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Fota Wildlife Park adventures

Fota Wildlife Park Adventures

Fota Wildlife Park is a renowned conservation-focused zoological park in Ireland offering immersive wildlife experiences and extensive outdoor walking trails among free-roaming animals.

100+
Acres Protected
3.5
Miles of Trails
350,000+
Annual Visitors
1983
Year Established

About Fota Wildlife Park

 

Located on Fota Island near Cork city in Ireland, Fota Wildlife Park spans over 100 acres and serves as one of the country's premier zoological parks with a focus on conservation, education, and visitor engagement. The park features expansive, naturalistic enclosures where many species roam freely, mimicking their native habitats. Visitors can encounter animals from Africa, Asia, and the Americas including giraffes, zebras, cheetahs, kangaroos, lemurs, and buffalo among others. The park's design encourages walking and exploration through well-maintained trails that allow close and often eye-level viewing of animals without traditional cages, enhancing the connection to wildlife. Established in 1983, Fota Wildlife Park was the first large-scale wildlife park of its kind in Ireland and remains a flagship institution for conservation and species preservation. Educational programs, interactive exhibits, and guided tours enrich the visitor experience. The park is also known for its breeding programs for endangered species and active participation in international wildlife conservation projects. Key landmarks include the large walk-through primate areas, the giraffe house, and the spacious savannah-style enclosures. With amenities such as picnic areas and a café, Fota Wildlife Park is well suited to family visits and outdoor enthusiasts interested in wildlife watching and nature photography. Its proximity to Cork city makes it highly accessible for both locals and tourists seeking an outdoor wildlife adventure.

Highlights

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Expansive savannah-style enclosures providing close animal encounters

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Walk-through primate island featuring various monkey species

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Successful breeding programs for endangered animals such as the Rothschild's giraffe

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Interactive educational exhibits and animal feeding demonstrations

Notable Natural Features

Savannah Enclosure

A large open grassland area where giraffes, zebras, and antelopes roam freely allowing visitors to view animals in a near-natural setting.

Primate Walk-through Island

A unique exhibit where visitors walk through an island habitat inhabited by lemurs and other small primates.

Conservation Breeding Center

Facilities dedicated to breeding endangered species and supporting global conservation efforts.