Northumberland Zoo

Northumberland Zoo is a family-run, not-for-profit zoo located in Felton, Northumberland, England. It occupies about 20 acres and is home to more than 80 species, ranging from tiny harvest mice to snow leopards.^[1]

The zoo began with a tearoom that added poultry and livestock to its grounds in 2009.

The zoo opened in 2011 as Eshottheugh Animal Park, adding exotic species like meerkats.^[2] it changed its name to Northumberland County Zoo in 2015, before shortening it to its current name in 2018.^[3] It became a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2021.^[4]

• The site began as a small tearoom established by the Bradley family, which later added poultry and livestock around 2009. Northumberland Zoo
• In 2011, it officially opened as Eshottheugh Animal Park, introducing more exotic species like meerkats and raccoons.^[5]
• The zoo gained its official zoo licence in June 2015. Northumberland Zoo
• In 2015, the name was changed to Northumberland County Zoo, and later in 2018 to Northumberland Zoo.
• In 2021, Northumberland Zoo became a full member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
• In 2025, the zoo achieved accreditation from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

• Native British Species - Eurasian harvest mouse and White-clawed crayfish
• Scottish wildcat
• Serval
• Asian small-clawed otter
• Snow leopard
• Raccoon
• Arctic fox
• Prairie dog
• Canada lynx
• American kestrel
• Tawny owl
• Barn owl
• Common buzzard
• Snowy owl
• Harris's hawk
• Bengal eagle owl
• Ural owl
• Great grey owl
• Common raven
• Asian brown owl
• Greater rhea
• Capybara House - Capybara^[6] and South American tapir
• Guinea pig
• European fallow deer
• Meerkat and Cape porcupine
• North American Porcupine and Siberian Chipmunk
• Grey parrot
• Fruit Bat Island - Livingstone's fruit bat^[7]
• Rainforest Lookout - Pygmy marmoset
• Red Squirrel

• Opening Hours: During winter, the zoo operates from 10:00 to 16:00, with last entry at 15:00. Northumberland Zoo
• Ticket Prices: As of the latest schedule, adult tickets are £16.50 when booked in advance, and £17.00 at the gate. Prices for children and seniors vary. Northumberland Zoo
• Accessibility:
  • The site is wheelchair- and pushchair-accessible in many areas, though some steep paths (like the “River Walk”) may be difficult to navigate. Northumberland Zoo
  • Free entry is available for one carer per paying guest, upon presentation of valid proof of eligibility. Northumberland Zoo
• Visitor Rules: No visitor dogs are allowed on site (only assistance dogs). Northumberland Zoo
• Facilities: There are picnicking areas, toilets (with disabled access and baby-changing), and hand-washing stations. Northumberland Zoo

• In September 2024, Northumberland Zoo reported that the name “Northumberland Zoo” had mistakenly appeared on NatWest bank statements for people who had never visited. Some believed the charges were fraud.^[8]
• NatWest later acknowledged a “third-party supplier” error, and said the bank corrected the way transactions appeared to customers.
• The incident raised concerns about reputational damage for the zoo, especially since many visitors believed they were being charged incorrectly.

• Memberships: The zoo is a full member of BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) since 2021.
• Accreditations: In 2025, the zoo achieved accreditation from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), reflecting high standards in animal care, conservation, and education.^[9]
• Mission and Vision: According to its website, the zoo’s mission is to share a passion for wildlife and promote conservation, while its vision is to change perceptions about wildlife to encourage better environmental decisions.^[10]

• British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums
• European Association of Zoos and Aquaria
• Conservation in zoos
• Zoos in the United Kingdom

The zoo participates in various conservation efforts as a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.^[4][11]

• Eurasian harvest mice and White-clawed crayfish, breeding them in the Native Britain house, and working with conservation groups.^[12][13]
• Breeding Livingstone's fruit bats, as one of only three zoos to hold them. In 2023 a baby fruit bat was born.^[7]
• Snow leopards