Dudley Zoo and Castle Avis 

First time we’ve visited. I love the wonderful architecture. Yes it’s in need of repainting but the zoo has done great things which what used to be very poor enclosures. They’ve added wooden hides, plates and climbing frames etc. The animals seemed relaxed and we didn’t see any pacing etc, instead there were animals playing, relaxing, foraging for food and sleeping. The keeper staff were really knowledgable, friendly and happy to chat. We’ll definitely be back.

Worked there for nearly 9 years and in the end had to leave as I completely disagreed with the way the organisation was being run. The zoo is in the worst state I've ever seen it and getting worse year by year. The flamingo enclosure fund raiser when the zoo claimed on the insurance was the last straw. Ethically disgusting

Visited yesterday…. I was most disappointed…. Hardly any animals to see….. empty cages , scruffy run down enclosures , The giraffe enclosure was awful. 2 giraffes standing trying to eat the fence …. 1 poor male lion looking very lonely …. I went 15 years ago and it was so much better … sadly it’s deteriorating…. Definitely won’t be visiting again.

If i could rate it no stars i would. I used to love this zoo years back. This is my second time coming this year and i dont think i be returning after ive brought the whole family a pass. Everytime we come the animals that we see (very little to be honest ) dont seem to look happy at all. Its not pushchair,wheelchair friendly either. Its smelt really bad in parts around the zoo. We as a family walked out after an hour and we decided to go somewhere else. You might just want to change it to dudley castle instead of dudley zoo. As a zoo the whole place could do with a referbishment to bring it upto scratch. We wont be returning.

This is my local zoo, and I've visited it many times over the years. Sadly, it seems to get worse every time I go.

The site feels run-down and in need of investment, and some areas are quite dirty. The toilets, in particular, were in a terrible state. We visited as soon as the zoo opened, so there was really no excuse for them not to have been cleaned. One of the toilets in the middle of the zoo was especially bad, with a sink that was black with grime.

The animals also appeared unhappy, and many of the enclosures are very basic. Some of them seem far too small for the animals they house, which is disappointing to see.

This zoo has so much potential, but it desperately needs money spent on maintenance and improvements. With the right investment and better upkeep, it could be a much better place for both the animals and visitors.

The most amazing Zookeeper experience at Dudley Zoo. Exceeded every expectation we had.

The whole experience from start to finish was so well organised and informative. Stacey, Katy, Jarrod, Ben, Toby, Chloe, Emma and Sally, all made our day unforgettable. Every single one we were mesmerised by their extensive knowledge in their section of animals and we learnt so so much. What really stood out was their genuine dedication and enthusiasm towards the animal's quality of life, animal welfare, conservation and protecting endangered species. You can really tell that they love their job and love the animals. Also a big thanks to Olivia in the gift shop who welcomed us and upon exit checked in on our day, she was lovely and professional. We were made to feel welcome throughout the whole day.

The amount we got to do and experience was incredible and lasted the whole day 10am-4pm! We have made so many memories that we will cherish forever.

All the staff should all be incredibly proud of the difference you make, not only to the animals in your care but also to everyone lucky enough to spend time with you. Your passion is infectious. Having been to Dudley Zoo numerous times, we never realised until now the hard work that goes on behind the scenes and how incredible the staff are at protecting these animals. We will definitely be returning.

We couldn't recommend the Zookeeper Experience more highly. It's a must do getting close to the animals and seeing all their amazing personalities!

Refused to honour £180 experience. Avoid

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Had an absolutely brilliant day at Dudley Zoo and Castle 🦁🐒

The whole zoo was exceptionally clean and well looked after, with plenty of space to walk around without feeling overcrowded. The animals all looked happy, healthy, and very well cared for, which was lovely to see.

The staff were friendly and helpful throughout the day, and the mix of animals, beautiful grounds, and the historic castle makes it a fantastic place to visit for all ages.

There’s so much to see and do that you can easily spend the whole day there, and it’s definitely worth every penny 👍

A brilliant attraction and somewhere we’ll definitely be visiting again

Stopped allowing visitors to eat their own food in the Oak Kitchen! Expensive £5.75 for a sausage roll etc Zoo looks tired and sad but holds wonderful memories of times past.

depressing enclosures, half of which were empty for some reason or another. terrible starting vibes as first thing you come across are flamingos - 30 of which are just in a closed off room which is too small for them. not pushchair friendly, many people including us had to lift and carry the pushchair down and around certain spots of the zoo or completely avoid certain areas. for example one part you are asked to leave your pushchair outside if you want to enter a section but who wants to just park up an expensive pushchair in a random area? how about making a safe and secure pushchair parking area if you have this area of the zoo as 99% are young families with children in prams. Also there are no nappy changing areas, i only saw one when approaching the exit after 3 hours. There are no feeding areas to be able to breastfeed my baby either. I say this because like i said, 99% of visitors are families with babies and young children so you’d think they would invest in making the zoo accessible and child friendly. Nothing exciting regarding food spots - only 1 called “street food” not halal friendly. Didn’t get the chance to see the castle which we would’ve liked to do but wouldn’t go there again as just not worth the money. Loved the penguin enclosure as it was the only one that looked like the animals were happy. The park/play areas for children looked super fun and nice including really nice sandpit. The exit was closed off as a way to force people to have to exit through the small souvenir shop causing massive queues and traffic to get out of the Zoo due to pushchairs etc. This also means it’s unavoidable if you don’t want to have ur child hound you for something from the shop as now you have no choice but to be stuck in there trying to get to your car. Overall a very underwhelming Zoo which needs to invest in making itself way more family friendly by creating zones to be able to feed and change babies as well as easier and less confusing pushchair routes clearly marked around the park.

I’ve been coming to this place since the 80s, minimum twice a year and I love it.
It’s not just the animals it’s how I feel when I’m at the zoo. So many memories here, good times and bad in my life and how the zoo always made me feel.
I remember the days when it almost closed and I’m so glad it didn’t.

The complaints about the Zoo are so pathetic and self serving. People who couldn’t do their experience days due to forgetting the date…. That’s not the Zoos fault, be more organised! And people saying the animals looked sad without any toys?? Do they have toys in the wild??
Yes I agree, animals shouldn’t be in cages, but as they are, we should support Zoos and keep them healthy. People often forget how important a role zoos play in conservation.
We are so obsessed with having our minds blown in this instant gratification world that we forget how simple things are when we just relax and clear our heads. That’s what the zoo is to me, somewhere to sit and be quiet and think. I have an annual pass, which I pay via direct debit, and I go on my days off in the week to sit and read and have a nice coffee. It’s already paid for itself 10 x over.
The poor staff in the queen mary cafe take so much abuse off big fatties whinging their deep fried chips aren’t big enough portions or their flabby kids aren’t filled with enough chocolate or sweets…it’s disgraceful.
An ever aggressive, miserable, ungrateful society we have become.

The problem is, most people visit with a car full of spoiled sugar fuelled children expecting to be dazzled and knocked bandy by flashing lights and tacky nonsense, I just come here to sit on the grass and relax, I avoid half terms etc like the plague and just enjoy some peace and quiet especially on a sunny day.

If you come midweek and just lay down with a book and a nice drink it’s so relaxing and at £3 odd a month via direct debit, you can’t beat it.
Sometimes midweek it’s so quiet and peaceful i always leave feeling relaxed and chilled out,

We come often.. although there are lots of hills its a nice place to visit..lots of animals and friendly staff. We recently came to see santa, we weren't rushed and staff happily took photos of me and my daughter for me.

Really sad to see the zoo looking so unkempt and tired
The animals looked cared for but just “sad”
We went up as far as the Sumatran tiger enclosure then just didn’t have the heart to continue
The children were asking why the giraffes were eating stick ( their browse had finished )
I understand that they are doing the very best they can for the animals but it’s all really depressing

use to go years ago and it was ok but then went from ok to just terrible, poor animals look so sad, iv never forgot hoe a baby bear was in this tiny cage screaming for his mom while she was in a bit larger cage so distressed it broke my heart, ill never go back again ,years ago the lottery gave money to help renovate the castle, REALLY, what about something living like those poor animals, staff are rude and lazy, grounds are shabby, nope ill not pay again to go where it upsets me

It breaks my heart to read so many very unfair negative reviews about Dudley zoo.
Sadly these reviews come as a result of a vast amount of ignorance and oversight.
If people paid attention to the zoo news and web page before visiting they would understand why certain animals are alone. Poor Orba the sea lion sadly died earlier in the year ,his lady companion cannot just have a replacement thrown in with her it would cause both animals stress, she's also not a young lady and has eyesight issues.
The giraffe's have 2 paddocks as well as an indoor space, I saw a comment saying the paddock was tiny .....what nonscence.
In response to the person commenting on the metal poles next to the Orangs enclosure, they are a representation of how we humans have destroyed their habitats, if you stopped and read the signs you would be aware.
As for the comments regarding the team, they care passionately and will happily answer your questions, they really are a fountain of knowledge.
The animals do receive enrichment, it may not be every day of the week, we all need some down time and over stimulation can be as bad as too little.
And finally these are wild animals being cared for and protected, they do as they please they are not bloody performers so to those who complain that they're not doing anything; just maybe they had a busy day previously and want a relaxing day ..... Just as we humans do, if you want action go to a sports event or the cinema. The animals are not there for our entertainment but for their survival and for our education, if you see something funny that's a bonus.
Dudley Zoo deserves more respect and appreciation than it receives.
We are members and will be renewing for the next year. It is worth every penny of our support.
PLEASE if/when you visit take the time to read the available information, scan the QR codes talk to the keepers it may just help you enjoy your day more, understand better and leave appreciating what Dudley Zoo has achieved.
Oh I almost forgot, please be patient with the chair lift, it may look a bit of a relic but even that has history.

You'll find more information on the zoos website.
And also please remember Dudley Zoo is a Charity!

Great day my grandson loved it he's 5 the cafe near the castle was a nightmare 6 staff who don't have a clue standing around talking when queues are out the door all going really slow all you get is a dirty look when u ask them a question worse part was in the rides on the swings for the young ones Asian girl helped all the Asian child get of ajust left my grandson to fall of the swing didn't even try to help him she shouldn't be on there all she did was give me a dirty look and say something in her language and smiling so rude I did report to manager she was the rudest person I've ever ment

Great day out except rubber fish n chips we could not stop laughing never add food like that but still a great day🤣🤣🥰🤣🥰

Went today. First time in years. £25 each which was shocking but I thought no it’s a day out I’d only end up using it for plants. The enclosures are dreadful. Empty pools or stagnant water. Empty enclosures. Webcams not working. Miserable looking animals no toys or anything for them. There’s horrible looking metal tubes sticking out at all angles by the orangutan enclosure. Piles a toilet in the capybara enclosure it stank. Just concrete enclosures no comfort. Poor otters stuck in stagnant water. Most of the castle was closed. I won’t go again it’s not worth the money at all. Some random zoo keeper talking on aloud speaker about the animals that was of an annoyance than a talk. I get that they’re doing work but there’s work vans and materials everywhere. Just awful.

Enjoyed the day the food in the restaurant is very expensive tho £40 for a pizza. We had 2 rollover hotdogs for about £14 same price I think for two ciders. Had a nice work around them £20 on the kids rides by the entrance.

Not as good as it used to be, we have been coming here since I was a kid and used to love it but it's starting to show it's age with crumbled looking enclosures and empty enclosures.

The animals we did see were lovely, the bird aviary where you feed the birds was closed and the stairlift is also not in use.