Newquay Zoo Hosts Inclusive Family Day With CAAP and Active Cornwall

Almost 200 visitors enjoyed a special family day at Newquay Zoo earlier this month, thanks to a partnership with the Cornwall Accessible Activities Programme (CAAP) and Active Cornwall.

A welcome day for all

The event, held earlier this April, provided children and young people with additional needs, along with their families, a chance to experience the zoo’s accessible and engaging environment. Among the visitors were 85 children, all taking part in a day designed to be inclusive, relaxed, and full of excitement.

CAAP, a Cornwall-based charity formed by parents of children with additional needs, offers activities during school holidays that allow disabled children and their siblings to enjoy experiences together.

Mark Exell, Chairman for CAAP, said:

“Finding activities for our young people is not always easy as many venues are not completely accessible to wheelchair users. Newquay Zoo is one such provider than can cater for the needs of all our members and combined with their friendly and helpful staff, Newquay Zoo is always a firm favourite with our members. We look forward to continuing and developing our relationship with Newquay Zoo. Thank you for making our members feel so welcome.”

Making the day even more special

Support from Active Cornwall and funding through the Time2Move Holiday Programme meant the day was even more accessible. Children eligible for free school meals received free lunchboxes, removing any financial barriers and helping families enjoy the day to the fullest.

Lewis Sanders, Development Officer for Active Cornwall, said:

“We are incredibly pleased to support CAAP and the families who benefit from their services in receipt of benefits related free school meals. The Time2Move Holiday Programme aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to enjoy happy and healthy holidays. Our commitment to this initiative reflects on our dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be physically active, access to nutritious meals and able to spend time with their peers. Working with local providers we are making a positive impact and helping to create memorable experiences for families in Cornwall.”

Animal encounters and learning opportunities

Throughout the day, families took part in interactive ranger talks featuring animals such as lemurs, penguins, tapirs, capybaras, and lynx. Children also enjoyed ‘show and tell’ sessions, sparking curiosity and learning about wildlife in an engaging way.

Newquay Zoo’s engagement programme runs a variety of sessions aimed at inspiring a love for nature and conservation among young visitors, including tailored sessions for groups with Special Educational Needs (SEN) learners.

Natalie Timms, Visitor Experience Manager at Newquay Zoo, said:

“It was such a joy to welcome so many families to our zoo – the atmosphere was full of laughter, excitement, and happy smiles all day long. Our team loved seeing children engage with the animals, ask brilliant questions, and enjoy the space at their own pace. The feedback from visitors was incredibly positive, with many saying how relaxed and included they felt.”

Steph Dawson, Business Development Manager, added:

“At Wild Planet Trust, we believe our zoos should be more than visitor attractions – they should be valuable resources for the communities they serve. Events like this highlight how Newquay Zoo can provide inclusive, enriching experiences for families who may not always find it easy to access days out. We’re proud to support organisations like CAAP in delivering these opportunities and will continue to work closely with partners across the region to make nature accessible for everyone.”

Accessibility at Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo has put accessibility at the heart of its offering. It provides a fully equipped Changing Places toilet, free carer entry for visitors with a disability (with valid ID such as a Blue Badge, PIP, or DLA letter), and reduced group rates.
For more information about group visits or accessibility, visitors can call 01637 873342 or email newquayzoo@wildplanettrust.org.uk.

Visitors can also book tickets in advance online. Each visit helps support Wild Planet Trust’s conservation work in the UK and overseas. Gift Aid declarations on ticket purchases also provide additional funding at no extra cost.

Ticket prices and visitor information

• Adults: £19.00

• Children (3-15 years): £14.25

• Children (2-3 years): £2.75

• Children under 1: Free

• Carer accompanying a paying guest: Free

• Group rates: Available from £9.75 per person

Newquay Zoo is open daily from 10am, with current closing time at 5.00pm (last admission at 4.00pm). Parking is available in the Cornwall Council carpark adjacent to the zoo, and on-site refreshments and retail facilities are available.

For full details and to plan a visit, head to newquayzoo.org.uk.