Tilgate Nature Centre
Tilgate Nature Centre, rebranded as Tilgate Zoo in 2025, is a BIAZA-accredited zoological facility located within Tilgate Park in Crawley, West Sussex, England. It is recognized for its diverse collection of approximately 74 animal species and its active involvement in conservation programs aimed at preserving threatened wildlife.
Key Facts
- ›Located in Tilgate Park, South-East Crawley, West Sussex, England.
- ›Opened in 1973, initially for breeding ducklings.
- ›Houses approximately 74 animal species (as of 2026).
- ›Rebranded as Tilgate Zoo in 2025.
- ›Achieved official BIAZA-accreditation in 2025.
- ›Involved in conservation programs for threatened species like the Scottish wild cat and radiated tortoise.
African Zone, European and Domestic Zone, Australasian Zone, Madagascan Zone, Americas Zone
Scottish Wild Cat, Harvest Mouse, Radiated Tortoise, Fen Raft Spider, Naked Mole-Rats, Reindeer, Barn Owls, Kangaroos, Wallabies, Servals, Ring Tailed Lemurs, Brazilian Tapirs, Capybaras, Macaws, Northern Bald Ibis, Andean Condor, Gundi, Greater Vasa Parrot, Marabou Stork, Yellow-Faced Parrot, Yellow-Spotted Tree Toad, Peach-Throated Monitor
Scottish Wild Cat Breeding, Harvest Mouse Conservation, Radiated Tortoise Conservation, Fen Raft Spider Reintroduction
About Tilgate Nature Centre
Tilgate Nature Centre, known as Tilgate Zoo since its rebranding in 2025, is a BIAZA-accredited zoological facility situated within Tilgate Park in Crawley, West Sussex, England. Established in 1973, the centre initially focused on breeding ducklings for the park's lakes. Over time, its scope expanded significantly, and it now houses an impressive collection of animals.
History and Development
Purchased by Crawley Borough Council in 1966, Tilgate Park became the home for the Nature Centre, which opened in 1973. The zoo's mission evolved from its early days of waterfowl breeding to encompass a wide array of animal species. In 2025, it underwent a rebranding to Tilgate Zoo to better reflect the diversity of its animal displays and achieved official BIAZA-accreditation in the same year, a testament to its long-standing membership and adherence to high standards.
Animal Collection and Exhibits
As of 2026, Tilgate Zoo is home to approximately 74 different animal species. The zoo is organized into distinct geographical zones to provide visitors with an immersive experience. These include the African zone, featuring species like naked mole-rats and crested porcupines; the European and Domestic Zone with reindeer and farm animals; the Australasian Zone showcasing kangaroos and emus; the Madagascan Zone with lemurs and reptiles; and the Americas Zone, home to Brazilian tapirs and macaws. The zoo has gained a reputation for specializing in species that are often overlooked, including the gundi, greater vasa parrot, and peach-throated monitor.
Conservation and Education
Tilgate Zoo plays a vital role in wildlife conservation, maintaining breeding groups of several species integral to wider conservation efforts. The centre actively participates in programs to preserve threatened wild species, such as the Scottish wild cat, the harvest mouse, and the radiated tortoise, and has been involved in fen raft spider reintroduction efforts. Its comprehensive conservation education department is a key component of its mission. The zoo regularly exchanges animals with other zoological institutions to maintain genetic diversity and health within these conservation programs.
Visitor Experience
The zoo is open to the public and offers various attractions and experiences, including public talks, feeding sessions, and 'Animal Adoptions'. Special experiences like 'Junior Keeper for a Day' and 'Tapir Time' are available. Tilgate Zoo also caters to educational visits for schools and hosts animal-themed birthday parties, making it a destination for families and wildlife enthusiasts alike. In recognition of its efforts, the zoo received a Gold Star Award for Sustainability and Zoostainability from BIAZA in 2020 and was ranked first among UK zoos by Parkdean Resorts in 2021.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Tilgate Nature Centre open?
Tilgate Nature Centre, which later rebranded as Tilgate Zoo, first opened its doors in 1973. It was initially established to breed ducklings for the lakes within Tilgate Park.
What is the size of the animal collection at Tilgate Zoo?
As of 2026, Tilgate Zoo houses approximately 74 different animal species. The collection has grown significantly since its early days of focusing on ducklings.
What kind of conservation efforts is Tilgate Zoo involved in?
Tilgate Zoo plays an important role in conservation, particularly through its education department and by maintaining breeding groups of several threatened species. It participates in wider conservation efforts and exchanges animals with other zoos to ensure genetic health. Notable species involved in conservation efforts include the Scottish wild cat, the harvest mouse, and the radiated tortoise, as well as fen raft spider reintroduction efforts.
What are some of the notable attractions or zones at Tilgate Zoo?
Tilgate Zoo is organized into geographical zones, including the African zone, European and Domestic Zone, Australasian Zone, Madagascan Zone, and the Americas Zone. These zones house a variety of animals, from naked mole-rats and reindeer to kangaroos, lemurs, and Brazilian tapirs.
Has Tilgate Zoo received any awards or recognition?
Yes, Tilgate Nature Centre received a Gold Star Award for Sustainability and Zoostainability from BIAZA in 2020. In 2021, it was ranked first among zoos in the United Kingdom by Parkdean Resorts.
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