During the May half term, we had the pleasure of visiting the Welsh Mountain Zoo, perched above Colwyn Bay in North Wales.

Nestled within 37 acres of beautiful green countryside, the zoo boasts panoramic views of both the coastline and the Carneddau mountains – a truly breathtaking setting.

Despite it being our first time visiting, I can confidently say it lives up to its name. It really is a zoo on a mountain, with all the natural beauty you’d expect from such a location. The setting alone is worth the trip.

Getting There & First Impressions

Getting to the zoo was straightforward. There’s plenty of parking, including an overflow area, with friendly staff guiding you on where to park and how to find your way in. Everything is well signposted, and you’re handed a map on arrival (which is also well-supported by signage throughout the zoo).

Although the Welsh Mountain Zoo is home to over 60 different species and has welcomed millions of visitors through its gates, it maintains a calm, family-run feel. It never felt too busy or overwhelming, and the staff are incredibly warm and welcoming.

Accessibility & Layout

As the zoo is spread across a mountain, there is a fair bit of walking involved. But don’t worry – where there are steps, there are sloped alternatives, making it suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs. The paths are clearly marked, and the map makes it easy to plan your route.

Despite having so much to see and do, the experience is surprisingly relaxing. Unlike some larger zoos where you feel rushed trying to cover every corner, the Welsh Mountain Zoo offers a more simplistic and enjoyable pace, perfect for families.

Must-See Attractions

One of the highlights of our visit was the sea lion show. It’s well worth making time for – even during the half-term crowds, we managed to find a good spot to watch. The show, which ran twice during our visit, features California sea lions demonstrating enrichment activities and positive reinforcement training, showcasing the bond between the animals and their keepers.

We also caught a few of the Species Talks, a brilliant way to learn more about the zoo’s residents. Talks vary depending on the day, covering everything from big cats to birds and primates, and they’re hosted by the passionate and knowledgeable keeper team. Check the full schedule on their website.

A new addition to the zoo is their butterfly enclosure – small and still growing, but a lovely place to walk through and admire these delicate creatures fluttering freely.

Animal Encounters

A real highlight for us was the meerkat feeding experience. Lasting up to 30 minutes, it’s an interactive opportunity to go into the meerkat enclosure, guided by one of the zoo’s brilliant staff – in our case, the lovely Claire. We learnt how to safely feed the five friendly female meerkats and discovered plenty of fun facts about them. They were inquisitive, particularly about low-flying birds trying to pinch their mealworms! My daughter definitely made a new furry friend.

The zoo also offers encounters with other animals – it’s worth booking in advance.

Animals We Saw

We saw a wide variety of animals, and each one left a lasting impression:

Eurasian Brown Bears: These majestic animals were a highlight, especially as we caught them enjoying their lunch. Their powerful build and surprisingly playful demeanour fascinated the children, who had a great time guessing what was on the menu.

Snow Leopards: Though both were taking an afternoon nap when we passed by, they were absolutely beautiful. With their thick, fluffy coats and piercing eyes, even at rest they were captivating.

Red Pandas: Elusive yet enchanting! We managed to spot one high up in the trees, but getting a photo proved tricky. Their reddish fur and expressive faces make them a firm favourite.
Bactrian Camels: With their shaggy coats and two impressive humps, these hardy creatures were great to see up close. Native to the deserts of Central Asia, they’re incredibly well adapted to extreme climates. You pass these as your enter the park.

Red-Necked Wallabies: We spotted one resting in the shade, and we spent a while watching it graze and hop around. Their small size and gentle movements had our oldest thinking it might have been a kangaroo.

Chimpanzees and other primates: These highly intelligent primates were one of the most interactive groups we saw. A couple were swinging across their enclosure and watching the crowd with as much curiosity as we gave them.

Sumatran Tigers: Although we only glimpsed one also taking a nap, you can get a good view of its enclosure from the safari restaurant.

Flamingos: Their vibrant pink feathers and group formations made for a spectacular sight. The children loved mimicking their one-legged stance.
Birds of Prey: We saw several impressive species perched or mid-flight. Their sharp eyes and graceful wingspans added a touch of drama to our walk through the aviary section.
Penguins: Always a favourite, the enclosure is temporarily closed due to a bird flu prevention zone declared across Wales. We can’t wait to return to see them again.

You can find detailed fact files on all these animals and more on the zoo’s website, which is great for learning about their natural habitats and conservation status.

Food & Facilities

Picnics are welcome, and there are plenty of spots with picnic benches. The Safari Restaurant is the main food hub and offers lovely views from the balcony, ideally located next to the Sumatran Tiger enclosure. The food options include everything from burgers and nuggets to healthier bites.

It does get busy at peak times – we waited around 40 minutes for our food, so it’s worth eating a little earlier or later. You can also opt for takeaway and enjoy your meal outside.

Play & Explore

Aside from the animals, the zoo has plenty for the kids to enjoy. There’s a fantastic play area set into the hillside, complete with an epic slide and a dual zip line for racing. A big hit with little ones and grown-up kids alike!

Final Thoughts

We honestly can’t believe we’ve not visited the Welsh Mountain Zoo sooner. It’s a charming, family-focused attraction that’s clearly run with care and passion for the animals. The experience is calm, accessible, and ideal for families who want a memorable yet relaxing day out.

Even looking at the map now, I realise we missed a few areas – which just gives us the perfect excuse to go back soon.

To find out what’s on and to book tickets, visit welshmountainzoo.org

Thank you to the Welsh Mountain Zoo for inviting us to experience this wonderful place.