Call of the Wild Zoo

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Walk on the wild side at Call of the Wild Zoo in Chelmsford

Located on the former site of Tropical Wings Zoo, Call of the Wild Zoo in Chelmsford is a charming, family-friendly day out in the animal kingdom! With 500+ animals and 80+ species including rare and exotic animals, the zoo maintains a strong focus on education and conservation, meaning every visit makes a difference to the world of wild animals.

What's On at Call of the Wild Zoo in Essex?

From binturongs and African penguins to lemurs and meerkats, the zoo offers much more than a typical day out - it offers a glimpse into the animal kingdom and ecosystems, showing the difference that we can make if we work together to protect these extraordinary species and habitats. 

  • See over 80 species including lemurs, meerkats, otters, squirrel monkeys, birds of prey and African-crested porcupines
  • Explore the Tropical House, home to free-flying butterflies and birds in a rainforest-like setting
  • Visit special Walkthrough areas and roam with wallabies and meerkats
  • Get up-close to the animal kingdom with hands-on experiences
  • Learn about conservation and find out how you can help to protect endangered species
  • Listen to Animal Talks and watch Feeding Sessions live
  • Let the little ones run wild on the jungle-themed soft play area
  • Enjoy special seasonal events throughout the year
  • Feeling peckish? Treat your tastebuds to some hot and cold food and drink from the outdoor food vendor, or bring your own picnic and get comfortable at a picnic table

What animals can you see at Call of the Wild Zoo in Chelmsford?

Call of the Wild Zoo is home to over 500 animals across 80+ species, offering a vibrant mix of mammals, birds, reptiles, and more. Here's a list of some of the fascinating residents you can meet!

  • Primates: Ring-tailed lemurs, Black and white ruffed lemurs, Brown lemurs, Black and white colobus monkeys, Squirrel monkeys, Common marmosets, Coatis
  • Mammals: Meerkats, Servals, Wallabies, Chapman's zebra, American red squirrels, Armadillos, Kune kune pigs, Striped skunks, Binturong, Otters
  • Birds: Hyacinth macaws, Blue and gold macaws, African grey parrots, Victoria crowned pigeons, Laughing kookaburras, Flamingos, Harris hawk, Tawny owl, Barn owl, Bengal eagle owl, Striated caracara, African penguins
  • Reptiles & Amphibians: Spectacled caimans. Caiman lizard, Sailfin lizard, Nile monitor, Green iguana, False gharial crocodile,
  • And that’s just scratching the surface! The zoo is constantly expanding, including a new Asia section that will feature even more exotic species.

Get ready for a day out at Call of the Wild Zoo, the zoo with a personal touch! Small enough to explore in a few hours, but packed with thoughtful details and passionate staff, book tickets today and have them delivered instantly via email & SMS. 

Location

Call of the Wild Zoo

Wickford Rd,
South Woodham Ferrers,
Chelmsford,
CM3 5QZ
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How to find us

Call of the Wild Zoo is located just on the outskirts of South Woodham Ferrers, Essex.

  • Parking: Car parking is free and disabled car parking spaces are available close to the zoo entrance. NB Blue badges must be displayed to use the disabled parking area.

By Car:

  • From Chelmsford:
  • Take the A130 towards Southend
  • Exit where signposted for South Woodham Ferrers which brings you to a roundabout
  • Take the 1st exit which brings you immediately to a 2nd roundabout
  • Take the 4th exit which is the A132 and after approximately 2 miles (before you reach the roundabout)
  • Turn left into Wickford Road (you will see a brown tourist information sign) and Call of the Wild are situated immediately on the right
  • From Southend:
  • Take the A130 towards Chelmsford, exit where signposted for South Woodham Ferrers at the end of the slip road turn left at the traffic lights, you will immediately come to a roundabout
  • Take the 3rd exit which is the A132 and after approximately 2 miles (before you reach the roundabout)
  • Turn left into Wickford Road (you will see a brown tourist information sign) and Call of the Wild are situated immediately on the right

By Train:

  • South Woodham Ferrers train station can be reached from the Liverpool Street services from London, changing at Wickford to the branch line to Southminster, alighting at South Woodham Ferrers or Southend Victoria services from Southend to Wickford and changing to the branch line to Southminster, alighting at South Woodham Ferrers

  • Come out of the train station and turn left onto Hullbridge Road, walk to the end of this road and turn left onto Burnham Road and walk to the roundabout bear left behind the main road into the Old Wickford Road walking past a petrol station and then the Whalebone pub and the road will narrow to a footpath for a short distance behind the Shaw Farm pub, cross the road, bear right and walk along the path to the roundabout and cross the road again and bear left and walk along the path into Wickford Road and you will find Call of the Wild immediately on the right. The walk from the bus stop to the zoo is approximately 20 minutes.

By Bus:

  • From Chelmsford:
  • Take the No 36 bus operated by FirstGroup to South Woodham Ferrers alighting at  the ‘Nursery stop’ which is 1 stop before the train station
  • You will then need to cross the road, and walk back towards the roundabout, bear left behind the main road into the Old Wickford Road walking past a petrol station and then the Whalebone pub and the road will narrow to a footpath for a short distance behind the Shaw Farm pub, cross the road, bear right and walk along the path to the roundabout and cross the road again and bear left and walk along the path into Wickford Road and you will find Call of the Wild immediately on the right. The walk from the bus stop to the zoo is approximately 10 minutes.
  • From Basildon:
  • Take the No 237 operated by NIBS, alighting at the Call of the Wild Zoo bus stop which is right outside.
Facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Parking
  • Food and drink
  • Assistance dog-friendly
More Info
Is Call of the Wild Zoo wheelchair accessible?

Call of the Wild Zoo is wheelchair and pushchair accessible in most parts of the zoo.

Please note: There are some parts that are uneven, but still accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs. There is also plenty of seating located around the site. 

  • Wheelchair rental is available for a £20 refundable deposit, and are let out on a 'first-come, first-served' basis.
  • There is plenty of disabled car parking spaces for visitors with a valid permit. Disabled spaces are located directly outside the park entrance.
  • Accessible toilets are available onsite.
  • Assistance dogs are permitted. Please ensure they are kept on a tight lead. Owners are responsible for cleaning up. 
What age is Call of the Wild Zoo suitable for?

Call of the Wild Zoo is suitable for all ages! Under 16's must be accompanied by an adult.

  • PLUS: Children under 2 years old are entitled to FREE ENTRY!
Is there food and drink available at Call of the Wild Zoo?

Yes, there is a great range of food and drink available at Call of the Wild Zoo. Find the outdoor food outlet and enjoy a selection of hot and cold food options!

You are also welcome to bring your own picnics to enjoy at any of the onsite picnic tables. 

What time should you arrive at Call of the Wild Zoo?

You can visit Call of the Wild Zoo anytime from the time stated on your ticket up until one hour before the zoo closes. 

  • Please note: Tickets are non-refundable, non-exchangeable as per Call of the Wild Zoo's terms and conditions so prebooked tickets are only valid on the specified date.

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