Young or old, animal lovers who visit our region are unlikely to be disappointed. North Cornwall has some great little attractions where wildlife is the star of the show. Monkeys and meerkats, donkeys and deer, and utterly adorable otters – read on to explore the animal attractions of the area!
The Tamar Valley Donkey Park
Gunnislake PL18 9HW
This small family-friendly sanctuary is a must for donkey lovers, and young children will love the animals. As you can imagine, there’s nothing too exotic here, but the assortment of donkeys, sheep, goats, pigs, rabbits and guinea pigs seem well looked after, and there’s opportunities to pet and feed them.
http://www.donkeypark.com
Wild Futures Monkey Sanctuary
Looe PL13 1NZ
Wild Futures is an excellent charity that works to combat the illegal pet trade, and rescue the unfortunate monkeys that have been brought into it. There are regular talks and demonstrations where the expert carers give us an insight into their work – they currently have 37 primates of different species that were all abandoned or neglected. It’s not huge, and the emphasis is on education rather than petting, but it’s an interesting afternoon out nonetheless.
Porfell Wildlife Park & Sanctuary
Liskeard PL14 4RE
This isn’t Longleat by any means, but there’s a good selection of animals here, most of which have been rescued after being illegally imported. Lemurs, meerkats, owls, wallabies, deer, reptiles, snakes, zebras, raccoons and much more. There’s even a handling experience where your family can get hands-on with animals such as a skunk!
http://www.porfell.co.uk/
Tamar Otter and Wildlife Centre
North Petherwin, Nr Launceston PL15 8GW
We love this place, and it has been the highlight of the week for some of our guests. Without the exotic wildlife of other places, this wildlife centre still has bundles of British charm. It’s a friendly small establishment where you can meet deer, owls, Scottish wildcats, and of course, get a rare chance to see otters up close.
http://www.tamarotters.co.uk/
Camel Creek Adventure Park (formerly Cornwall Crealy)
Wadebridge PL27 7RA
For an attraction that markets itself more as an adventure park, Camel Creek has a very impressive collection of animals. There is everything from tortoises and tropical fish to ponies and pigs, from crocodiles to meerkats – something for everyone. Of course, the ticket price is higher than most entries on this list, but the advantage is that if your little ones get tired of the animals, there are acres of rides and playgrounds they can enjoy.
http://www.camelcreek.co.uk
Further afield:
Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park
Ilfracombe EX34 0NG
A great wildlife park featuring everything from otters to lions, wolves to wallabies – and not forgetting the dinosaurs of course!
Newquay Zoo
Newquay TR7 2NL
Cornwall’s largest zoo, home to over 130 rare species. With big cats and wildebeest, reptiles and creepy crawlies, there are plenty of amazing creatures to fascinate you.
Blue Reef Aquarium
Newquay TR7 1DU
A huge range of aquatic species including sharks and turtles, featured in 40 different habitats. Regular talks and demonstrations boost understanding of the intriguing underwater worlds.
National Seal Sanctuary
Gweek TR12 6UG
If you’re not lucky enough to see one of our coast, see a seal close-up at the UK’s only dedicated rescue centre. See the seal hospital, meet the residents, and watch the pups getting fed.
