Drayton Manor Zoo
Welcome to Drayton Manor Zoo, where the wonders of the wild await your discovery!
Nestled in the heart of Drayton Manor Resort, our zoo offers a captivating experience for all ages. Explore carefully curated exhibits showcasing a diverse range of creatures, from majestic big cats to playful primates.
Join us in fostering a love for nature, learning about conservation, and celebrating the extraordinary beauty of the animal kingdom. Embark on a journey of discovery at Drayton Manor Zoo – where every visit supports our commitment to wildlife conservation.
Our Animals
Drayton Manor Zoo is a fascinating place to explore with 15 acres of open plan zoo. It's home to over 500 animals from all over the world, including endangered species.
Dino Trail
Embark on a journey through time in our Dino Trail! Encounter lifelike dinosaurs, lush landscapes, and immersive exhibits that bring the prehistoric world to life. Perfect for adventurers of all ages, it's an educational and thrilling experience you won't forget!
Zoo Experiences
Go wild with our unique and unforgettable animal experiences – perfect as a treat for yourself or a gift for others!
If you’re an animal lover, or just want to get up close and personal with some of our fascinating animals, then we have the perfect experience for you.
Conservation
Here at Drayton Manor Zoo, we work with a whole host of incredible animal and wildlife field programmes to support their individual mission; such as Red Panda Network, World Parrot Trust and Wildcatas Conservation Alliance.
To complete an internship at our zoo, you must be enrolled on to a relevant Level 6 or higher animal course at the time of your placement and conducting an internship as part of an industrial or sandwich year placement.
Applications for internships are currently open.
Drayton Manor Zoo is open to collaboration on research projects for academic, zoological, and professional research institutions and researchers.
Drayton Manor Zoo is dedicated to encouraging, supporting and conducting research that improves captive animal management, benefits conservation programmes and contributes to the body of scientific knowledge about animals and their natural habitats.
Drayton Manor Zoo’s research includes both animal-based studies and visitor studies. Animal-based studies can focus on: behaviour, welfare, nutrition, husbandry, environmental enrichment, ecology, reproduction & conservation.
All animal-based research undertaken in the Zoo is non-invasive and mostly conducted through observation of the animals in their captive environment.
For further information about research at Drayton Manor Zoo, please contact: animalrecords@draytonmanor.co.uk
Application Process
The Research Coordinator works closely with animal management staff and the Education team to identify priority topics and Drayton Manor Zoo encourages applications for research within these priority areas.
Applications focusing on priority topics are more likely to be approved. To receive a copy of this priority list, please email: animalrecords@draytonmanor.co.uk
All applications received will be assessed by the Research Coordinator and Head of Zoo Operations. Animal Management staff will accept applications on the basis of the subject area, including the value to science, ethical considerations, and the logistics of the study, including staff time and resources.
Please see the BIAZA Research Resources for more details about research in BIAZA institutes, as well as resources and other information to help you develop your research project.
All researchers wishing to conduct a project at, or in association with Drayton Manor Zoo, must submit an application form. (See the Research Handbook for the application form & Other Key Information)
All applications should be sent to the Research Coordinator a minimum of three month’s in advance of the perspective start date.
Research Handbook
Please read the research handbook.
This document details the guidelines and processes all researchers must follow whilst conducting research at Drayton Manor Zoo. Details of the research fee are also included in the handbook.
Click here to download the Drayton Manor Zoo Research Handbook
