Tilgate Zoo

Animal experiences

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Up close and personal

Want to get up close and personal with some of our animals? We offer several exciting animal experiences that you can take part in. Bookings are available up to two months in advance so book now to avoid disappointment. 

You can also purchase a gift voucher (valid for one year from date of purchase). Email tilgatezoo@crawley.gov.uk to buy the perfect gift today!

Meet the meerkats

Ever wondered what it was like to have a group of meerkats hop onto your lap? You can meet our friendly mob inside their enclosure and help us give them a spot of lunch. 

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Armadillo afternoon tea

How about teatime with a tiny tank? Feed Milo the six-banded armadillo some tasty treats! Please note, the food is for Milo only...unless you like eating worms!

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Scales and shells

If you like your animals scaly, creepy or crawly, then why not try our scales and shells experience. Head behind the scenes to meet some of our reptiles and invertebrates. 

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Capybara encounter

Fancy getting up close and personal with the world’s biggest rodent? During this encounter you'll get the chance to settle in with our capybaras, give them a few tasty treats and maybe even a head scratch or two!

Sessions for this experience are available once a day and, with weekends proving very popular, consider a weekday to get your capybara fix!

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Other experiences

Birthday parties

Would you like to have animals come to your birthday party? We host parties for children aged six and over where you and your friends can meet some of our animals and enjoy a day at the zoo.

Zookeeper experience

Interested in being a zookeeper for an afternoon and finding out how we look after both our domestic and exotic animals at the zoo?

To find out more or book our zookeeper experience or a birthday party, email tilgatezoo@crawley.gov.uk