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If you make an early start and stop off for morning coffee in Burford - a picture-postcard honey-hued village described as the ‘gateway to the Cotswolds’ - you’re well on your way to the Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens - and it’s well worth the trip.
There’s something for every age at the park, which is divided into four sections: Birds, Mammals, Small Mammals & Primates and Reptiles & Amphibians. If you’re a fan of the latter, this is one of the largest reptile collections in the UK and includes crocodiles and venomous snakes!
Giraffes, rhinos, zebra and big cats are all present and correct but there’s also a Children’s Farmyard where all the animals can be approached and daily activities include goat petting.
Don’t miss the Madagascar Walkthrough – an opportunity to find out more about the lemurs and other creatures in the exhibit. The lemur collection includes the crowned sifaka and the greater bamboo lemurs – two of the most endangered primate species in the world and beneficiaries of one of the park’s conservation projects.
You can also book an Animal Encounter where the experience begins when you ‘meet the keeper` - your chance to gain expert insight into the personalities and behaviours of the animals before you see them face to face.
Choose to visit an Aldabra giant tortoise, help feed a penguin posse, catch up with a group of giraffes or introduce yourself to the tapir and capybara gang from South America.
When you’ve had your fill of being impressed, intrigued and perhaps ever so slightly scared, take a walk around the wonderful gardens which are beautifully arranged around the Victorian Manor House and include a large walled garden and a magnificent collection of mature trees.