Award-winning Noah's Ark celebrates turning 25 with an exciting vision

By Jill Dando News

Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, the award-winning zoo and charity located near Bristol, is commemorating its 25th anniversary with a series of exciting events and the unveiling of an ambitious 5-year strategic plan. 

This legendary attraction, which has delighted generations of visitors with its unique blend of conservation efforts and family-friendly experiences, is poised to embark on a new chapter of growth and innovation.

Amidst the celebratory atmosphere, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm has unveiled a bold vision that promises to elevate the zoo's impact and solidify its position as a leader in animal conservation and education. 

The 5-year strategic plan outlines a comprehensive roadmap, encompassing cutting-edge exhibits, enhanced visitor experiences, and a renewed commitment to sustainable practices.

With a rich history of promoting animal welfare and raising awareness about the importance of preserving biodiversity, Noah's Ark Zoo Farm has consistently pushed boundaries and inspired countless individuals to become champions of the natural world...​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

Home of the big zoo animals, Noah’s Ark has grown from a family-run dairy farm to a modern conservation charity, with a focus on conservation, education, people and wellbeing.

A spokesperson said: “Since we opened in 1999, the zoo has welcomed over 3 million visitors and educated over 200,000 school children, offering award-winning accessibility and learning opportunities.

“Home to 120 different species, including 10 which are part of globally important conservation efforts, we care for elephants – in the largest elephant habitat in the UK - lions, bears, giraffes, rhinos, 6 rare farm breeds, and many others.

“As part of this special year, Noah’s Ark is reflecting on our unique past, celebrating our animals, park and people, and we are looking ahead to the next phase of its journey with the launch of a new strategy.”

The zoo’s management transitioned in 2019 with a new director taking the helm - Larry Bush, son of founders Anthony and Christina.

They became a charity in 2023. Noah’s Ark’s leadership team has worked with trustees to develop a new vision for the future which will enable the zoo to realise its aspirations in conservation., education and visitor experience through to 2028 and beyond.

Embracing their distinctive heritage and striving to learn from our past to shape a brighter future, Noah’s Ark has taken its family farming and Christian roots to shape inclusive new values, which now underpin all the zoo’s operations.

Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm’s vision is to protect wildlife and the natural world and to provide an oasis of inspiration and hope for people.

As they celebrate this milestone anniversary, Noah’s Ark is building on its strengths in welcoming and inspiring visitors and caring and protecting its animals.

It has ambitious plans to develop our park, operations and infrastructure, grow its reach, develop new local and international partnerships, and ensure its future financial sustainability.

This will be realised through specific projects and developments at the zoo, including upgrades to facilities, a review of the animal collection plan, a greater focus on international conservation and expansion of the zoo’s education offering.

Visitors are invited to visit Noah’s Ark this summer to join in with the special anniversary celebrations and learn about the future plans.

The zoo will be making some special upgrades to the park this year to give visitors even more to enjoy, as well as holding some fun events and activities.

Larry Bush, our Zoo Director, expresses his excitement for the future of the zoo."The 25-year journey so far has been incredible, and we’re eager to develop our impact into the future.

“We’re a modern, inclusive conservation zoo with a special focus on people.

“We’re continually learning and developing to give even more exciting experiences for visitors, to inspire and support an appreciation of our natural world.

“Our new, ambitious strategy will help us realise our vision over the next 5 years, with significant benefits locally, nationally, and internationally.

“We look forward expectantly to this new chapter in our story and invite our visitors and the general public to help shape it with us.”

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