Proudly Guilty – The Stories Behind Marwell Zoo
As a conservation charity, some of the things we get criticised for are the things we’re most proud of.
“We didn’t see enough animals.”
“The habitats are overgrown.”
“The animals were too hard to find.”
“There’s lots of walking.”
“Boring. No rollercoasters or rides.”
“Tired and run down.”
We take all feedback seriously, and while we’re always listening and looking at where we can do better, sometimes there’s more behind a complaint than you might think.
We’re a conservation charity, and the choices we make at Marwell are shaped by animal welfare, conservation and supporting nature’s recovery.
That means giving animals space and choice. Creating habitats that encourage natural behaviours. Giving nature room to grow. Investing in the zoo and the experience we give our guests. And sometimes asking our visitors to slow down and look a little closer.
So, are we guilty?
GUILTY. PROUDLY.
THE EVIDENCE
GUILTY #1: MASSIVE HABITATS
“One star. It’s rubbish, I didn’t see any animals”
Why we’re Proudly Guilty
Animal welfare is our top priority. Giving them large, complex habitats means giving them the opportunity to roam, explore, rest, hide and choose where they spend their time.
Sometimes that means you won’t see them straight away. Take your time, come back later or grab a pair of binoculars.
Our habitats are built for the animals first – and sometimes the best animal encounters are worth waiting for.
Why does it matter?
Marwell Wildlife is a conservation charity.
Proudly Guilty isn’t about dismissing criticism. It’s about explaining some of the choices we make – and encouraging all of us to slow down, look closer and notice a little more of the nature around us.
Every visit, membership, coffee, gift and donation helps us continue what we do – from caring for the animals here at Marwell Zoo and creating and improving their habitats, to hands-on conservation projects in the UK and around the world.
It also helps us keep investing in Marwell itself – improving habitats, gardens, facilities and the experience we give our guests.
So, thank you for visiting, supporting us and giving us your feedback. We’ll keep listening, we’ll keep improving – and occasionally, we’ll be Proudly Guilty.
