A Day of Adventure at Northumberland Zoo

A day filled with exploration and fun at the zoo

This past weekend, we set off on a family adventure to Northumberland Zoo, tucked away at Eshottheugh Farm in Felton, Morpeth. It’s only about half an hour from our home, making it an easy drive, though I did have a moment of doubt as we travelled along the narrow, winding country lanes – at one point, I was sure we’d taken a wrong turn! But soon enough, we arrived at the zoo, ready for a day filled with exploration and fun.

Family Adventure

Northumberland Zoo is home to over 200 species of animals, each with their own unique features. One of the highlights of our visit was attending the various keeper talks throughout the day. These talks were incredibly fascinating, offering insights into how the animals are cared for and the different ways the keepers keep them healthy and happy. Cyrus was particularly captivated by the otter talk, where he learned about their playful nature and even discovered that one of the otters was named Harry – just like his friend! Watching the otters juggle stones, swim, and enjoy their meal of raw fish was a delight.

Natural Habitat

We also had the chance to explore the Lemur Woods exhibit, which was absolutely fantastic. Walking through the natural habitat of the lemurs, we got an up-close view of these lively creatures. Cyrus was thrilled to be so close to them and couldn’t stop talking about their playful behaviour.

Black-Tailed Prairie Dogs

As we continued exploring the zoo, we encountered a variety of amazing animals. Cyrus was excited to see the African Spurred Tortoise, with its impressive size and slow, steady movements. The alpacas, with their soft, fluffy coats, were a hit as well, and we loved the donkeys. The Bengal Eagle Owl, with its piercing eyes, was another standout. Cyrus was fascinated by the black-tailed prairie dogs, which scurried about their enclosure.

Majestic Fur

The Canadian Lynx, with its majestic fur and sharp features, was another highlight. Cyrus couldn’t stop talking about how cool it was to see such a powerful animal up close. And of course, we couldn’t miss the birds of prey demonstration, where we watched in awe as these magnificent birds swooped down right over our heads.

We took a break for lunch and enjoyed a picnic under a shady tree. The weather was perfect, with the sun shining brightly and a gentle breeze making it feel like the ideal summer day.

Leo the Lizard

Inside the reptile house, Cyrus was captivated by a lizard that reminded him of Leo from one of his favourite films. He was a bit more cautious around the large tarantula we encountered, but still found it fascinating.

About Northumberland Zoo

Northumberland Zoo is a fantastic place to spend a day with the family. With over 200 species of animals on display, there’s always something new and exciting to see. The zoo is open until 5 pm during the summer months (March to October), last entry at 4 pm. Tickets are reasonably priced. £15.50 for adults and £13.75 for children aged 3 to 16 if you book online the day before. We’re already planning our next visit to continue exploring all the zoo has to offer.

If you’re looking for a fun and educational adventure close to home, Northumberland Zoo should definitely be on your list. It’s a place where you can create lasting memories, and we can’t wait to make more on our next trip.