Fota Wildlife Park
Munster
Fota Wildlife Park, located on Fota Island near Carrigtwohill in County Cork, Ireland, spans 100 acres and hosts nearly 30 mammal and 50 bird species. Opened in 1983, the park is renowned for its naturalistic habitats where animals such as ring-tailed lemurs and wallabies roam freely among visitors, while larger species like giraffes and bison live in spacious paddocks with unobtrusive barriers. The park emphasizes conservation through breeding programs and education via its dedicated Education, Conservation and Research Centre, which offers courses and summer camps for students. Notable features include the innovative Cheetah Run for behavioral enrichment and the Asian Sanctuary housing Sumatran tigers, Indian rhinos, lion-tailed macaques, and Asian lions. As a not-for-profit charity, Fota Wildlife Park is one of Ireland's top tourist attractions, acclaimed for family-friendly experiences and its commitment to endangered species protection.
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Tip: Visit during weekdays or outside peak holiday times for a quieter experience. Booking tickets online in advance is recommended, especially during weekends and school holidays. The park offers educational programs suitable for families and school groups. Check the official website for seasonal events and conservation talks.
Interesting facts
- •Fota Wildlife Park is one of the top 25 zoos/animal parks in Europe according to TripAdvisor Travellers Choice Awards 2015.
- •The park operates the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for the Sudan cheetah and the European Studbook for Lechwe species.
- •The Cheetah Run, installed in 2006, allows cheetahs to chase food suspended on a wire at speeds up to 65 km/h for exercise and enrichment.
- •Fota Wildlife Park had over 455,000 visitors in 2017, making it the eleventh most popular paid attraction in Ireland that year.
History
Fota Wildlife Park was established on Fota Island, once owned by the Smith-Barry family, descendants of 12th-century Normans.
The estate was sold to University College Cork in 1975.
Due to space limitations at Dublin Zoo, the Zoological Society of Ireland proposed creating a wildlife park at Fota in 1979, with land provided by the university.
Funded primarily by public subscriptions, the park opened in 1983, inaugurated by President Patrick Hillery.
Over the years, it expanded with additions like the Cheetah Run in 2006 and the Asian Sanctuary after its 30th anniversary in 2013, enhancing its conservation and visitor offerings.
Place Guide
Asian Sanctuary2013
A 27-acre habitat housing Sumatran tigers, Indian rhinos, lion-tailed macaques, and Asian lions, designed to mimic natural environments and support conservation efforts.
Cheetah Run2006
An innovative enrichment device suspending food on a wire traveling at speeds up to 65 km/h to encourage natural hunting behavior and exercise in cheetahs.
Education, Conservation and Research Centre (ECRC)2023
A centre dedicated to educational programs, conservation research, and public engagement, offering courses, summer camps, and outreach activities.
Contact
Phone: (021) 481 2678
