Howletts Wild Animal Park

World-Class Wildlife Conservation & Endangered Species Sanctuary

Howletts Wild Animal Park stands as one of Britain’s most important wildlife conservation destinations, home to the world’s largest breeding groups of endangered species including African elephants, western lowland gorillas, and black rhinos. Established in 1957 by conservationist John Aspinall, this 90-acre wildlife sanctuary near Canterbury combines award-winning animal welfare with pioneering breeding programs operated by The Aspinall Foundation. Families, wildlife enthusiasts, and conservation supporters discover over 400 rare and endangered animals roaming spacious natural habitats within beautiful Kent parkland, making Howletts one of Southeast England’s premier wildlife experiences and a global leader in species preservation.

Conservation Heritage & Mission

Howletts Wild Animal Park represents over 65 years of dedicated wildlife conservation, founded by visionary John Aspinall who revolutionised zoo animal care through his pioneering “back-to-the-wild” philosophy. Today’s Aspinall Foundation continues this legacy through international rewilding projects, successfully returning captive-bred gorillas, rhinos, and langurs to protected habitats in Africa and Asia. The park’s groundbreaking approach priorities natural behaviours, family groups, and spacious enclosures, creating environments where endangered species thrive and breed naturally, contributing vital genetic diversity to global conservation programs fighting species extinction.

What to Expect at Howletts

Experience intimate wildlife encounters across 90 acres of landscaped parkland featuring the UK’s largest African elephant breeding herd with over 13 individuals across three generations, the world’s most successful western lowland gorilla breeding program with family groups including silverback males, and critically endangered species including Sumatran tigers, black rhinos, and Javan gibbons. The park’s innovative habitat design allows visitors close-up views through reinforced glass viewing areas, elevated walkways, and naturalistic settings where animals exhibit natural behaviours, from elephant dust baths to gorilla family interactions.

Iconic Animals & Exhibits

• African Elephant Palace: Europe’s most impressive elephant facility housing Britain’s largest breeding herd with indoor/outdoor habitats
• Gorilla Kingdom: World-renowned breeding groups of western lowland gorillas in expansive forest habitats with viewing platforms
• Tiger Territory: Critically endangered Sumatran tigers in woodland enclosures with pool, climbing structures and enrichment activities
• Black Rhino Reserve: Eastern black rhinos in spacious grassland habitat supporting international breeding programs
• Monkey Valley: Endangered langurs, colobus monkeys, and primates in climbing-rich forest environments
• Big Cat Territory: Clouded leopards, snow leopards, and small cat species in naturalistic habitats
• Madagascar House: Ring-tailed lemurs, mongoose lemurs, and rare Madagascan species in walk-through exhibits
• Carnivore Kingdom: Red pandas, small-clawed otters, and other rare carnivores with enrichment programs

Family Activities & Educational Programs

Howletts delivers engaging family experiences through keeper talks revealing fascinating animal behaviours and conservation stories, adventure playgrounds featuring jungle-themed equipment perfect for energetic youngsters, and seasonal events including Halloween trails, Easter egg hunts, and summer wildlife festivals. The Discovery Centre provides interactive exhibits explaining conservation science, while educational workshops for school groups deliver curriculum-linked learning about endangered species, habitat loss, and protection efforts, inspiring the next generation of wildlife champions.

Conservation Experiences & Behind-the-Scenes

Discover exclusive keeper-for-a-day experiences working alongside animal care professionals, learning veterinary procedures, preparing specialised diets, and participating in enrichment activities with elephants, tigers, or gorillas. Photography days provide unique opportunities to capture stunning wildlife images with expert guidance and special access to optimal viewing areas. The park’s breeding programs welcome observers during special open days showcasing newborn animals and discussing successful conservation breeding techniques contributing to species survival.

Complete Canterbury Heritage Experience

Explore magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, England’s most important cathedral and UNESCO World Heritage Site with 1,400 years of Christian history. Discover interactive storytelling at the Canterbury Tales Attraction bringing Chaucer’s medieval pilgrims to life. Experience culture at The Marlowe Theatre Canterbury with world-class performances. Enjoy local arts at Beaney House of Art and Knowledge. Visit sister park Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve with safari experiences. Discover more wildlife at Wingham Wildlife Park. Complete your Kent adventure exploring Leeds Castle and historic Rochester.

Dining & Visitor Facilities

The Terrace Restaurant: Family-friendly dining with hot meals, sandwiches, homemade cakes, and children’s menu options served with outdoor terrace seating overlooking parkland views.

The Pavilion Café: Grab-and-go refreshments including barista coffee, cold drinks, snacks, and ice cream located near the main adventure playground.

Facilities: Free parking for all visitors, accessible pathways throughout, wheelchair hire available, baby changing facilities, stroller-friendly routes, gift shop featuring ethical wildlife products, picnic areas, and full mobility access to major exhibits.

Conservation Support: All admission fees directly fund The Aspinall Foundation’s global rewilding projects and endangered species protection programs.

Additional Information

• Established: 1957 by John Aspinall, pioneering wildlife conservation and captive breeding programs
• Park Size: 90 acres of landscaped parkland with naturalistic animal habitats and walking trails
• Animal Collection: Over 400 rare and endangered animals representing 50+ species from six continents
• Foundation: Operated by The Aspinall Foundation charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and rewilding
• Conservation Success: World-leading breeding programs for gorillas, elephants, rhinos, langurs, and small cats
• Rewilding Projects: Successfully returned gorillas to Gabon, langurs to Java, bison to Poland
• African Elephants: UK’s largest breeding herd with 13+ individuals across three generations
• Gorillas: World’s most successful breeding program outside Africa with multiple family groups
• Opening Times: Daily 10am-5pm (winter), 10am-6pm (summer), last admission 90 minutes before closing
• Admission: Adults from £27.95, children (3-15) from £22.95, under 3s free, annual passes available
• Location: 3 miles south of Canterbury off A2, excellent accessibility from London and Southeast
• Parking: Free parking for all visitors with dedicated disabled spaces near main entrance
• Accessibility: Wheelchair-accessible paths to all major exhibits, accessible toilets, mobility scooter hire
• Events: Year-round program including keeper talks, feeding demonstrations, seasonal trails, photography days
• Education: School visits, youth programs, conservation workshops, keeper experiences available
• Awards: BIAZA member, Gold Award from VisitEngland, Certificate of Excellence from TripAdvisor