Wild woods and craggy slopes, plunging waterfalls and rushing streams; the combination draws ever more people to West Glamorgan’s Vale of Neath. Add Wales’ premier collection of exotic wildlife, mature shrub gardens and colourful flower beds, and the famous ‘Alpine Slide’, and it is easy to see why 250,000 people a year find the unique mix of family entertainment and natural beauty at Penscynor Wildlife Park an irresistible attraction.
Within the park’s sixteen acres live over 100 species of exotic birds and twenty-five species of monkey, all enjoying Penscynor’s growing reputation as a centre for the breeding of rare animals. A small aquarium and reptile house, deer, guanaco, otters and flamingos are just some of the others, combining to give a fascinating introduction to the world of wildlife. Special highlights include the feeding times – chimps and penguins – talks, tours and handling sessions.
Here at Penscynor we are committed to the captive breeding of endangered species and many of our animals are part of national and international programmes to assist in the conservation of animals facing extinction in the wild. In 1988 a family of Penscynor-born golden lion tamarins was returned to Brazil and released into a specially created reserve in their original forest habitat.
We are also keen to allow our visitors every opportunity to experience wildlife and to learn a little of the problems facing wild animals. The Zoo Centre provides a range of constantly changing displays and the chance to meet. at very close quarters, a variety of animals, including snakes, spiders and stick insects.
Many visitors stay all day and ices, snacks, light meals, drinks, etc. are available from several points – notably the Copper Kettle Coffee Shop (all year) and the Burger Restaurant (seasonal); there are several picnic areas. A souvenir shop caters for the inevitable desire for a memento of what is always a memorable visit.
OPEN: I 0.00 a.m. to 5.30 p.m./dusk, every day except Christmas Day.
ADMISSION: for current charge, party rates, concessions, Father Christmas visits (December).
Take a chair-lift ride over the treetops and return down the famous Alpine Slide on a wheeled toboggan. Other attractions include radio-controlled cars and boats, bumper-cars and a children’s playground. (Extra charge is made for these; seasonal/by arrangement.)
Education
The Wildlife Park offers unique opportunities for special-interest groups. including schools. A full-time graduate Education Officer is available (free of charge) to ensure that groups get the most from their visit.
For schools, a visit provides a stimulating break from the classroom. but not from learning, and can form the basis of a wide range of cross-curricular activities. Emphasis is placed on working with teachers to provide a tailor-made package, rather than offering a limiting ‘set programme’. Three types of session are available: Animal Encounters (30 to 60 minutes); Themed Session (30 to 120 minutes) and a Theme Day.
More and more schools are visiting outside the summer term to take advantage of the Education Officer’s time. For details of these services (including INSET days and on-site classroom facilities) contact:
The Education Department, Penscynor Wildlife Park, Neath, West Glamorgan, SA10 8LF.