The park was originally established as a bird park in 1986 before expanding into a broader wildlife collection.
The facility houses one of the largest captive populations of chimpanzees in the United Kingdom.
The park operates a specialized 'Tropical House' that provides a controlled environment for exotic birds, reptiles, and marmosets.
It is home to a colony of Humboldt penguins, which can be viewed both above and below the water level.
The 'Dinotropolis' exhibit features life-sized animatronic dinosaurs designed for interactive educational purposes.
The park maintains a consistent focus on rescue animals, often taking in creatures from private collections or other facilities.
Wingham Wildlife Park is a sprawling animal sanctuary located in Kent that houses a diverse collection of over 200 species, including big cats, primates, and various reptiles. It distinguishes itself by offering extensive walk-through enclosures that allow for close interaction with animals like lemurs and wallabies. The park features a dedicated penguin enclosure with underwater viewing windows and a tropical house that simulates natural rainforest conditions. Significant investments have resulted in modern facilities for its jaguar populations and other large carnivores. The site includes extensive indoor and outdoor play areas alongside educational lecture centers. Visitors can explore a 'Dinotropolis' soft play area and a prehistoric exhibition featuring animatronic dinosaurs. The park is committed to conservation and participates in various breeding programs for endangered species. Paths are generally flat and accessible for strollers and wheelchairs across the park grounds.
The underwater viewing window at the penguin pool offers the clearest opportunity for dynamic photography.
Bring a pair of binoculars for viewing the larger outdoor paddocks where animals may roam at a distance.
Check the daily keeper talk schedule upon arrival to catch feeding demonstrations for the penguins and big cats.
If visiting with children, bring a change of clothes if you plan to use the indoor 'Dinotropolis' or the outdoor water splash area.
Do not rush through the indoor exhibits, as many of the reptiles and smaller mammals are located inside climate-controlled buildings that are easily overlooked.
Open daily year-round except for Christmas Day.
Maintain a respectful distance from enclosures, do not feed animals unless explicitly authorized by staff, and keep noise levels low near sensitive habitats.
