We are delighted to welcome Dudley Zoo once again to Alvechurch’s Picnic in the Park. Last year they had all sorts of wonderful animals for children to get close up to and even hold.  I wonder what they will bring with them this year?

Did you know:  The zoo which opened in May 1937, covers an area of approximately 40 acres. This unique site includes two scheduled monuments – an 11th century castle and limestone caverns – and 12 Grade 2 listed Tecton buildings (four Grade 2*).

Dudley Zoo picture

Dudley Zoo is unique… it is home to more than 1300 animals, and has nigh on 200 species, including some of the rarest creatures on Planet Earth. Hundreds of exotic and endangered animals inhabit an ancient wooded hillside, with a rich geological history, around the ruins of the 11th century Dudley Castle and share a site with the world’s largest single collection of Modernist Tecton structures – and the country’s only vintage chairlift!

Much of the animal collection is linked to international conservation and breeding programmes and several of their global projects have received awards. Endangered species include Asiatic lions, Sumatran tigers, Bornean orang utans, Tibetan red pandas, Rothschild giraffes, Madagascan lemurs and Humboldt penguins – DZG has the UK’s largest parent-reared colony.

Can’t wait to see what they have in store for us – make sure you have 26th May in your diary so you don’t miss out!