The West Midlands Safari Park is a popular wildlife attraction located near Birmingham, UK. The park is currently owned by the Looping Group, a French amusement park operator that acquired the park in 2019.
The Looping Group – The New Owner of West Midlands Safari Park
The Looping Group is a French company that operates 15 amusement parks across Europe, including parks in France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, and Germany. The company was launched in 2011 and is expected to attract around 4.3 million visitors this year, generating a turnover exceeding €100 million.
The acquisition of the West Midlands Safari Park was a strategic move for the Looping Group, as it expanded the company’s portfolio of attractions and strengthened its presence in the UK market. The CEO of Looping, Laurent Bruloy, has expressed his excitement about the acquisition and his commitment to supporting and investing in the park’s development.
Key Facts about the West Midlands Safari Park
- The West Midlands Safari Park was first opened in 1973 and has been a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts and families for over 45 years.
- The park is spread over 80 hectares and is home to around 140 species, including elephants, rhinos, and lions.
- The park attracts around 700,000 visitors annually, making it one of the most popular wildlife attractions in the UK.
- In addition to the safari drive-through experience, the park features a large pedestrianized area with additional animal exhibits, talks, and encounters, as well as an Adventure Theme Park and an Explorers’ Play Park.
The Park’s Attractions and Exhibits
The West Midlands Safari Park offers a wide range of attractions and exhibits for visitors to explore, including:
- Safari Drive-Through Experience: A 6km safari drive-through where visitors can view African and Asian animals up close from the comfort of their own cars.
- African Village: An immersive exhibit that showcases the culture and traditions of Africa.
- Discovery Trail: A walking trail that allows visitors to explore the park’s diverse range of animal habitats.
- African Walking Trail: A guided walking tour that provides visitors with the opportunity to get up close and personal with some of the park’s smaller animal species.
- Ice Age Exhibit: A exhibit that transports visitors back in time to the Ice Age, featuring life-size models of prehistoric animals.
- Dinosaur Exhibit: A exhibit with more than 40 life-size dinosaur models, allowing visitors to explore the world of these ancient creatures.
- Adventure Theme Park: A theme park with a variety of rides and attractions for all ages.
- Explorers’ Play Park: A dedicated play area for younger visitors.
The Park’s Commitment to Conservation and Sustainability
The West Midlands Safari Park is committed to conservation and sustainability, and has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and support wildlife conservation efforts. These include:
- Participation in various breeding programs to help protect endangered species.
- Efforts to reduce energy consumption and waste through the use of renewable energy sources and recycling programs.
- Partnerships with local and international conservation organizations to support wildlife conservation projects.
Visiting the West Midlands Safari Park
The West Midlands Safari Park is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4 pm. Admission prices vary depending on the time of year and the type of ticket purchased, with discounts available for advanced booking online.
Overall, the West Midlands Safari Park is a unique and exciting wildlife attraction that offers visitors the opportunity to get up close and personal with a wide range of animal species, while also supporting important conservation efforts.
References:
– West Midlands Safari Park Company Information
– BBC News Article on the Park’s Sale
– Looping Group Website
– LinkedIn Profile of Christopher Kelly
– Kidderminster Shuttle Article on the Park’s Sale