation efforts, Jersey Zoo provides an authentic and inspiring day out. By simply visiting, guests play a part in the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust's vital mission to save species from extinction worldwide.
Location
Opening Hours
Monday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM | Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Contact
+44 1534 860000 | https://www.durrell.org/
Comments
The information boards are well presented and detailed.
Food in the cafe was delicious, fairly priced and well presented.
Bus from St Helier is every 30 minutes, tap on payment, very easy.
Grand day out.
It’s peaceful, beautifully kept and somehow never feels overly commercial. You can easily spend hours wandering around and still not want to leave.
Definitely one of Jersey’s little treasures and a place I’m always happy to come back to. 🐒🌿❤️
The grounds are beautiful to walk around and a welcome bonus to seeing all the animals. Whilst a small zoo compared to other more international destinations, my wife and I still spent several hours here walking around. Our personal highlight was the aviary you could walk through to see lots of Asian birds. I loved the java sparrow when it did appear.
Near the entrance is a lovely picnic area with the resident red-breasted geese chilling and relaxing on the grass. The cafe in the entrance sells takeaway coffee in case you need a pick-me-up before beginning your tour. Just remember to wear loose/baggy clothes as the reptile area, tortoise tunnel, and butterfly area are very warm inside! And if you have time, definitely take some time to visit the on-site charity shop. Got a few bargains to take home 😄
We then ambled our way around. Not the most extensive amount of animals to see (no lions, tigers, bear, elephants etc) but what they do have is very interesting. Only let down and it was quite a big one was the gorilla enclosure was being heavily modified which meant no access to see them. The bats exhibition was also closed.
The restaurant wasn't open but like I said it was the off season. The cafe was available if required.
The zoo looks fantastically maintained and the keepers showed a deep love and respect for their animals. Conservation is their number one commitment.
All in all a nice 1.5 - 2 hours was spent.
Free Parking on site and a massive charity warehouse is there to look around in the car park.
Oh, Jersey has a big population of Red Squirrels! See pic.
There are so many animals to see, and the zoo keepers are all super friendly and welcome any questions, you can tell they really love their jobs.
I used to come here as a kid purely for the fruit bats and was saddened to hear they became ill and have now transferred out, but knowing they are prioritising them over the public being able to see them is so heartwarming, there’s nothing more if want than for those endangered bats to survive.
There’s 2 cafes on site with plenty of options. There’s also a gift shop on site which has so many good options, I made sure to buy plenty of gifts (for myself) to help support the zoo.
Highly recommended to any one visiting, solo or families alike. I recommend to pre book tickets a day before you go as you can get a discount. Great day out, you can spend hours here!!
Highly recommend a visit.