David R.
Google
Two words: GO HERE. Although called a zoo, the facility’s focus is a captive breeding program for endangered species, with many animals released back into the wild. Moreover, it doesn’t really look like a traditional zoo because there are so few cages, and those that exist are generally discreet and filled with lush island greenery, which includes such temperate trees as bamboo and palms. Interestingly, some species dwell onsite with no visible means of confinement. Red-breasted geese wander the green, and a colony of Silver Marmosets lives in the trees (they are presumably tied to the zoo by the lure of free room and board). Talks on various animals are available throughout the day, the life and work of the zoo founder Gerald Durrell is featured, and there are regular special exhibitions (a breathtaking Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibit was in-house when we visited). All told, we found our zoo experience fascinating. As for practicalities: although there is a large parking lot, we found it just as easy to get there by bus (service on the island is excellent). The zoo’s many paths are well maintained and seem to accommodate wheelchairs easily, but navigating from enclosure to enclosure can sometimes be challenging (more signposts at junctions would be welcome, the large map boards throughout the area would benefit from being exact rather than artistic, and the zoo map app available on entry seems to be more capable of describing what one is seeing rather than providing succinct details on how best to get to it). The gift shop is large and well stocked, the restaurant menu comprehensive, and there are numerous picnic tables and benches on the property. The best advice, though is to budget enough time to visit. Although one reviewer advised 4-5 hours onsite. We arrived early and before we knew it staff members were shutting the doors behind us after a seven hour visit!
