The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Jersey Zoo (formerly Durrell Wildlife Park) is one of Jersey’s leading attractions, considered the crown jewel of things to do in Jersey. Located in Trinity, Jersey Zoo is home to over 1,400 creatures across 130 spectacular species and welcomes over 150,000 visitors annually whilst Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust makes great strides in the protection and preservation of rare and endangered species from across the world. This award-winning zoo is renowned for its incredible conservation efforts and immersive zoo experience, a must visit attraction when visiting Jersey. Located just 4 miles north of St Helier, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust promises a truly wild day out, for all the family!
A brief history of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Jersey Zoo
The British conservationist Gerald Durrell OBE founded Jersey Zoo and Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. Durrell spent much of his childhood fascinated by wildlife, a hobby which grew during his family’s years in Corfu. Durrell was a phenomenal author who over his lifetime wrote over forty books about his life as a wildlife enthusiast, one of which ‘My Family and Other Animals’ documented his years in Corfu and was later adapted into the award-winning ITV television drama ‘The Durrells’.
Following the publication of ‘My Family and Other Animals’, Durrell became a public figure with royalties from this book funding his expeditions to collect animals for his own zoo. In 1959, Durrell founded Jersey Zoo and dedicated it to saving animals from endangerment. In 1963, Durrell founded the Jersey Wildlife Preservation Trust, the foundation that is now known as Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. The Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Jersey Zoo work hand in hand with the trust orchestrating the conservation projects and Jersey Zoo providing a safe haven for endangered species from across the world whilst providing visitors with an insight into the spectacular animal kingdom.
For further information about Gerald Durrell and the history of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Jersey Zoo, visit the Gerald Durrell Story attraction at Jersey Zoo.
The work of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
The trust’s Jersey headquarters at Les Augres Manor actively manage conservation projects across the world including the safe breeding of endangered species, rescuing wildlife threatened native homes and rehabilitating sick or injured animals. The trust manages projects in Mauritius, Madagascar and India as well as many other locations worldwide.
At its headquarters in Jersey and within Jersey Zoo, the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust provides intense training programmes for conservation workers in addition to educating the public about conservation and the species at home in Jersey Zoo. In addition to a research base and entertainment attraction, Jersey Zoo provides a home for extremely endangered species and animals at risk in the wild.
Things to do at Jersey Zoo
Jersey Zoo is an incredible 32-acre zoological park home to over 130 different species including some of the world’s rarest and most endangered animals. At Jersey Zoo, you will find incredible primates, tropical birds, cheeky meerkats, beautiful flamingos, fascinating amphibians, magnificent bears and so much more.
Whether it’s a tranquil moment bird watching at the Wild Bird Hide, or making new friends at the animal-themed Play Area; all visitors, no matter what age will find amusement at the Durrell Wildlife Park.
Whilst you can explore the zoo and visit the animals at your own pace, Jersey Zoo offers numerous animal encounters and educational talks for a day to remember. The zoo is bursting with immersive and interactive encounters for a fun-filled educational experience.
Gerald Durrell Story
Discover the incredible life story of Gerald Durrell as well as the history of the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and Jersey Zoo.
Keeper Talks
Join the incredible keepers of Jersey Zoo for educational talks and the opportunity to ask the experts anything. Available talks include bears, gorillas, orangutans, tortoises, macaques and fruit bats. Talk timetables are available upon entry to Jersey Zoo.
Keeper for a Day
The ultimate experience at Jersey Zoo, the Keeper for a Day experience puts you in the shoes of the animal keepers. Work alongside the experienced keepers to clean animal enclosures, prepare meals, assist at feeding times and go behind the scenes.
Meet the Apes
Head to the ‘Keepers Only’ area of the ape enclosure for an up close and personal encounter with Jersey Zoo’s magnificent primates.
Meet the Bears
Go behind the scenes for an incredible encounter with Jersey Zoo’s family of Andean Bears and prepare them a tasty treat.
Reptile and Amphibian Tour
Enter the reptile and amphibian house to discover rare species that are off limits to the general public.
Bat Encounter
Step into Jersey Zoo’s award-winning bat tunnel to visit the bats up close and help the keepers feed them.
Bird Encounter
Visit backstage in the bird aviaries and assist the keepers in feeding time.
Meerkat and Otter Encounter
Meet the cheeky meerkats and otters of Jersey Zoo before feeding them an afternoon snack.
Dodo Playground
An exciting outdoor playground suitable for ages 2-12 overlooking the orangutan enclosure.
Stay at Durrell Wildlife Park and Jersey Zoo
Stay at Durrell Wildlife Camp
If you are looking for an accommodation option close to Jersey Zoo, there is no better place than staying on site at Durrell Wildlife Camp. The camp is just metres from Lemur Lake and allows guests to wake up to the sounds of the animals whilst enjoying a 5 star glamping experience. Durrell Wildlife Camp boasts 12 luxury glamping pods nestled within the grounds of the wildlife park complete with private bathroom, kitchen facilities and a cosy wood-burning stove. To top it off, as a guest of Durrell Wildlife Camp, enjoy free, unlimited access to Jersey Zoo for the duration of your stay.
Stay at Durrell Wildlife Hostel
Also within the grounds of Durrell Wildlife Park, the Durrell Wildlife Hostel is an affordable accommodation option within the farm house. A budget-friendly, self-catering option that is also suitable for group bookings, the hostel features rooms accommodating 2-6 guests and as a guest of Durrell Wildlife Hostel, you can enjoy a free single entry to Jersey Zoo during your stay.
Hotels Near Durrell Wildlife Park
Durell Wildlife Conservsation Trust Opening Times
The Park is open every day except on Christmas Day.
- Summer Season: from 9:30 – 18:00
- Winter Season: from 9:30 – 17:00
Getting Around Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
Not yet mastered how to swing from A-to-B on the trees? Leave that to the marmosets, there is easy pathway access across the site!
Many of the pathways are also wheelchair and pushchair-friendly. For a small charge, wheelchairs and motorised scooters may be hired at the Visitor Centre.
Getting to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust
The Park is easily accessible, with free car parking, on-site cycle racks, public bus stops and designated coach parking.
