Animal Spotting Guide
Make the most of your next visit to the zoo.
We want every visit to be memorable. Sometimes though, the animals at the zoo can be harder to spot
That’s because our number one priority is making sure they live in authentic, enriching habitats that allow them to behave just as they would in the wild. That means plenty of space, shade, cover and choice – including the option to take time away from visitors if they want to.
We’ll never ask an animal to go somewhere just to be seen. Instead, let spotting them becomes part of the excitement of your day. It's a chance to use your eyes like a ranger would on safari! We've got some advice to help you on your animal-spotting adventure:
Plan your timings
Animals are most active at certain times of day. Try to visit their habitats when they're most likely to be roaming their space. Unsure? Ask our friendly volunteers - they know our zoo inside out!
They are often early morning or later in the day when it’s cooler.
These birds are usually busiest around mid-morning.
The best time to see a sun bear at the zoo is early morning or late afternoon, with the middle of the day often spent sleeping or resting in trees.
Try to see gibbons just as the zoo opens. You'll usually hear them before you see them - they have very loud calls!
Avoid the midday heat, which can cause African wild dogs to hide and sleep, making them less visible.
They are often early morning or later in the day when it’s cooler.
These birds are usually busiest around mid-morning.
The best time to see a sun bear at the zoo is early morning or late afternoon, with the middle of the day often spent sleeping or resting in trees.
Try to see gibbons just as the zoo opens. You'll usually hear them before you see them - they have very loud calls!
Avoid the midday heat, which can cause African wild dogs to hide and sleep, making them less visible.
Wait a while
Look a little longer
Did you know that the average person spends just seven seconds looking at a habitat before moving on? Our animals are experts at camouflage, so give yourself time to look carefully. You might be surprised at what you notice after a minute or two!
Make the most of your wait
While you’re scanning a habitat, take a look at the signs nearby. They’re packed with stories about the animals, their personalities, and the vital conservation work you’re supporting by visiting.
Learn the stories behind the scenes
If you see a sign saying a habitat is empty, there’s always a good reason. It could be that an animal is: receiving specialist veterinary care, pregnant or caring for young or in a space while essential maintenance is being carried out
Every decision is made with animal wellbeing in mind.
Use ranger skills to spot the animals
In our Heart of Africa zone you can learn about how rangers in the wild spot animals, and you can use these tips yourself at the zoo.
Orangutans often relax high in the trees.
Snow leopards often blend really well into their habitats.
Tigers often rest in these areas.
Okapis often enjoy the cover of dense planting.
Ripples on the water might mean a tapir or capybara is swimming nearby.
Orangutans often relax high in the trees.
Snow leopards often blend really well into their habitats.
Tigers often rest in these areas.
Okapis often enjoy the cover of dense planting.
Ripples on the water might mean a tapir or capybara is swimming nearby.
