Fota Wildlife Park

Fota Wildlife Park showing bird life and zoo animals
Watch cheetahs running at full speed for their lunch and feed penguins and lemurs in this large nature reserve on an island.

Fota Wildlife Park is an expansive rural setting where exotic animals roam and interact with one another. It focuses on conservation and improving the quality of life of the animals with vast spaces and unobtrusive barriers. Bring the kids to this picturesque island zoo to see giraffes, wild cats and primates.

Follow the paths through a wildlife haven of more than 70 acres (30 hectares) to spot your favorite animals. The lack of large barriers is good for the animals and also improves your experience, enabling closer access to the creatures in natural settings.

Participate in the animals’ daily lives with the Warden Experience. This group tour lets you feed penguins and ring-tailed lemurs. Prepare food for the primates and capture exceptional photos. Try the Behind the Scenes Experience to learn what wardens and animals do daily. It consists of a 2-hour guided tour during which you may feed giraffes and clean the tapir enclosure among other fun and educational activities.

See how cheetahs are required to work for their food by chasing it as they would in the wild. Machinery carries it over the ground at great speeds. Watch the fascinating spectacle daily in mid-afternoon. Other highlights include red pandas, siamang gibbons and wallabies.

Relax in the serene lake area and purchase food to offer the ducks. Check the events schedule for children’s activities. See a clownfish like Little Nemo in the Tropical House. The Asian Sanctuary contains some of the most intriguing animals, such as Sumatran tigers and Indian rhinos.

Enjoy lunch or a quick snack at the Savannah Café. Purchase souvenirs, cuddly toys and other animal-related memorabilia from the gift shop.

The park opened in 1983 and now holds 30 mammal and 50 bird species as well as various plants. There is an entrance fee, with discounts for children, seniors and groups. The park is open daily from morning until late afternoon.

Fota Wildlife Park is on the picturesque island of Fota in Cork Harbour. From the Cork city center, walk 10 minutes to reach Kent Station and ride the direct train service to Fota.

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