West Midland Safari and Leisure Park is a safari park

Safari park

A safari park, sometimes known as a wildlife park, is a zoo-like commercial tourist attraction where visitors can drive in their own vehicles or ride in vehicles provided by the facility to observe freely roaming animals...

 located in Bewdley

Bewdley

Bewdley is a town and civil parish in the Wyre Forest District of Worcestershire, England, along the Severn Valley a few miles to the west of Kidderminster...

 in Worcestershire

Worcestershire

Worcestershire is a non-metropolitan county, established in antiquity, located in the West Midlands region of England. For Eurostat purposes it is a NUTS 3 region and is one of three counties that comprise the "Herefordshire, Worcestershire and Warwickshire" NUTS 2 region...

, England

England

England is a country that is part of the United Kingdom. It shares land borders with Scotland to the north and Wales to the west; the Irish Sea is to the north west, the Celtic Sea to the south west, with the North Sea to the east and the English Channel to the south separating it from continental...

. It was opened in 1973.

The park holds over 165 species of exotic animals. The 4 miles (6.4 km) safari

Safari

A safari is an overland journey, usually a trip by tourists to Africa. Traditionally, the term is used for a big-game hunt, but today the term often refers to a trip taken not for the purposes of hunting, but to observe and photograph animals and other wildlife.-Etymology:Entering the English...

 contains about 600 animals from around 30 different species from Europe

Europe

Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...

, Africa

Africa

Africa is the world's second largest and second most populous continent, after Asia. At about 30.2 million km² including adjacent islands, it covers 6% of the Earth's total surface area and 20.4% of the total land area...

, Asia

Asia

Asia is the world's largest and most populous continent, located primarily in the eastern and northern hemispheres. It covers 8.7% of the Earth's total surface area and with approximately 3.879 billion people, it hosts 60% of the world's current human population...

 and Australasia

Australasia

Australasia is a region of Oceania comprising Australia, New Zealand, the island of New Guinea, and neighbouring islands in the Pacific Ocean. The term was coined by Charles de Brosses in Histoire des navigations aux terres australes...

. Along with the 4 mile-safari is a large amusement park is a 'Discovery Trail' including reptile and insect houses. There is also access to Spring Grove House, the grounds of which the park is built in.

The park is a member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums

British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums

The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums is a conservation, education and scientific wildlife charity. Founded in 1966 within the zoo and aquarium community to see the principles and practices of animal management adopted in the British Isles...

 (BIAZA) and the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria

European Association of Zoos and Aquaria

-External links:*...

 (EAZA). The wolf enclosure in the safari is a heathland Site of Special Scientific Interest

Site of Special Scientific Interest

A Site of Special Scientific Interest is a conservation designation denoting a protected area in the United Kingdom. SSSIs are the basic building block of site-based nature conservation legislation and most other legal nature/geological conservation designations in Great Britain are based upon...

 (SSSI).

The park contains the largest pride of White Lions

White lion

The white lion is occasionally found in wildlife reserves in South Africa and is a rare color mutation of the Kruger subspecies of lion . It has been perpetuated by selective breeding in zoos around the world...

, and the largest walk-through lemur exhibit in the UK.

Animal Reserves

The 4-mile safari contains offers visitors the chance to come face-to-face with around 30 species of exotic animals. There is also the opportunity to feed some of the animals, with special food that can be bought on entry to the park.

African Reserve

• Addax
• Ankole-Watusi
• Blue Wildebeest
• Burchell's Zebra
• Common Eland
• Ellipsen Waterbuck
• Giraffe
• Ostrich
  Ostrich
  The Ostrich is one or two species of large flightless birds native to Africa, the only living member of the genus Struthio. Some analyses indicate that the Somali Ostrich may be better considered a full species apart from the Common Ostrich, but most taxonomists consider it to be a...
  
  
• Red Lechwe
• White Rhinoceros

Wallaby Reserve

• Bennett's Wallaby
• Reindeer

Wolf Woods

• Grey Wolf

Asian Reserve

• Anoa
  Anoa
  Anoa, also known as Dwarf Buffalo and Sapiutan, are a subgenus of Bubalus comprising two species native to Indonesia: the Mountain Anoa and the Lowland Anoa . Both live in undisturbed rainforest, and are essentially miniature water buffalo...
  
  
• Barasingha
• Blackbuck
• Chital
• Indian Rhinoceros
• Sambar
• Visayan Spotted Deer
• Wild Water Buffalo

Bengal Tiger Reserve

• Bengal Tiger

Cheetah Plains

• Cheetah

African Wild Dog Reserve

• African Wild Dog

African Lion Reserve

• African Lion
• White Lion
  White lion
  The white lion is occasionally found in wildlife reserves in South Africa and is a rare color mutation of the Kruger subspecies of lion . It has been perpetuated by selective breeding in zoos around the world...
  
  

Eurasian Reserve

• Bactrian Camel
• Banteng
• Gemsbok
• Nilgai
• Père David's Deer

Elephant Reserve

• African Elephant
• Barbary Sheep

Discovery Trail

Discovery Trail consists of mostly indoor exhibits, and includes animal encounters throughout the day where staff allows visitors to get up close and personal to animals found in the Discovery Trail.

Sea Lion Theatre
The park's California Sea Lions show off their tricks in a 525 seat theatre.

Animal Encounters
Staff allow visitors to get up close and personal to animals found in the Discovery Trail.

Creepy Crawlies
The park's insect house, which includes Goliath Bird-Eater Spiders, Leafcutter Ants

Leafcutter ant

Leafcutter ants, a non-generic name, are any of 47 species of leaf-chewing ants belonging to the two genera Atta and Acromyrmex.These species of tropical, fungus-growing ants are all endemic to South, Central America, Mexico and parts of the southern United States.The Acromyrmex and Atta ants have...

, Locusts

Locust

Locusts are the swarming phase of short-horned grasshoppers of the family Acrididae. These are species that can breed rapidly under suitable conditions and subsequently become gregarious and migratory...

, Madagascar Hissing Cockroaches and Scorpions

Scorpion

Scorpions are predatory arthropod animals of the order Scorpiones within the class Arachnida. They have eight legs and are easily recognized by the pair of grasping claws and the narrow, segmented tail, often carried in a characteristic forward curve over the back, ending with a venomous stinger...

 amongst many other creepy crawlies.

Twilight Cave
The Twilight Cave is a walk-through exhibit, containing free-flying bats. There is also a small exhibit featuring other nocturnal habitats in the Twilight Cave. Animals found in the Twilight Cave include Aye-Aye, Malagasy Giant Rat, Rodrigues Flying Fox, and Seba's Short-Tailed Bat.

SeaQuarium
The park's aquarium which includes Chocolate Chip Stars

Nidorellia armata

Nidorellia armata is a species of starfish. It is the only species in the genus Nidorellia. N. armata can be found in tropical waters clinging on corals and rocky reefs; and are sometimes kept as pets in home marine aquariums.-External links:* ...

, Piranhas

Piranha

A piranha or piraña is a member of family Characidae in order Characiformes, an omnivorous freshwater fish that inhabits South American rivers. In Venezuela, they are called caribes...

 and Stone Fish

Synanceia

Synanceia is a genus of fish of the family Synanceiidae, the Stonefishes, whose members are venomous, dangerous, and even fatal to humans. It is the most venomous fish in the world. They are found in the coastal regions of Indo-Pacific oceans....

, amongst many other species of fish.

Mark O'Shea's Reptile World
The park's reptile house, which includes Boas, Cobras

Cobra

Cobra is a venomous snake belonging to the family Elapidae. However, not all snakes commonly referred to as cobras are of the same genus, or even of the same family. The name is short for cobra capo or capa Snake, which is Portuguese for "snake with hood", or "hood-snake"...

, Crocodiles

Crocodile

A crocodile is any species belonging to the family Crocodylidae . The term can also be used more loosely to include all extant members of the order Crocodilia: i.e...

, Dart Frogs

Poison dart frog

Poison dart frog is the common name of a group of frogs in the family Dendrobatidae which are native to Central and South America. These species are diurnal and often have brightly-colored bodies...

, Pythons

Python (genus)

Python, from the Greek word , is a genus of non-venomous pythons found in Africa, Asia and Australia. Currently, 7 species are recognised. A member of this group, P. reticulatus, is among the longest snakes known.-Geographic range:...

, Rattlesnakes

Rattlesnake

Rattlesnakes are a group of venomous snakes of the genera Crotalus and Sistrurus of the subfamily Crotalinae . There are 32 known species of rattlesnake, with between 65-70 subspecies, all native to the Americas, ranging from southern Alberta and southern British Columbia in Canada to Central...

, Snapping Turtles

Chelydridae

Chelydridae is a family of turtles which has seven extinct and two extant genera. The extant genera are Chelydra the snapping turtles, and its larger relative Macrochelys, of which the Alligator Snapping Turtle is the only species. Both are endemic to the Western Hemisphere...

 and Vipers

Viperidae

The Viperidae are a family of venomous snakes found all over the world, except in Antarctica, Australia, Ireland, Madagascar, Hawaii, various other isolated islands, and above the Arctic Circle. All have relatively long, hinged fangs that permit deep penetration and injection of venom. Four...

 amongst many other reptiles and amphibians.

Hippo Lakes
The hippo lakes can be viewed from above via the viewing platform, allowing you to see the largest family group of hippos in the UK. The species found at the park are the Common Hippopotamus

Hippopotamus

The hippopotamus , or hippo, from the ancient Greek for "river horse" , is a large, mostly herbivorous mammal in sub-Saharan Africa, and one of only two extant species in the family Hippopotamidae After the elephant and rhinoceros, the hippopotamus is the third largest land mammal and the heaviest...

.

Penguin Cove

Situated in the Discovery Trail, this exhibit shows off the park's Humboldt Penguins. The exhibit contains a semi-submerged beach, pool, sculptures, penguin house and public viewing areas.

African Village & Lemur Woods

African Village
The African Village is an interactive walk-through area, allowing visitors to see African village wildlife and a replica African Village Home. The African Village contains a walk-through area containing Cameroon Sheep

Cameroon (sheep)

The Cameroon is a domesticated breed of sheep from west Africa but has been exported to Europe. As of 2008, there were less than 650 but the population was increasing.-Characteristics:...

, Pygmy Goats

Pygmy goat

A pygmy goat is a small breed of domestic goat. Although they produce a very large amount of milk for their size, and can be eaten, pygmy goats are not typically used for milk or meat, unlike larger dairy and meat goat breeds. Pygmy goats tend to be more robust and breed more continually throughout...

 and Somali Sheep

Somali sheep

The Somali sheep, occasionally known as the Berbera Blackhead, is a hair sheep native to Somalia. The animal is reared primarily for meat production and it is one of the major exports of the Somali economy.-Appearance:...

.

Lemur Woods
In the wooded area towards the rear of the amusement park can be found the largest walk-through lemur exhibit in the UK. The lemurs are free to roam around the walkway and the woods, making this an interactive experience for visitors. There are three species of lemur on display in the woods:

• Red-Bellied Lemur
• Ring-Tailed Lemur
• White-Headed Lemur

Meet The Meerkats
Also included in this exhibit is a group of Meerkats. Visitors are able to see them up close as they explore their surroundings.

Rides & Attractions

There are many rides and attractions found in the amusement park. Wristbands can be bought from the kiosk to allow an unlimited number of rides. However, tickets are also available for purchase for individual rides.
Cubs Kingdom
Cubs Kingdom contains seven rides and attractions for young children to use. These are:

• Animal Ark
• Flying Pandas
• Moroccan Magic Carpet
• Red Baron
• Rhino Roundabout
• Serengeti Gallopers
• Simba Kiddies Train

Family Fun
These rides are designed for the whole family, from youngsters to the elderly.

• African Big Apple Coaster
• Congo Carousel
• Desert Convoy
• Dr Umboto's Catacombs
• Dune Dashers
• Flying Lion Kings
• Jumbo Parade
• Jungle Cat Dodgems
• Jungle Swings
• Rescue Rangers
• Slippery Snake Slide

Thrill Rides
For the thrillseekers, these rides are not for the faint-hearted.

• Black Fly
• Pirate Ship
• Rhino Rollercoaster
• Twister Coaster
• Venom Tower Drop
• Wild River Rafting
• Zambezi Water Splash

Food
Found throughout the amusement area are many eateries. These include cafes, such as Explorer's Cafe, fast food restaurants, such as Botswana Burger Company and food stalls that are dotted around the rides.

Souvenirs
There are a number of gift shops found in the amusement area, and these sell a number of products, from guide books to soft toys.

Safari Express Railway
A narrow gauge railway runs between the main car park and the amusement area. Services are operated by a 2-8-0 steam outline diesel locomotive, built by Severn Lamb

Severn Lamb

Severn Lamb, sometimes known as Severn-Lamb, are a manufacturers of various forms of transport systems and equipment, principally aimed at the leisure market. They are based at Alcester in the English county of Warwickshire, but sell their products world-wide.The company was founded by Peter Severn...

 in 1979. The engine usually runs chimney first to the amusement area, running tender first on the return trip. This railway, when operating, provides a scenic ride between the amusement area and the car park. The track makes its way along the back of the walkways and crosses access-roads via level crossings. The line then rounds the Hippo enclosure before arriving at its terminus adjacent to the African Big Apple Coaster.

Conservation

The park contains many animals that are on the IUCN's endangered list. These animals include Anoa

Anoa

Anoa, also known as Dwarf Buffalo and Sapiutan, are a subgenus of Bubalus comprising two species native to Indonesia: the Mountain Anoa and the Lowland Anoa . Both live in undisturbed rainforest, and are essentially miniature water buffalo...

, Visayan Spotted Deer, Wild Water Buffalo, Bengal Tiger, African Wild Dog, Banteng and Malagasy Giant Rat . The park also holds the critically endangered Addax, Bactrian Camel and Rodrigues Flying Fox. The Père David's Deer

Père David's Deer

Père David's Deer, Elaphurus davidianus, also known as the Milu , is a species of deer known only in captivity. It prefers marshland, and is believed to be native to the subtropics of China. It grazes on a mixture of grass and water plants. It is the only extant member of the genus Elaphurus...

is also housed at the park, and this species is extinct in the wild.