Shepreth Royston, Herts, Shepreth Wildlife Park

I just went to Shepreth Wildlife park last weekend with my husband and 2 year old daughter and I just found it a very disappointing and sad experience.

I do like zoos and I was looking forward to visiting the park, having heard good reviews about it.

Unfortunately, I found the place depressing and disappointing.

First of all it is very small but still very expensive.

A lot of the enclosures were empty. There often only one sign about what was contained in the enclosure, and not obvious to find.

But the worse thing was seeing several of the animals displaying behaviours clearly related to being in enclosed spaces, i.e. pacing up and now repeatedly. I may have expected that of the big cats, as this small zoo doesn't seem a place big enough for them, but actually the two tigers looked quite happy just sleeping there.

No, surprisingly, it was the lynx and raccoon that were pacing up and down the same route, over and over, like prisoners in their cells. But even more unexpected was the armadillo that was frantically running in a circle over and over like a madman.

I am not an animal expert but even I could tell that these behaviours were the result of stress or boredom.

The play area is probably the best thing about the park, but doesn't justify the £11 per adult that you pay at the entrance!

I think they should just give up on the big animals. This park is just not geared up for it.

I will not go back.

they say wonderful things come in small packages and this definitely sums up Shepreth. The animals are housed in suitable exhibits, looking lively and enjoying enrichment opportunities! All keepers are knowledgeable within there area and are only too happy to answer any questions, they really do show passion for their animals. a great value for money day out for all the family, would recommend it to everyone looking for a day outdoors.

Something for everyone here from the smallest insects to the largest tigers ! Dedicated keepers with a passion for their animals. Always good to visit, but especially good on one of the 'special' days such as the Tiger Day, which are held throughout the year. Good provision for children if the day is wet and plenty to do on sunny days too, as well as looking at the animals.

This wildlife park not only keeps a varied collection, but also fund raises for endangered species, keeps native species too and manages to rescue hedgehogs on top of everything else.

Punches well above it's weight!

LPH

What a great all round day out for families. I have been numerous times with my daughter and am always impressed by the staff and park. Excellent work guys well done.

Recently took my niece to Shepreth and although it was cold, we had a lovely day. There weren't many people there so we got to talk personally with all the staff at each animal talk, and felt like we had a truly personal experience! The staff seemed to know a lot about their animals, and were happy to answer my nieces "sillier" questions, like "how high can it jump?" etc!! Being cold, some of the animals were hiding in their nice warm houses, but with some patience, we managed to see pretty much everything. When we got a bit too cold, we went for lunch in the large cafe and playbarn, which had some great childrens play equipment. Overall a lovely day out, and we'll definitely be going back in the summer!

I have just written my second review on TripAdvisor about this park and then came across this review centre. To say I was shocked to see one particular negative report is putting it mildly and I wonder if this person has actually been to the same zoo as me. My first visit was last year and since then I have been back a number of times at different times of the year and on each visit I have been very impressed. The animals are happy and the enclosures are brilliant for the size of the zoo. There are plenty of animals to see from bats, rabbits, lemurs, pony's, wallabies, otters, parrots, owls, little monkeys and tigers, to name a few. So many animals there to list. The tiger feeding is fantastic and the education centre is very well run and fun! All the staff I have spoken to on each visit have been very pleasant and helpful and the keepers talks which go on all day at different enclosures are informative and tailor made for the particular audience. The whole day out is a pleasure whatever time of year I have been and I will be going back a few times this coming year too.

Brilliant place to take kids. Super-helpful staff. Love the fact that enrichment and education are priorities. Lucky to have Sheprethwildlifepark on my doorstep and go there often. Prices in line with other similar locations.

Don't listen to the obviously moronic negative review of the park. I have visited the park on multiple occasions with family and friends and have not had a bad word to say about the place.

The staff have always been helpful and accommodating with any questions we have had about the animals and the regular talks that occur I have found informative.

The enclosures for the animals seem perfectly suitable in both size and more importantly the right type of habitat for them.

There is an information centre for the children to learn more about the animals of the park as well as native species to the area.

I also find the entrance fee to be fair in comparison to other wildlife parks and as this is a family run park I would prefer to support an help them.

Keep up the good work all at the park and you will certainly be seeing me again soon!!

Amazing what they've done with this site. Surprising selection of animals in a nice size to explore without being overwhelmed. Seem to have a real interest in native species conservation as well with a new dedicated hedgehog hospital. Staff happy to answer questions with a smile.

wow, this place is depressing , 1 animal in each section , these animals looked dead and and given up ,not a place i will be returning to, i would advise not to give your money to support such a prison, i love going to see animals in zoos, where they atleast look happy and enthusiastic where they have multipal animals with eachother. i will not be spreading a good word about shepreth wildlife prison where animals are kept in bad conditions. and at £10.50 ripoff this should without a doubt be FREE