Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World is a unique, family-run attraction in the heart of Shropshire that combines an engaging zoo experience with one of the UK’s largest and most immersive dinosaur attractions. Set within natural woodland on the outskirts of Telford, Hoo Zoo offers a relaxed, friendly day out where visitors can explore at their own pace while getting closer to animals, nature, and prehistory than they might expect.

Home to a diverse collection of animals from around the world, the zoo focuses on intimate enclosures, enrichment-led care, and meaningful encounters. Guests can meet everything from lemurs, meerkats, capybaras and foxes to owls, snakes, skunks and other fascinating species. Many animals are seen up close during daily talks and feeding sessions, giving visitors the chance to learn directly from knowledgeable keepers and gain a deeper understanding of animal behaviour, conservation, and welfare. The zoo’s compact, easy-to-navigate layout makes it especially popular with families and visitors looking for a more personal alternative to larger zoological parks.

Running alongside the animal exhibits is the spectacular Hoo-Rassic World and Land of the Beasts experiences. Winding through woodland paths, this trail takes visitors on a journey spanning more than 250 million years, featuring dozens of life-sized, moving prehistoric creatures hidden among the trees. From early reptiles that lived long before the first dinosaurs all the way to Woolly Mammoths (not forgetting the T-Rex), the trail blends education with theatre, creating a sense of discovery around every corner. Interpretive signage and interactive elements make it equally engaging for young dinosaur fans and curious adults, and it has become a highlight for many first-time visitors.

Hoo Zoo places a strong emphasis on education and conservation. The attraction regularly supports wildlife charities and conservation projects, both in the UK and overseas, and integrates these stories into talks, signage, and special event weekends. School groups, home-educated families, and lifelong learners are all catered for through workshops, outreach programmes, and hands-on experiences designed to inspire curiosity and care for the natural world.

Seasonal events add extra magic throughout the year, from themed wildlife weekends and family festivals to popular Christmas experiences set among the zoo’s woodland setting. Combined with a café, gift shop, play areas, and accessible facilities, Hoo Zoo is designed for a full, comfortable day out.

Whether you are looking to meet animals up close, step back into the age of dinosaurs, or simply enjoy a relaxed family day surrounded by nature, Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World offers a distinctive attraction that blends fun, learning, and discovery in one memorable Shropshire destination.