Paradise Wildlife Park was established on the 1st of April 1984 and is in its 38th year of running. Over the last five years, Paradise Wildlife Park has become a registered charity through the Zoological Society of Hertfordshire and has begun to undertake incredible transformations and progress. From the opening of the World of Dinosaurs which houses one of the largest dinosaur collections in the UK with over 40 animatronic life-size moving and roaring Dinosaurs to Land of the Tigers, the UK’s first, mixed-species habitat with underwater viewing for tigers. Paradise Wildlife Park, the Zoological Society of Hertfordshire is continuing to transform and expand in leaps and bounds as a charity and for the welfare and protection of animals in our care and in their natural habitats.
Then Now
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The site Paradise Wildlife Park stands on what was once the home of Broxbourne Zoo. In 1980, Broxbourne Zoo was known as ‘the worst zoo in the UK’ and wasn’t held in high regard by the zoo community or public. Although the site was bought almost four decades ago, small reminders of Broxbourne Zoo have been visible throughout the years, until now. The last piece of Broxbourne Zoo, a final animal enclosure is currently being taken down. Bobby the lion, one of the animals present at Broxbourne Zoo played a significant role in the decision of the family who still run Paradise Wildlife Park under Lynn Whitnall as CEO, in taking over. With the mission to one day present a zoo to the public that they could be proud of visiting and give the animals in their care including Bobby the highest quality of life.
The moving of Bobby and others animals to new habitats was a significant moment for the family and the Zoo itself. It was the beginning of the end of Broxbourne Zoo and the beginning of the future for what Paradise Wildlife Park, the Zoological Society of Hertfordshire is today. It seemed only fitting that Peter Sampson the founder of Paradise Wildlife Park and father of Lynn Whitnall removed the first piece of one of the original enclosures from Broxbourne Zoo. This significant moment exemplified that through continuous hard work and dedication progress can make way for an exciting future.
As Paradise Wildlife Park continues to grow, construction work progresses on our newest UK first mixed-species habitat: Sun Bear Heights which will feature the new arrivals of Sun Bears and Binturongs. Otter Rocks will also be an extension of this habitat for our Asian Short Claw Otters. Jaguar Jungle construction continues and will become an incredible new home for our residents Jaguars Kumal and Kedera on their return from their current staycation at The Big Cat Sanctuary. New Dinosaurs have joined the family with their Grand Opening today the 1st April 2022.
Coming Soon:
The year 2022 will also see the exciting return of seasonal events at the park, with Summer Evenings in Paradise and Dinos After Dark as well as, the release of a new series of One Zoo Three on CBBC and BBC iplayer which will feature 26 episodes. Follow brothers Aaron, Tyler and Cam as they explore Paradise Wildlife Park and our sister site The Big Cat Sanctuary, with fun and laughter whilst learning a few things on the way.
We are excited about the future and cannot wait to show you the continuous changes and improvements we make for the animals in our care and for their wild counterparts.
As Change is Coming… Full Announcement will be 04/04/22
