Northumberland Zoo

The zoo began with a tearoom that added poultry and livestock to its grounds in 2009.

The zoo opened in 2011 as Eshottheugh Animal Park, adding exotic species like meerkats.^[2] it changed its name to Northumberland County Zoo in 2015, before shortening it to its current name in 2018.^[3] It became a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums in 2021.^[4]

• The site began as a small tearoom established by the Bradley family, which later added poultry and livestock around 2009. Northumberland Zoo
• In 2011, it officially opened as Eshottheugh Animal Park, introducing more exotic species like meerkats and raccoons.^[5]
• The zoo gained its official zoo licence in June 2015. Northumberland Zoo
• In 2015, the name was changed to Northumberland County Zoo, and later in 2018 to Northumberland Zoo.
• In 2021, Northumberland Zoo became a full member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA).
• In 2025, the zoo achieved accreditation from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

• Native British Species – Eurasian harvest mouse and White-clawed crayfish
• Scottish wildcat
• Serval
• Asian small-clawed otter
• Snow leopard
• Raccoon
• Arctic fox
• Prairie dog
• Canada lynx
• American kestrel
• Tawny owl
• Barn owl
• Common buzzard
• Snowy owl
• Harris's hawk
• Bengal eagle owl
• Ural owl
• Great grey owl
• Common raven
• Asian brown owl
• Greater rhea
• Capybara House – Capybara^[6] and South American tapir
• Guinea pig
• European fallow deer
• Meerkat and Cape porcupine
• North American Porcupine and Siberian Chipmunk
• Grey parrot
• Fruit Bat Island – Livingstone's fruit bat^[7]
• Rainforest Lookout – Pygmy marmoset
• Red Squirrel

• Opening Hours: During winter, the zoo operates from 10:00 to 16:00, with last entry at 15:00.
• Ticket Prices: As of the latest schedule, adult tickets are £16.50 when booked in advance, and £17.00 at the gate. Prices for children and seniors vary.
• Accessibility:
  • The site is wheelchair- and pushchair-accessible in many areas, though some steep paths (like the "River Walk") may be difficult to navigate.
  • Free entry is available for one carer per paying guest, upon presentation of valid proof of eligibility.
• Visitor Rules: No visitor dogs are allowed on site (only assistance dogs).
• Facilities: There are picnicking areas, toilets (with disabled access and baby-changing), and hand-washing stations.

In September 2024, Northumberland Zoo reported that the name "Northumberland Zoo" had mistakenly appeared on NatWest bank statements for people who had never visited. Some believed the charges were fraud.^[8] NatWest later acknowledged a "third-party supplier" error, and said the bank corrected the way transactions appeared to customers. The incident raised concerns about reputational damage for the zoo, especially since many visitors believed they were being charged incorrectly.

• Memberships: The zoo is a full member of BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) since 2021.
• Accreditations: In 2025, the zoo achieved accreditation from the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), reflecting high standards in animal care, conservation, and education.^[9]
• Mission and Vision: According to its website, the zoo’s mission is to share a passion for wildlife and promote conservation, while its vision is to change perceptions about wildlife to encourage better environmental decisions.^[8]