Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park: Fun Things To Do, History

ExperiWise

Birmingham

The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park has a unique collection of endangered species, including meerkats, the red panda, and the otter. 

Situated in Cannon Hill Park, it’s the perfect place for animal lovers to experience a fun day out with family and friends. 

And if you’re interested in animal conservation, the park also organises a wide range of educational programmes to help protect these endangered animals and their habitats.

Take a look at five interesting things you can do at this wildlife park and its magnificent history. We’ll also cover important visitor information, including opening times, how to get to the national park, and popular nearby attractions. 

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This Article Covers:

5 Interesting Things to Do at the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park 

Whether you’re looking for a fun activity or learning about how to protect endangered animals, there’s something for everyone at the conservation park in Cannon hill. 

Here are five things the wildlife conservation park has to offer: 

1. Get Up Close with Endangered Species

The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park offers a unique opportunity to get an up-close look at the life and activity of a large collection of endangered species. 

Here are some of the animals you’ll see: 

  • Endangered reptiles
  • The guinea pig
  • Lemurs
  • Meerkats
  • Monkeys
  • The Otter
  • The red panda
  • Squirrel monkey
  • Tamarins
  • Wallabies
  • Yellow breasted capuchin monkeys

2. Learn about Wildlife Conservation

The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park plays an important role in protecting endangered species and habitats, making it a great place for exotic animal lovers. 

Among the several educational events organised by the Birmingham City Council, you’ll learn about captive breeding programmes and how we can protect our world’s biodiversity. 

3. Symbolically Adopt an Endangered Species 

Besides learning about animal conservation, animal lovers can show support by sponsoring any endangered animals for a minimum sponsorship donation of £30.

The sponsorship lasts 12 months and can be purchased for yourself or as a gift for someone else. You can opt to purchase the sponsorship online or at the park or send a cheque. 

Here’s what you’ll receive in return for your sponsorship:

  • A full information sheet on your chosen exotic animal
  • A personalised thank you note will be on display in the reception
  • An animal ID card
  • Two free visits to the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

4. Experience Life as a Zookeeper

If you’re interested in working with a large collection of animals, the park offers a wide range of volunteering opportunities. 

Depending on your age, here are some of the opportunities the residents of the United Kingdom can sign up for:

  • For year 10 and 11 school pupils: 1 to 2 weeks of volunteering
  • For college, sixth form, and university students: Part-time and full-time opportunities
  • For people aged 16 and over: Long-term volunteering opportunities

5. Have a Fun Day Out with the Family

Apart from playing an important role in wildlife conservation, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park is a beautiful place to spend the day out with your family and friends.

The park has a cafe, an indoor soft play area, plenty of outdoor spaces to explore, and a private event room which you can use to host your child’s birthday party. The park is easily accessible from the Birmingham City Centre or Birmingham New Street. 

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A Brief History of the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

The Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park was founded in May 1964 by the Dudley Zoo Society. 

The park was originally called the Birmingham Zoo and was later reopened as the Birmingham Nature Centre in 1974 before finally rebranding to its current name in 2014. 

This nature centre was once a part of the Birmingham Natural History Museum and a 16th-century fulling mill, known as Pebble Mill.

Today, the Birmingham City Council owns and manages a unique collection of endangered reptiles, meerkats, monkeys and others at this national park. The park is also a member of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA.)

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Important Visitor Information

Here’s some must-know information before you head to the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park: 

1. Contact Details

Address: Pershore Road, Edgbaston, West Midland, Birmingham City, B5 7RL, United Kingdom
Website: https://www.birmingham.gov.uk/conservationpark 
Telephone: 0121 472 7775

2. Opening Times

November to March: Mon-Sun 10 am-5 pm (Last admission is at 4 pm) 
April to October: Mon-Sun 10 am-4 pm (Last admission is at 3 pm)

3. Admission Costs

Adults: £7.50
Senior citizens, students, and passport to leisure holders: £5.70
Children aged 3 to 15: £3.75 (under 3s are free)
Family Day Ticket: £24.50 (2 adults and max 3 children aged 3 to 15 years)
Family Day Ticket: £17.50 (1 adult and max 3 children aged 3 to 15 years)

4. Parking Fees

The onsite car parking facility at Birmingham Zoo is accessible via the Pershore Road entrance. Here’s what it will cost you to park at the nature centre:  
Up to 4 hours: £2.80
Up to 16.5 hours: £4.20 (£21.00 for buses and coaches, disabled parking is free) 

5. Does the Park Have Any Cafes or Restaurants?

Yes, the Birmingham nature centre does have a cafe that offers takeaway food and drinks and plenty of ice cream options. 

However, recent reviews suggest bringing your food is just as enjoyable since the park has many great picnic spots. 

6. Are There Accessible Toilet Facilities Available?

Yes, the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park has wheelchair friendly and accessible toilets. 

7. Can I Bring My Pet to the Conservation Park?

Only assistance and service dogs are permitted within the Birmingham nature centre.

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How to get to Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park

Here are the best routes to get to this magnificent West Midland wildlife park:

  • From the M40: Head northeast on the M40 toward Alcester Road/A435 and exit at junction 3 from the M42. Continue on Alcester Road/A435 and take the Middle Lane to A441. Exit on Alcester Road/A435, and take the first exit onto Middle Lane at the roundabout. From Gay Hill Lane, turn right onto Walkers Heath Road and Harbinger Road. Exit onto Bells Lane and then onto Broad Meadow Lane. Head onto Lifford Lane and turn right onto Pershore Road/A441. Follow the signposts to Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park. 
  • From the M6: Take the first exit onto Aston Road N/A5127 and head toward Dartmouth Circus. Take the second exit onto Aston Road and continue on the A38 (M) toward the City Centre. As you cross the City Centre, continue on the A38 until you reach Suffolk Street Queensway and turn right onto Belgrave Middleway. Take the 3rd exit at the roundabout onto Pershore Road/A441 and follow the Birmingham Wildlife Conservation Park signposts. 
  • Nearby bus stations: University Station (Stop QE – 26 min walk), Hagley Road Francis Road (39 min walk), Bexhill Grove (39 min walk), Five Ways (36 min walk)
  • Nearby train stations: Selly Oak (27 min walk), Moseley Village (28 min walk), Five Ways (36 min walk), Birmingham New Street (42 min walk)

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Explore Nearby Attractions

Birmingham City has several attractions suitable for every age group and interest, including museums, art galleries, cafes, and beautiful churches. 

Here are some attractions in and around Birmingham city centre:

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