Marwell Zoo

From Rolls-Royce to Conservation Pioneer

Dr John Knowles opened Marwell Zoological Park in 1972 on the grounds of Marwell Hall, a manor house dating to approximately 1320. A vet by training, Knowles had a vision for a zoo focused on breeding endangered species rather than simply displaying animals. He famously funded his first acquisitions by selling his Rolls-Royce to buy zebras, setting a tone for the pragmatic conservation ethos that still defines the organisation.

The zoo was among the first in Europe to prioritise captive breeding programmes for threatened species. Its work with scimitar-horned oryx proved particularly significant — over 200 calves have been bred at Marwell since 1972, with animals released into the Sahara alongside stock from Whipsnade and Edinburgh zoos to restore a species declared extinct in the wild. Mongolian wild horses, golden lion tamarins and roan antelopes have also been bred and reintroduced through Marwell's programmes. In 2009, the organisation rebranded as Marwell Wildlife to reflect its broader conservation mission, which now spans field projects across Africa and the United Kingdom.

What to See and Do

The 140-acre site is divided into themed zones connected by walking trails that loop through Hampshire parkland. Wild Explorers, a 3.6-million-pound development opened in 2015, houses southern white rhinos, Grevy's zebras and scimitar-horned oryx in spacious paddocks. Roof of the World focuses on Himalayan species including snow leopards, red pandas and Amur leopards, while World of Lemurs and the Australian Bush Walk offer close encounters with ring-tailed lemurs and wallabies.

The two-storey Energy for Life Tropical House, opened in 2018, is the standout indoor attraction. A 70,000-litre aquarium holds over 2,500 fish beneath a forest canopy where two-toed sloths and free-flying birds move overhead. Penguin Cove provides above and below water viewing of Humboldt penguins. Daily keeper talks and feeding sessions run throughout the zoo, and a miniature railway has operated since 1987, carrying visitors between enclosures. Five adventure playgrounds are spread across the site for children of different ages.

Planning Your Visit

Marwell Zoo is open daily from 10am, closing at 5pm in summer and 4pm in winter, with last entry 90 minutes before closing. The zoo closes only on Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Animal houses begin closing 30 minutes before the park shuts, so arriving early is advisable to see the indoor exhibits. Weekday mornings outside school holidays offer the quietest experience and the best chance of seeing active animals.

The site is largely accessible by wheelchair and pushchair, though some paths are on slopes and can be uneven. A land train runs a circuit for those who find the full walking route too demanding. Several cafes and kiosks serve hot meals, sandwiches and snacks, and picnics can be brought in and eaten at designated areas. The adjacent Marwell Hotel offers overnight stays for those wanting a two-day visit.