This month we celebrated World Penguin Day at the Park, to raise awareness of the threats that penguin species face in their wild habitats. We wanted to shine the spotlight on our four youngest residents in particular, who all turn one this spring, to highlight the importance of preserving this species and showcase just how amazing and interesting they are.
PIppin the Penguin. Photo credit: Sophie Angood.
Thank you to all the visitors who joined us at the Park on 25th April and generously donated at the stall. Your continued support with our fundraising days is vital to conservation projects that the Park supports and this year all proceeds will go to Sphenisco, a charity that works to support wild Humboldt Penguins across Chile, Peru and Europe by protecting breeding colonies. You can read more about the charity’s work here.
DID YOU KNOW?
During the hottest months of the year, temperatures in Chile and Peru can reach up to 45 degrees! The patches of bare, pink skin around the penguin’s eyes and beak allow them to expel body heat through these featherless spots so they don’t overheat.
The Penguin stall at the Park
Pebble the Penguin book on the stall
Over on the Children’s Farmyard we celebrated Mary’s 1st birthday this month! She resides in the walkthrough exhibit alongside her mum, Pico, and several other African Pygmy Goats including the kids born in 2024. The walkthrough exhibit is open from 11.30am daily and shuts at 3.30pm – during this time you are free to come and meet the goats!
Since the completion of the lake restoration and the temperatures finally rising once again, the Flamingos and Pelicans have joined the other species back out on the lake.
The Park houses an impressive flock – also known as a ‘flamboyance’ – of 64 Chilean Flamingos. They inhabit the lake area along with the 4 Pelicans and other species such as the Red Breasted Geese, which are often the ones relaxing on the pathway.
Being able to create such an open exhibit that allows for numerous species to co-habit successfully, means that not only is the lake area a great visitation spot within the Park due to the diversity of species there, but the birds also experience natural enrichment by being housed together.
You can access the lake area from the top of the walkthrough near the Children’s Farm Barn or next to the Rhino House.
We will be celebrating World Binturong Day on Saturday May 9th at the Park, with a fundraising stall located next to the Binturong enclosure in the courtyard.If you are visiting this day, please pop by the stall and chat to the keepers to find out more about this special species. There will be raffle tickets available, for which first prize is an encounter with the Binturong!
EXTRA EXTRA!
Cotswold Wildlife Park has made it into the finals of the Bucks & Oxon’s Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026 in the Best Family Experience category. We are thrilled to be considered for this award once again so if you would like to support the Park and cast a vote for the Park please use the link below!
Voting is live until 26 May 2026: https://bucksoxon.muddystilettos.co.uk/awards/vote/
Opening times: The Park is open DAILY from 10.00 am until 4:00 pm or dusk (whichever is earlier, with last admission being at 3:00 pm)
Please could we remind visitors to always check our website or social media for updates ahead of visiting the Park.