West Midland Safari Park is home to the largest pod of hippos in the UK, with a total of 12 individuals. These semi-aquatic mammals are a captivating attraction for visitors, offering a unique opportunity to observe their natural behaviors and adaptations up close.
The Hippo Lakes Exhibit
The park’s Hippo Lakes exhibit is designed to provide the perfect environment for these impressive creatures. The enclosure encourages the hippos to graze on land, allowing visitors to witness their powerful jaws and teeth, which are adapted for crushing and grinding vegetation.
Hippo Feeding Sessions
One of the most popular attractions at West Midland Safari Park is the hippo feeding sessions. During these sessions, visitors can observe the hippos’ feeding habits and learn more about their diet from the park’s knowledgeable keepers. This experience provides a fascinating insight into the hippos’ daily routines and the adaptations that enable them to thrive in their aquatic habitat.
Hurtling Hippos Roller Coaster
In addition to the Hippo Lakes exhibit, the park also features a roller coaster ride called Hurtling Hippos. This thrilling attraction has been operating at the park since 1995 and offers a unique experience for visitors, with the hippos taking riders for a spin.
Visiting West Midland Safari Park
For those planning a visit to West Midland Safari Park, it’s important to note that the park is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm, with last admission at 4 pm. The park offers a range of ticket options, including day tickets, annual passes, and group rates, which can be purchased online or at the park’s entrance.
Ticket Prices
- Adult day ticket: £24.00
- Child (ages 3-15) day ticket: £19.00
- Family tickets: £72.00 to £95.00 (depending on the number of adults and children)
- Annual passes: £65.00 for adults, £55.00 for children
Additional Experiences
West Midland Safari Park offers a range of additional experiences for visitors, including:
- Close-up animal encounters
- Behind-the-scenes tours
- Special events throughout the year
Visitors can also find a variety of dining options and souvenir shops throughout the park.
Conclusion
West Midland Safari Park’s Hippo Lakes exhibit provides a unique and captivating experience for visitors, offering the opportunity to observe the UK’s largest pod of hippos in their natural habitat. From the impressive feeding sessions to the thrilling Hurtling Hippos roller coaster, the park offers a diverse range of attractions and experiences that cater to visitors of all ages.
References:
– West Midland Safari Park. (n.d.). Attraction details: Hippo Lakes. Retrieved from https://www.wmsp.co.uk/attraction-details/hippo-lakes
– West Midland Safari Park. (n.d.). Attraction details: Hurtling Hippos. Retrieved from https://www.wmsp.co.uk/attraction-details/hurtling-hippos
– West Midland Safari Park. (2021, January 28). Feeding the Hippos at West Midland Safari Park [Video]. YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jakvWUOgk54
– Coasterpedia. (n.d.). Hurtling Hippos. Retrieved from https://coasterpedia.net/wiki/Hurtling_Hippos
– Safari Lodges. (n.d.). News – Coming Soon at Safari Lodges | West Midland Safari Park. Retrieved from https://www.safari-lodges.co.uk/news/