Record Visitor Numbers and Baby Boom at Cotswold Wildlife Park
Cotswold Wildlife Park Celebrates Record-Breaking Breeding Season
Cotswold Wildlife Park has marked 2025 with a double celebration – record visitor numbers and its most successful breeding season yet. The highlight of the year has been the arrival of four Greater Bamboo Lemur babies, a species classed as Critically Endangered and one of the rarest primates in the world.
Births in captivity are exceptionally rare, and the Park is the only zoological collection in the UK – and one of just three worldwide – to have bred these lemurs in 2025. With 13 individuals now at the Park, Cotswold Wildlife Park is home to the largest breeding group of Greater Bamboo Lemurs anywhere in the world.
Natalie Horner, Section Head of Primates, Small Mammals and Birds, said:
“The Greater Bamboo Lemur is one of the most endangered species of Lemur, found only in the rainforests of eastern Madagascar. Today the global population is estimated at fewer than 1,500 individuals – less than the numbers of Black Rhino, Tigers and Giant Pandas. Every successful birth is vital for the survival of the species.”
Rare Greater Bamboo Lemur babies in the Madagascar exhibit.
The Park’s breeding programme began during lockdown in 2020, and since then resident male Raphael and females Bijou and Veloma have raised nine youngsters.
This year, a second breeding group formed with young females and a male from Zoo Lyon, leading to even greater success. Visitors can now see the lemur families in the Park’s Madagascar exhibit, where the playful new arrivals are beginning to explore.
Great Grey Owl Success
A fledgling Great Grey Owl at Cotswold Wildlife Park.
Alongside the lemurs, the Bird Section has also welcomed its first-ever brood of Great Grey Owls, with four chicks successfully fledged after three years of patient attempts. “When the fourth chick appeared in the nest box, we were overjoyed,” said Bird Keepers Dom and Lucy. The owl family can be seen opposite the Pallas’s Cat exhibit.
Penguin Chicks Steal the Show
The Humboldt Penguin colony has enjoyed its best breeding season in a decade, with four chicks joining the group. One, named Pippin, developed a strong bond with keeper Laura after being hand-reared when abandoned by its parents.
Pippin now follows Laura around the enclosure, often to the delight of visitors during talks and feeding times.
Pippin the Humboldt Penguin follows Bird Keeper Laura during pool cleaning.
Laura explained: “Pippin is thriving and loves playing with the other youngsters in the water. She still follows me whenever I’m in the enclosure, especially when I’m cleaning the pool. She won’t leave my side! She’s grown into such a confident young Penguin and we’re very proud of Pippin.”
More Baby Arrivals
Elsewhere, Yellow Mongoose pair Chip and Nutmeg produced four pups – their most successful year yet – while the Park has also celebrated the arrival of a Bactrian Camel calf, a young Colobus Monkey, Parma Wallaby joeys and Fruit Bat pups. These breeding successes underline the Park’s vital role in conservation and animal care.
Yellow Mongoose pup exploring alongside its parent at Cotswold Wildlife Park. © Brian Lilly
Young Bactrian Camel calf exploring with its mother at Cotswold Wildlife Park.
Visitors can discover the new arrivals throughout the Park this autumn, with many of the young animals already delighting guests.
Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is currently open daily from 10am.
See website for more details.
Explore Gloucestershire
30 September 2025
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