We’re researching the best days out for family fun in Cornwall so we had to start with the only zoo in the county… it is on our doorstep after all!
People always think of the zoo as somewhere to go in the summer but we found it was a whole lot of fun at this time of year too and so much quieter, we got to enjoy everything at our leisure and get a space up close when meeting the lions!
With over 130 species of animal, there is so much to see and do. We got to meet several different types of monkey, including baby monkeys being carried on Mummy’s back! Our favourites were the capuchin monkeys! The meercats were cheeky as ever and the penguins were causing a splash!
We climbed up the viewing platform to witness the black wildebeest, the nyala antelope and the striking zebras too and we also got to visit the all-new Gems of the Jungle exhibit where we saw free-flying birds in the most tropical environment.
We decided the Azara’s Agouti was a bit like a cross between a hamster, a squirrel and a rabbit and we thought Hamsquirbbit had a better ring to it as a name! There are loads of talks and demonstrations such as the monkey snack time, penguin feeding, meet the meerkats and a keeper’s choice talk. The highlight for us though was the lion feeding. We got to see African lion, Boss and his two lioness sisters up close enjoying their food which was magnificent and our little girl loved it too!
You can pay extra for animal experiences to feed the lemurs on their own private island, sponsor a lion or even become a zoo keeper for the day which would make a wonderful gift.
We enjoyed a delicious lunch overlooking the lake and we even saw a peacock strut past! That would only happen at the zoo! Of course, we didn’t leave without a trip to the gift shop to pick up our very own cuddly “Boss” to take home: thank you Newquay Zoo for a lovely day out, you’ve got the “Family Fun Promise” Atlantic stamp of approval!
See you again in the summer!
