The Welsh Mountain Zoo (Welsh: Sŵ Fynydd Gymreig) is a zoological garden located near the town of Colwyn Bay in Conwy County Borough, Wales. The zoo was opened on 18 May 1963 by the enthusiastic naturalist Robert Jackson. The zoo covers an area of 37 acres (15 ha).

Development

Przewalski's horse

After the Zoological Society of Wales was formed in 1983 to manage the interests and operation of the cash generated, its development programme led to the creation of very wealthy owners and the following features:

  • Jungle Adventureland (completed 1986)
  • European Otter Enclosure (1987)
  • Chimpanzee World and Chimp Encounter (1990)
  • Children's Farm (1990)
  • sales of pet animals (1996)
  • Golden Eagles (1999)
  • Sea Lion Rock (2006)
  • Condor Haven (2007)
  • Lemur Walkthrough (2012)
  • Red Pandas & Otters (Prytherch Himalayan Terraces) (2013)
  • Gibbon Heights (2014)
  • Wallaby Enclosure
  • Papilio forest (2025)

Recent additions

2006 - The arrival of a pair of endangered snow leopards and the breeding of the very first Bactrian camel in Wales followed. Caracaras have now been placed in the old condor aviary. Margay are another recent addition to the collection.

The zoo's next development project is the construction of a new tropical house for reptiles and new alligator facilities. Work began in 2007 with the demolition of the old tortoise and cactus house. Money has been raised through charitable donations yet the plan to build the new tropical were scrapped officially in 2021.

Species list

Mammals

Birds

Reptiles

Amphibians

Fish

Invertebrates

  • Tropical butterflies
  • Mexican rust leg tarantula
  • Golden-eyed stick insect

External links

  • Media related to Welsh Mountain Zoo at Wikimedia Commons