Marwell Zoo

Marwell Zoo stands on 57 hectares of parkland near Winchester in Hampshire. The grounds include Marwell Hall, a Grade I listed building first built in the 14th century and later rebuilt in the 19th century. The zoo was founded in 1972 by Dr John Knowles, who sold a Rolls-Royce to buy zebras. It became one of Europe’s earliest zoos to focus on animal conservation and breeding. Over the years it has bred species such as the Mongolian wild horse and the snow leopard. The charity Marwell Wildlife also runs conservation programmes in Africa and Hampshire. The zoo is home to more than 500 animals from 145 species. Themed areas include Roof of the World for Himalayan species, Lemur Loop for ring-tailed and red-bellied lemurs, and Penguin Cove with Humboldt penguins. Mammals range from golden lion tamarins to red pandas and snow leopards. Birds include greater flamingos, Fischer’s turacos and swift parrots. Reptiles and amphibians feature Gila monsters, royal pythons and Solomon Islands skinks. Conservation work has reintroduced scimitar-horned oryxes to the Sahara and supported Grevy’s zebras in Kenya. Visitors find five children’s playgrounds, indoor picnic lodges and food kiosks across the site. The former Marwell Wildlife Railway once ran for almost a kilometre with stations called Treetops Junction and Park End Halt. Marwell Hall lawn offers open space for picnics beside the historic house. The zoo also has an adjacent hotel. Signs and talks explain the conservation programmes and breeding successes. The park’s wide paths let families move easily between exhibits and rest areas.