Peak Wildlife Park
Sightseeing attraction | Leek | England | United Kingdom
Animal experiences at Peak Wildlife Park
The Peak Wildlife Park in Leek, England, is an exceptional attraction located in the picturesque landscape of the Staffordshire Peak District, offering visitors a unique nature experience. This wildlife park, specializing in exotic and endangered species, stands out for its large walk-through enclosures that allow visitors to get up close to the animals in a particularly natural way. Originally established as Blackbrook Zoological Park in 1991, the park had to close in 2014 due to financial difficulties, but was taken over by new owners in 2015 and reopened under the name Peak Wildlife Park. Since then, it has become a popular destination for families, animal lovers, and adventurers who want to experience wildlife up close.
Interactive nature experience for families
One of the main features of the park are the spacious walk-through areas where visitors can interact directly with animals such as lemurs, wallabies, and penguins. In the "Lemur Heights" area, visitors are immersed in a Madagascan world where black-and-white ruffed lemurs and ring-tailed lemurs roam freely and curiously observe the guests. Particularly impressive is the opportunity to hand-feed the wallabies in the "Wallaby Wonderland" – a nod to the unusual history of wild wallabies released in the Staffordshire Moorlands in the 20th century and surviving there for a period of time. The "Penguin Paths" walk-through offers encounters with Humboldt penguins, which can be observed waddling or swimming, often accompanied by other South American species such as capybaras. These open enclosures create an immersive atmosphere that allows the animals to exhibit natural behaviors and provides visitors with unforgettable moments.
Exotic animal species in wildlife park
In addition to these interactive experiences, there are other highlights that enrich the park. The "Himalayan Falls" aviary is a paradise for bird watchers, with colorful species such as golden pheasants, mandarin ducks, and peacocks living among trees and ponds. The "African Village" area showcases more traditional zoo elements with animals like meerkats and pygmy goats, visible behind glass but still offering a vivid insight into African habitats. Otters, rheas, and even the rare bush dogs, part of a breeding program, add to the diversity of the park. Regular animal keeper talks provide exciting insights into the lives and care of the animals, emphasizing the park's educational approach.
Visit to Peak Wildlife Park
For families, the Peak Wildlife Park is particularly appealing. There is a large play area with a sandbox, bouncy castles, and tricycles to keep children entertained while adults can enjoy nature. An on-site café serves Neapolitan stone oven pizzas, sandwiches, and homemade cakes prepared with local ingredients, as well as a selection of snacks and drinks. For those who prefer to bring their own food, there are numerous picnic areas spread throughout the grounds. The park is easily accessible, with wide paths suitable for wheelchairs, and offers clean restroom facilities to enhance visitor comfort.
Nature and education in animal park
The park's history is also noteworthy. After the death of the original founder Diana Holloway, who had previous experience with a bird reserve in Cheshire, the park was continued by her son before facing insolvency. The reopening under new management brought fresh ideas and new exhibits focusing on interactive experiences and species conservation. Today, the Peak Wildlife Park represents a blend of entertainment and education, with the welfare of the animals at its core – many of the residents come from rescue missions or breeding programs for the conservation of endangered species.
