Ponderosa Zoo, Wildlife center in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, England
Description
Ponderosa Zoo is a wildlife facility in Heckmondwike, West Yorkshire, home to over 120 animals such as serval cats, Scottish wildcats, lemurs, reindeer, coati, otters, raccoon dogs, and various birds and reptiles. Each species occupies separate enclosures designed to mimic their natural surroundings.
History
The facility began in 1991 when Maureen Cook converted a neglected dairy farm into a therapeutic center with animals. This transformation of unused farmland into a modern wildlife space marked an important local change.
Culture
The center hosts daily keeper talks where visitors learn directly about the animals and their behaviors. These interactive sessions shape how people understand the species living on the grounds.
Practical
The center welcomes visitors daily, with final entry happening in early afternoon, so arrive early if you want plenty of time with the animals. The paths are easy to walk and there are places to rest scattered across the grounds.
Did you know?
The grounds sit between two former railway lines and use a rehabilitated landfill site for animal enclosures. This surprising history shows how unused industrial sites can become living spaces.
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide. Discover all places nearby (West Yorkshire).
Parish Church of St Mary, Mirfield
1.7 km
Dewsbury Bus Museum
1.6 km
Crow Nest Park
1.6 km
Church of St John
1.3 km
Church of St Saviour
1.7 km
Church of St Matthew
2 km
Church of St James
1.5 km
Holy Spirit Roman Catholic Church
1.7 km
Dewsbury Cemetery
1.6 km
Masonic Hall And Gates, Gate Piers And Boundary Wall To Area
1.4 km
Upper Independent Chapel
1.8 km
Church of St Paulinus
2.1 km
Westborough Methodist Church
1.5 km
The Greenwood Centre
1.7 km
Old Hall Public House
2 km
Heckmondwike Library
1.4 km
South African War Memorial In Crow Nest Park, 300 Yards East Of Crow Nest House
1.7 km
Crow Nest House In Crow Nest Park
1.6 km
Milepost Outside Number 125
1.8 km
First And Second World War Memorial In Crow Nest Park, 100 Yards South Of Boothroyd Gate
1.5 km
Dewsbury Cemetery Cross of Sacrifice
1.6 km
Castle Hall Hill motte and bailey castle
1.6 km
Railway Bridge over River Calder at Ravensthorpe
2.1 km
Milestone, Huddersfield Road, beside Shepherd's Boy PH
2 km
Gatepiers And Gates At West Town Gate To Crow Nest Park
1.8 km
Boundary Stone Opposite Number 272
1.9 km
The Old Rectory
1.9 km
Milestone, Huddersfield Road, between Thornville Terrace & Thornville Street
1.9 kmDiscover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes