about our zoo.
Northumberland Zoo is a family-run, not-for-profit animal collection in the heart of Northumberland. The zoo currently has 20 acres for visitors to explore with a wide range of animals to see from tiny Harvest mice to fluffy snow leopards.
We have come a long way in a short period of time, having gained our zoo licence in June 2015, become full members of BIAZA in 2021 and accredited members of EAZA in 2025. To gain these accreditations, we have proven that we have high standards in all things zoo from animal husbandry to our education and conservation efforts.
We aim to become the main zoological and conservation-based attraction in the northeast of England. As we grow, our conservation efforts will continue to increase and more people and students will come through our doors and be educated about wildlife.
“No one will protect what they don’t care about; and no one will care about what they have never experienced”. – Sir David Attenborough
Our Mission
To share our passion for wildlife whilst protecting and promoting wildlife at home and abroad.
Our Vision
Our vision is to see a change in the perception towards wildlife and habitats which will encourage better decisions for the benefit of the environment, therefore helping to create a more sustainable future.
2009 - 2010
Happy Chicken Farm & Tearoom
The Bradley family established a small tearoom at Eshottheugh and began keeping rare-breed chickens for display at the farm. This ran alongside the retail shop for their main business: British Beef Jerky.
Soon after, donkeys, goats & horses also joined the collection.
2011 - 2014
Eshottheugh Animal Park created
During this period, the Beef Jerky business funded the development of the animal collection as more exotic species moved in, like Meerkats & Raccoons. Started charging 50p admission.
2015
Became a Zoo
Officially gained a zoo license in 2015.
2018
Northumberland Country Zoo
With the addition of Canadian Lynx, Ring-tailed Lemurs and Otters, we decided to change the name to a more memorable & easy to spell name.
2020
Covid & Snow Leopards
Despite lockdown, we stuck to our development plans, creating a much larger cafe: Bear Falls Cafe.
We also welcomed our first EEP (EAZA Ex-situ Programmes) species: Snow Leopards. We also launched our Youtube Channel.
2021
Joined BIAZA
In 2021, we became full members of BIAZA, the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums. This membership was granted based on our higher standards for our animal husbandry, conservation and education.
2022
Home to Fruit Bats
In 2022, we joined another EEP with the acquisition of the Livingstone's Fruit Bats. With just over 100 of these animals in captivity, we are very privileged to share this breeding population with Jersey Zoo.
2024
North East England Tourism Awards
Won Gold for the Ethical, Responsible and Sustainable Tourism Award, and Bronze for the Large Visitor Attraction of the Year Award
2025
Gained EAZA Accreditation
In April 2025, we had a 3-day inspection by zoo professionals from zoos in the UK and Europe. EAZA Standards are stricter than the UK national zoo licensing requirements and the inspection covered all areas of modern zoo management, such as: quality of animal habitats and husbandry practices, animal welfare assessments, health and safety procedures, veterinary care, planning of species lists, animal transfers, education and research initiatives as well as involvement in wildlife conservation, among other elements.
