Animal encounters
Get close to your favourite animal species - learn about their habitat and how we take care of them at Heythrop Zoological Gardens
Heythrop Zoo is set at a private location in the beautiful Cotswolds. We are only open by appointment only. We are not open to the public like a normal zoo. Our mission is to educate on animal welfare and behaviour, advance animal training standards worldwide and inspire the next generation to be the guardians of the wonderful animals and nature on our planet. As we are not open to the general public on a day-to-day basis, we are able to offer you exclusive and unforgettable animal experiences by appointment only.
Information for Visitors
Safety procedures are in place to protect you, our staff and our animals. Due to our zoo not being open to the public, we have limited visitors and guests, and can therefore reassure you that strict hygiene, health and safety measures are in place to comply with government guidelines - this may change depending on government guidelines.
Facemasks/Face Shields are optional for all Encounters. You are more than welcome to bring your own if you wish to wear a mask. Your handler may or may not wear a mask for the encounters, but will wear one if you would like them to .
“I cannot express how impressed I am. I have always loved Sloths and it is a dream come true to not only meet one but stroke and feed Talita the Sloth. If you love Sloths like me please go you will not regret it.”
See our range of animal encounters below:
Know someone who loves animals? Book them an animal encounter for a once in a lifetime gift from the list below!
Wolf Encounter:
A once in a lifetime opportunity to take a walk on the wild side with our European Timber Wolf Beowulf. You will be able to take his lead and walk him to the fence line of our premises and depending on how he is on the day, you may be able to stroke him as well, but this is all down to Beowulf.
Things to know:
This is a 20-30 minute encounter
Minimum age restriction of 18 years old (spectators minimum of 16 years old)
Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access for this encounter
Reptile encounter
The Reptile Encounter is a completely hands-on encounter with our Baby Crocodile, a Python and a selection of 4 other reptiles/amphibians or tarantulas chosen by HZG staff on the day. We can take a maximum of 6 people per Reptile Encounter, including spectators.
Things to know:
• This is a 30 minute encounter
• Minimum age restriction of 5 years old (spectators minimum of 5 years old)
Llama encounter
This is your opportunity to get up close with our llamas Annie and/or Jolene.. You will be able to hand feed and stroke her/them. You will then take the lead and go for a walk around our field area and depending on how the llama is on the day, into the woodland area as well. Photo opportunities are available along with our Peruvian costumes if you like.
Things to know:
This is a 30 minute encounter
There is a minimum age restriction of 8 years old (spectators minimum of 6 years old)
Zebra encounter
Here’s your chance to get up close and personal with our Chapman Zebras, “Maasai” and/or “Aled”, depending on how many take part. You will stand behind a small waist height barrier whilst you feed and stroke him/them, and learn about their training techniques from one of our main trainers. Depending on how the zebras get on with you on the day, you may also have the opportunity to groom them as well.
Things to know:
This is a 30 minute encounter
There is a minimum age restriction of 8 years old (spectators minimum of 6 years old)
Two-Toed Sloth
Enjoy a once in a lifetime opportunity to meet one of our Two-Toed Sloths. Your encounter will entail feeding her from your hand with pieces of fruit with the possibility of stroking her.
Things to know:
This is a 20-minute encounter
There is a minimum age restriction of 14 years old (spectators minimum of 10 years old)
“Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. Hard to add anything.
Spent an hour walking Beowulf a beautiful creature.
This was a seriously life enhancing activity.”
Lion Encounter
This is your opportunity to spend time with two of our beautiful African Lions. You will be protected within a safety cage inside King and Ghana’s enclosure! You will be given a 2ft bamboo cane to put your pieces of meat onto, before feeding the lions up close and personal.
Things to know:
This is a 20-minute encounter
Minimum age restriction of 14 years old (spectators minimum of 12 years old)
Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access for this encounter
Raven Training
Ravens are one of the world’s most intelligent birds. If you are interested in learning more about how they think and solve puzzles, Raven Training is for you! All being well, you will be able to handle the raven and have hands on animal training experience.
Things to know:
This is a 20-minute encounter
Minimum age restriction of 14 years old (spectators minimum of 10 years old)
Tiger Feeding
Our beautiful and majestic big cats are fascinating to learn about and meet. Your tiger encounter entitles you to get up close (but not too close!) to our Bengal; Tigers. You will get pieces of meat and a 4ft bamboo cane to put your meat on to feed the tiger.
Things to know:
This is a 20-minute encounter
There is a minimum age restriction of 8 years old (spectators minimum of 6 years old)
Squirrel Monkey
Meet our Olive Capped Squirrel Monkeys “Tia” and/or “Antonio” and have one to one interaction with them. Your encounter will entail feeding them from your hand as they jump and climb around you.
Things to know:
This is a 20 minute encounter
There is a minimum age restriction of 8 years old (spectators minimum of 8 years old)
Penguin Feeding
Penguin feeding is a favourite of all friends of HZG. Make sure you wash your hands as you will be hand feeding lots of fish to our happy penguin friends!
Things to know:
This is a 20 minute encounter
There is a minimum age restriction of 3 years old (spectators minimum of 3 years old)
“What an amazing place, loved it! Visited many zoos over the years but this zoo is so different, you see the animals on such a different scale it could never be compared to an average zoo experience. Thank you for the perfect day.”
Please note:
For prices - please contact us
All persons participating must be able to follow instructions at all times without fail
Participants with disabilities are advised to contact Heythrop Zoological Gardens before booking; we will do our best to accommodate you
You will have the opportunity to take photographs (you will need to supply your own camera). Our staff members can also take the photos for you
Spectators will not be involved in the encounter (other than taking photos)
Your visit will end with a signed certificate of your encounter
Please note, the zoo is not open to the public and we cannot give private tours of the area during the encounters. You will be signed in and taken to the encounter, then escorted back to your vehicle - depending on the encounter, you may see some of the other animals on route, but we cannot class it as a tour!
If there is anything not listed that you would like to enquire about, please email with your request
Please either call 01608 683 420 between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. Monday-Friday. Enquiries will be answered within 24-48 hours Monday-Friday (excluding bank holidays). Please call if you haven’t heard back within the timeframe
(please check your junk folder).