Jersey Zoo is no ordinary wildlife park in the heart of the Channel Islands. Formerly known as the Gerald Durrell Wildlife Park, this haven is dedicated to saving species from the brink of extinction. Ready to dive into the wild world of Jersey Zoo? Let’s go – here’s our Jersey Zoo Review!
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Jersey Zoo has been welcoming visitors since 1959, when the world-famous conservationist and author opened its doors.
Whether you’re a lifelong fan of Gerald Durrell or love wildlife, Jersey Zoo offers an unforgettable day out. It’s a must-visit destination with cutting-edge conservation work and a mission to save species from extinction.
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Jersey Zoo Review
Jersey Zoo is perfect for kids and big kids! From the interactive discovery centre to the exciting play areas, there’s plenty to keep little explorers entertained. The zookeeper talks are especially popular – an expert-led session that brings wildlife to life.
Our visit was for four adults. While it’s not the most exciting zoo I’ve ever visited, it was interesting and is in a lovely setting. The animals seemed well-kept and happy, and some of the exhibits and viewing platforms were inside, giving you lots of opportunities to see them. There was also lots of information with facts about the animals around the enclosures.
You will be doing a lot of walking – the grounds are beautiful – and you will probably spend 3-4 hours exploring. Don’t worry; there are lots of (clean) toilets along the way.
Jersey Zoo Animals
Prepare to meet some of the rarest species on the planet! Jersey Zoo is home to a dazzling array of creatures, from the playful black lion tamarins to the majestic Andean bears. Watch for the curious ring-tailed lemurs as they leap about their enclosure. Each animal here is part of a bigger mission: the fight against extinction, a cause championed by the legendary Gerald Durrell himself.
Here’s a snapshot of some of the incredible creatures you can expect to see:
Mammals
- Gorillas: A family of Western lowland gorillas, including a majestic silverback, live in a specially designed enclosure.
- Andean Bears: Also known as spectacled bears, these are the only bear species native to South America.
- Black Lion Tamarins: Tiny, charismatic monkeys with striking black fur and a conservation success story to tell.
- Ring-Tailed Lemurs: Famous for their bushy striped tails, these social primates are always a delight to watch.
- Cloud Rats: Unusual, nocturnal rodents native to the Philippines.
Birds
- Pink Pigeons: Native to Mauritius, conservation efforts have saved these beautiful birds from the brink of extinction.
- Echo Parakeets: Another Mauritian bird brought back from critically low numbers.
- Choughs: A striking black bird with bright red legs and beak, reintroduced to Jersey’s coastline.
Reptiles
- Ploughshare Tortoises: Critically endangered tortoises from Madagascar, recognisable by their unique shell shapes.
- Caiman Lizards: Water-loving lizards with vibrant green scales and a redhead.
Amphibians
- Panamanian Golden Frogs: Brightly coloured frogs that are extinct in the wild but thriving in conservation programmes.
- Mountain Chickens: These giant frogs (don’t let the name fool you!) are critically endangered and part of important breeding efforts.
Invertebrates
- Giant Stick Insects: These fascinating creatures are found in the zoo’s Discovery Centre. They mimic twigs to avoid predators.
- Polynesian Tree Snails: Rare species rescued from extinction and bred at the zoo.
Download the Jersey Zoo App for live updates, a digital map, and even alerts for feeding times. It’s like having a zookeeper in your pocket.
Conservation at Night: Durrell Wildlife Conservation
Want to experience the zoo after dark? Keep an eye out for Night at the Zoo events, where you can explore the park under the stars. It’s a magical way to learn more about the incredible species and their nocturnal habits. They’ve even had Durrell at Dusk – Gin and Jazz events.
You can also Stay at Jersey Zoon in luxury 5-star glamping pods or at the on-site hostel. You can fall asleep to the sounds of the animals, then wake up and enjoy your morning tea or coffee while listening to them start their day.
Gerald Durrell Jersey: A Legacy That Lives On
Jersey Zoo is the brainchild of Gerald Durrell, a pioneering conservationist whose passion for wildlife inspired millions. His vision of a zoo as a sanctuary for endangered species has made Jersey Zoo a global leader in conservation.
If you’re a fan of his books or the ITV series The Durrells, visiting Jersey Zoo is like stepping into his world.
Jersey Zoo Opening Times
Planning your visit? The zoo typically opens its gates at 9:30 am and welcomes visitors until 5:00 pm. However, hours vary slightly with the seasons, so it’s always worth double-checking before your trip.
Jersey Zoo Prices
The Jersey Zoo entrance fee is worth every penny. Tickets for adults cost £16, children between 4 and 16 years are £12, and kids under 4 can enter for free. Family tickets and group bookings offer great value for money, too.
Jersey Zoo Discount Code
Want to save a little on your visit? Book your tickets ahead of time online and save 10%. Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust members also get free entry – a win-win!
Jersey Zoo Address
Where is the zoo located? You’ll find Jersey Zoo in the picturesque parish of Trinity, Jersey. The full address is:
📍 La Profonde Rue, Trinity, Jersey, JE3 5BP
///recall.imagery.beloved
Fun fact: Jersey Zoo is just a 15-minute drive from St. Helier, making it super accessible whether you’re driving or hopping on the local bus service.
Free Car Parking
Parking at Jersey Zoo is a breeze for those who prefer car hire. Finding somewhere to park is relatively hassle-free, as there are 300 spaces.
Liberty Bus
Liberty Bus is the easiest way to get around Jersey. Having unreliable public transport at home, it was a pleasant surprise. We were thoroughly impressed with our experience. From St Helier, where I stayed, the bus took about 15 minutes.
The bus timetable and app were incredibly user-friendly, making planning our journeys around the island easy. Bus stops were in obvious places. Regardless of the time of day, we could always count on the buses to arrive on schedule, allowing us to explore Jersey easily and confidently. The drivers were super helpful, too. The bus also made exploring the rest of the island’s attractions easy.
Book a Taxi
If you’re travelling and need a reliable airport transfer, I’ve partnered with Welcome Pickups to make the process seamless. This service allows you to easily book a taxi to or from the airport, ensuring a stress-free journey. When heading out on a new adventure, this service offers convenience and comfort at an affordable price so you can focus on enjoying your trip.
Jersey Zoo Review TripAdvisor
What do other visitors think? With glowing reviews on TripAdvisor, Gerald Durrell Zoo Jersey consistently ranks as one of the top attractions in the Channel Islands. Guests rave about the immersive animal experiences, the knowledgeable staff, and the zoo’s commitment to conservation.
Jersey Holidays
If you know when you’d like to travel, try to book as soon as possible in advance. Prices rise the closer you get to the travel date. However, there is a vast array of hotels and holiday lets to accommodate all budgets, allowing you to discover Jersey.
Getting to St Helier in Jersey
St. Helier is easily accessible by air and sea. Jersey Airport, located just a short drive from the town centre, offers regular flights from various UK airports and mainland Europe. Alternatively, you can reach Jersey by ferry from ports in England and France, with regular ferries and sailings throughout the year.
I flew from Bristol on Blue Islands, while our friends were on EasyJet from Manchester. The flight was only 50 minutes, and 23kg of luggage is included as standard (per person), plus your carry-on bag.
Disclaimer: Thank you, Visit Jersey, for providing me with an Island Pass, which allowed me to discover many of the attractions. I was not obligated to write about my experience. My feedback is my honest, unbiased review. But I absolutely fell in love with Jersey on my trip and will visit again!
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