West Midlands Safari Park
West Midlands Safari Park, formerly West Midland Safari Park, is a safari park and leisure attraction located in Bewdley, Worcestershire, England. Opened in 1973, it is recognized for its significant animal collection, including the largest groups of white lions, cheetahs, hippopotamuses, and meerkats in the UK, and for being the first park in the country to house all five African big five game animals.
Key Facts
- ›Opened in spring 1973 under the name West Midland Safari Park.
- ›Features over 165 species of exotic animals.
- ›Home to the UK's largest groups of white lions, cheetahs, hippopotamuses, and meerkats.
- ›Boasts the largest lemur walk-through exhibit in the UK.
- ›Was the first park in the UK to exhibit all five African big five game animals.
Kingdom of the White Lions, Cheetah Plains, Walking With Lemurs, Hippo Lakes, Seaquarium, Land of the Living Dinosaurs, Ice Age
White Lions, Cheetahs, Hippopotamuses, Meerkats, Lemurs, African Elephants, Indian Rhinoceroses, Bengal Tigers, Sumatran Tigers
White Lion Conservation and Breeding, African Elephant Conservation
About West Midlands Safari Park
West Midlands Safari Park, known until early 2024 as West Midland Safari Park, is a prominent safari park and leisure attraction situated in Bewdley, Worcestershire, England. Established in the spring of 1973 by founder Jimmy Chipperfield, the park has grown to become a significant destination for wildlife observation and family entertainment.
Wildlife and Exhibits
The park is home to an extensive collection of over 165 species of exotic animals. It is particularly distinguished for housing the largest groups of white lions, cheetahs, hippopotamuses, and meerkats within the United Kingdom. West Midlands Safari Park also boasts the largest lemur walk-through exhibit in the UK, offering visitors an immersive experience with these primates. Historically, it was the first park in the UK to feature all five of the African big five game animals, underscoring its commitment to showcasing iconic African wildlife.
Notable exhibits and areas within the park include:
- African Plain: Home to species such as southern white rhinoceroses, giraffes, and African forest buffaloes.
- Kingdom of the White Lions: Dedicated to the conservation and display of rare white lions.
- Cheetah Plains: Recognized as the UK's largest drive-by cheetah reserve.
- Walking with Lemurs: The largest walk-through lemur enclosure in the UK, housing multiple lemur species.
- Hippo Lakes: Features the largest pod of hippopotamuses in the UK.
- SeaQuarium: The park's aquarium, showcasing a diverse array of marine life.
- Land of the Living Dinosaurs and Ice Age: Walk-through attractions featuring animatronic dinosaurs and Ice Age creatures.
- White Tiger Ridge/Tiger Reserve: Home to Bengal and endangered Sumatran tigers.
Conservation and Research
West Midlands Safari Park actively participates in wildlife conservation efforts, housing numerous animals listed on the IUCN's Endangered or Critically Endangered lists. The park has made significant contributions to conservation breeding programs, notably with white lions. In 2006, the park's managing directors inaugurated the Ongava Research Centre in Namibia, a 'sister park' facility focused on researching lions and rhinoceroses in collaboration with international institutions. A key conservation milestone was the birth of the first male African elephant in the UK through artificial insemination in 2021.
History and Development
Opened in 1973, the park initially featured former circus animals and a dolphin area. Over the decades, it has introduced various attractions, including a 'boat safari' and a narrow-gauge railway. The arrival of four African white lions in 2004 marked a significant new animal attraction. In June 2023, the park implemented a booking system for its drive-through safari to manage visitor flow. On February 8, 2024, the park officially rebranded as West Midlands Safari Park.
Affiliations
The park is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), adhering to their standards for animal welfare and conservation.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When did West Midlands Safari Park open?
West Midlands Safari Park first opened its gates in the spring of 1973. It was originally established under the name West Midland Safari Park.
What are the most notable animal collections at West Midlands Safari Park?
The park is particularly known for housing the largest groups of white lions, cheetahs, hippopotamuses, and meerkats in the United Kingdom. It also features the UK's largest lemur walk-through exhibit.
What is the significance of the park's African big five game animals?
West Midlands Safari Park was the first safari park in the United Kingdom to successfully exhibit all five of the African big five game animals. This achievement highlights its comprehensive collection of African wildlife.
Does the park have any special exhibits or attractions?
Yes, the park features several unique attractions including a large lemur walk-through exhibit, a SeaLion Theatre, and walk-through areas like Land of the Living Dinosaurs and Ice Age. It also has a SeaQuarium.
What conservation efforts are undertaken at West Midlands Safari Park?
The park is actively involved in conservation, housing many animals listed on the IUCN's Endangered or Critically Endangered lists. Notably, it was involved in the birth of the first male African elephant in the UK through artificial insemination.
Has the park's name changed?
Yes, the park officially announced a rebranding to 'West Midlands Safari Park' on February 8, 2024, adding an 's' to 'Midland'. Prior to this, it was known as West Midland Safari Park.
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