Africa Alive!
United Kingdom·African-themed Zoo·20th century
Africa Alive! Zoological Reserve, formerly known as Suffolk Wildlife Park, is an African-themed zoo located in Kessingland, Suffolk, UK. As part of the Zoological Society of East Anglia, it is a registered charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Kessingland, Suffolk, UK, off the A12.
- ›Rebranded as Africa Alive! in March 2006.
- ›Became a registered charity under the Zoological Society of East Anglia in 2013.
- ›A member of WAZA, EAZA, and BIAZA.
- ›Features a wide range of African species, including primates, mammals, birds, reptiles, and invertebrates.

African Lion, Cheetah, Reticulated Giraffe, Southern White Rhinoceros, Chimpanzee, Lemurs
About Africa Alive!
Africa Alive! Zoological Reserve
Africa Alive! Zoological Reserve, formerly known as Suffolk Wildlife Park, is a prominent zoo situated in Kessingland, Suffolk, in the United Kingdom. Located just south of Lowestoft, it is easily accessible from the A12.
History and Affiliation
The park was acquired in 1991 with the intention of creating an animal park that could house animals bred at Banham Zoo, thus avoiding long-distance transfers. The decision was made to focus the park's theme on animals from the African continent. In March 2006, the park officially rebranded as Africa Alive!. In 2013, Africa Alive! and Banham Zoo transitioned to charitable status under the Zoological Society of East Anglia (ZSEA). The ZSEA is a registered charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and education.
Animal Collection
Africa Alive! is an African-themed zoo, hosting a diverse collection of species from the continent. This includes a variety of primates, such as chimpanzees and several lemur species like the mongoose lemur and ring-tailed lemur. Other mammals featured are the aardvark, meerkat, African hunting dog, African lion, cheetah, reticulated giraffe, and southern white rhinoceros. The bird collection includes species like the greater flamingo, grey crowned crane, and ostrich. Reptiles and invertebrates are also represented, with animals such as the royal python, leopard tortoise, and Madagascan hissing cockroach.
Notable Events
In February 2022, Africa Alive! experienced damage to its lion enclosure when a fallen tree during Storm Eunice smashed a section of the fence. The ZSEA initiated a fundraiser to cover the costs associated with the repairs, which quickly exceeded £63,000.
Africa Alive! is an active member of several key zoological organizations, including the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), underscoring its commitment to international standards in animal welfare and conservation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Africa Alive! Zoological Reserve?
Africa Alive! Zoological Reserve is a zoo located in Kessingland, Suffolk, UK, that is dedicated to showcasing animals from the African continent. It was formerly known as Suffolk Wildlife Park.
When did Africa Alive! become a charity?
Africa Alive! became a charity in 2013, along with Banham Zoo, under the umbrella of the Zoological Society of East Anglia.
What kind of animals can be found at Africa Alive!?
Africa Alive! features a variety of African species, including primates like chimpanzees and lemurs, mammals such as lions, cheetahs, and giraffes, as well as numerous bird, reptile, and invertebrate species.
What happened during Storm Eunice at Africa Alive!?
During Storm Eunice in February 2022, a part of the lion enclosure's fence was damaged by a fallen tree. A fundraiser was launched by the ZSEA to cover the repair costs.
What organizations is Africa Alive! affiliated with?
Africa Alive! is a member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
Related Zoos
Adelaide Zoo
Adelaide Zoo, established in 1883, is Australia's second-oldest zoo and operates on a non-profit basis. Situated north of Adelaide's city center, it is managed by the Royal Zoological Society of South Australia and is a key institution for wildlife conservation and public education in the region.
Al Ain Zoo
Al Ain Zoo, also known as Al Ain Wildlife Park & Resort, is a 400-hectare zoological park situated in Al Ain, United Arab Emirates. Founded in 1969, it plays a role in wildlife conservation, housing over 4,000 animals, including endangered species and those extinct in the wild.

Aalborg Zoo
Aalborg Zoo is a zoological garden situated near the heart of Aalborg, Denmark, drawing approximately 375,000 visitors annually. It serves as a significant institution for animal conservation, actively participating in global breeding programs and environmental preservation projects, including supporting rainforest conservation in Ecuador.