Go wild for Love your Zoo Week this May half-term

May 9, 2025

A graphic design of a penguin next to a tree full of hearts with the BIAZA Love Your Zoo logo

Celebrating everything that makes zoos special, we’re inviting explorers to discover their wild side this May half-term with exciting adventures, fun activities and plenty of animal magic.

Love Your Zoo Week is back from 24 May until 1 June 2025, and is wilder than ever!

The nationwide event led by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) shines a spotlight on the amazing things zoos do every day, from saving endangered species to inspiring future conservation heroes through education and research.

The week’s exciting adventures will include:

  • An Explorer Passport Trail, where young explorers can earn their stripes collecting animal rubbings across the park
  • Meet the expert sessions, where budding conservationists can chat with expert keepers, discover fascinating animal facts, and learn about Marwell’s efforts to protect endangered species
  • Animal magic memories with the zoo’s newest star arrivals Pasha the Amur tiger and Zaya the snow leopard
  • Daily craft sessions between 11am and 4pm to create a Love Your Zoo badge
  • Fun, animal-themed face painting in the Giraffe House, so kids of all ages can transform into their favourite animals for the day.

Visitors posting snaps can tag Marwell Zoo so they can share the love across their social media channels, too.

Two girls holding the Marwell Explorer Passport booklet outside Marwell Hall
A giraffe by the board walk at Marwell Zoo
A mother and child use crayons to collect a rubbing of an Amur tiger stamp at Marwell Zoo
A staff member paints a child's face at Marwell Zoo
Zaya, snow leopard sitting on a rock in her habitat at Marwell Zoo

Meanwhile, a Wildlife Art Exhibition hosted by Marwell International Wildlife Art Society will be held in the stunning Grade I listed Marwell Hall from Friday 23 May to Monday 26 May. This inspiring exhibition is included in the zoo admission and will showcase more than 250 pieces of artwork from over 70 artists, all capturing the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom.

The Art Market marquee outside Marwell Hall at the Wildlife Art Exhibition at Marwell Zoo

Visitors can browse the Art Market for affordable pieces to take home and get creative with children’s craft activities, while budding artists can create their own piece of wildlife artwork for a chance to win an art goodie bag.

Marwell’s newest café, The Keeper’s Kitchen – which opens soon – will be serving locally sourced breakfasts, brunches, lunches and sweet treats. Café Graze also offers a wide range of food and drink with views over the zoo’s beautiful Valley Field, or there are plenty of scenic spots around the park that are perfect for picnics.

To make a visit extra special, you can also upgrade to afternoon tea in Marwell Hall from Wednesday 28 May to Friday 1 June.

Two women and a child eating afternoon tea at Marwell Hall

Nicky Cole, Senior Events Manager at Marwell Zoo, said: “Love Your Zoo Week is a wonderful opportunity for us to showcase all the incredible work that goes on behind the scenes to protect animals and inspire the next generation of conservationists. We’ve planned a week packed with activities, creativity and adventure, and there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Download the free Marwell Zoo app for handy maps, animal feed times, and the latest news during your visit.

By visiting Marwell, you are contributing to the vital conservation projects here in the UK and across the globe.

Book your tickets online in advance to save.