The Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay is introducing a week-long Dinosaur Experience, running daily from 10am to 4.30pm from Wednesday, August 19 to Wednesday, August 26. The event is included with normal zoo admission and requires no additional ticket.
Prehistoric encounters
Visitors will have the chance to come face-to-face with a lifelike giant velociraptor, take part in interactive encounters with the zoo's Dino Rangers, and keep an eye out for smaller prehistoric surprises as they explore the park.
The dinosaur-themed experience aims to add a prehistoric twist to a family day out, giving young visitors the chance to get closer to creatures that once roamed the Earth.
Zoo highlights
Set across 37 acres of mountain and woodland, the National Zoo of Wales is home to snow leopards, chimpanzees, Humboldt penguins, meerkats, tigers, brown bears, alligators, red pandas, and fallow deer. There's also a children's farm with guinea pigs, chickens, ducks, and rabbits.
Guests can book penguin feeding experiences, spending 15 to 20 minutes hand-feeding the birds while learning from a keeper, or a similar meerkat experience. All animal experiences include zoo entry for participants and one additional guest.
Dining and announcements
The Penguin Café offers panoramic views across the estuary, while the Safari Restaurant is located beside the Sumatran tiger enclosure.
Michaella Brannan, commercial director at Welsh Mountain Zoo, said: "We're delighted to be introducing our very first Dinosaur Experience at Welsh Mountain Zoo. It's something completely new for us and a fantastic way to add even more adventure to a family day out during the summer holidays."
"Visitors will have the chance to meet a giant velociraptor up close, enjoy interactive encounters with our Dino Rangers and discover a few prehistoric surprises throughout their visit. We wanted to create an experience that sparks imaginations and gives families something truly memorable to enjoy together."
"We hope our Dinosaur Experience inspires curiosity, encourages families to explore the natural world and supports the important conservation work taking place here at the zoo every day."
In the lead-up to the event, visitors may spot mysterious dinosaur eggs that have appeared around the zoo.
Getting there
The zoo is around 52 miles from Liverpool, with driving taking approximately 1 hour 15 minutes to 1 hour 30 minutes via the A55. Free on-site parking is available.
By train, take a Transport for Wales service from Liverpool Lime Street to Colwyn Bay, a journey of around 1 hour 30 minutes to 1 hour 40 minutes. The zoo is about 1.5 miles from the station; a taxi takes around five minutes. The zoo's shuttle service is currently suspended.
By bus, use the No. 12 service between Rhyl and Llandudno, getting off at West End, Colwyn Bay, then take a short taxi ride.
