Howletts Wild Animal Park, Canterbury

Located just three miles east of Canterbury in the parish of Bekesbourne, Howletts Wild Animal Park sprawls across approximately 90 acres (36 hectares) of scenic, ancient parkland. Founded in 1957 by the renowned-and sometimes controversial-John Aspinall, the park opened to the public in 1975 and has been cared for by the John Aspinall Foundation since 1984. Far from a conventional zoo, Howletts emphasizes enriched environments and close relationships between staff and animals, so much so that even the late Steve Irwin praised its western lowland gorillas as “the finest in the world”.

Howletts is perhaps best known for its extraordinary conservation work. You’ll encounter the UK’s largest breeding herd of African elephants, expansive family groups of western lowland gorillas, and a lion-tailed macaque troupe-all live here. Unique to Kent, the park also houses giant anteaters, black rhinos, Sumatran tigers like the beloved Arina, Javan langurs, and an engaging "Animals of the Ice Age" exhibit featuring life‑sized prehistoric models. Crucially, your admission supports not just in‑park welfare but global rewilding programmes, including gorilla and rhino releases in Africa and Asia.

For families, there’s plenty to see and do: enjoy daily keeper talks, stroll along shaded trails, walk with curious lemurs, and watch juveniles like elephant calves, gorilla infants, and lion cubs explore the wild. New in 2025 is “Joshi’s Jungle”, a treetop playground where children can climb, learn gorilla facts, and play among the trees. If you’re seeking an added thrill, special experiences-from feeding elephants and hand‑feeding anteaters to behind‑the‑scenes gorilla encounters-are available for a fee. Whether you’re an animal enthusiast or a family looking for a meaningful day out, Howletts offers wild adventure, education, and conservation-all wrapped into one unforgettable visit.