Seaview Wildlife Encounter, Isle Of Wight > Reviews (3)

Have been going to the Seaview Wildlife Encounter on the Island every year for I can't remember how long. It used to be Flamingo Park. We live on the Island an generally tend to do all the tourist attractions in the summer holidays. We haven't been this year yet but went late last year. It wasn't the best weather, it was quite cold and rained a few times we were there but we didn't regret going!

Lets start with a description The Seaview wildlife encounter is based on the Isle of Wight, a wildlife park open since 1971, family run and have received many awards over the years. I would recommend this place to anyone living on the Island or visiting, with children or not! It's a great day out! First off Opening Hours
1 April - 30 September 10.00am - 5.00pm (last admissions 4.00pm)
1 October - 4 November 10.00am - 4.00pm (last admissions 3.00pm)
2012 Admission Prices
ADULTS £8.95
SENIOR CITIZEN £7.95
CHILD (3-15 YEARS INCLUSIVE) £6.95
FAMILY TICKET (2+2) £29.50
Full access and facilities for the disabled. Sadly no dogs allowed as wildlife roam the grounds. Also if you plan on going there is a discount voucher online on their website.

When we first arrive at the Wildlife park there is ample parking (which is free). You go through and pay and receive a free map and programme of events. You can also purchase bird food. I would definitely advice this! I can't remember how much it is a bag (I think a £1) but the amount of ducks and birds that wonder round the park willing to let you close and touch if you have a bag of food is amazing. As soon as we walk into the gates loads of ducks come over. My little girl loves this, to get so close and feed the ducks the bird feed out of her hand.

It is well sign posted and we generally just follow the trail round, a lot of gravel and bumpy stones, but no steps (all slopes). Beautiful scenery with small rivers and lakes, and plenty of animals to look at! You can go round and see the flamingos, parrots, pelicans, owls and other birds, Alpacas, Meerkats, Otters, Penguins and Wallabies and more.

All the keepers are very helpful and friendly, they are willing to talk to you about all the animals and even answer all the children's mad questions. With loads of events where you can see feeding and even help feed the animals.

11.00am PELICAN BAY
Meet the Pelicans whose beaks hold more than their bellies can!
11.30am PENGUIN POOL
Would you like to help feed the hungry Humboldt Penguins?
12.00 THE ‘BIG FLIGHT’ AVIARY
A chance to pop a peanut to the parrots!
1.00 pm TROPICAL HOUSE - BUGS & REPTILES
An encounter with a cold-blooded creature - if you dare!
2.15 pm WALLABY WALKABOUT
Wander with the Wallabies; a chance to stroke and feed these gentle Marsupials
2.30 pm MEERKAT MADNESS
Meet the mischievous Meerkats!
2.45 pm PETS' CORNER
Make a few new furry friends!
3.00 pm OTTER CREEK
The ultimate Otter observation point!
3.30 pm PENGUIN POOL
Help to feed the hungry Humboldt Penguins!

All the animals look very well cared for, clean and happy. All the exhibits look well maintained and clean.

The whole park is clean and well maintained, easy signposted and easy to walk round. There is a cafe and gift shop on site but also loads of picnic areas. We usually take a picnic because like all other places the food and drinks in the cafe are usually very expensive. We normally sit outside and have our picnic then go inside and get coffee and a couple of portions of chips.

All the events they have on are very good, all with helpful and educational information about the animals. I would recommend The Wallaby Walkabout as its great fun to walk around the wallaby enclosure and then you get a chance to hand feed them (I have included a picture of my daughter feeding them). I was very happy when we went last year as well as well got to see a baby wallaby in its mummy's pouch! :D

The pet's corner is a great one for the kids, a chance for them to meet and touch animals like rabbits and ferrets. The keepers were also very fun and friendly during the Pets Corner helping the younger children to hold the animals and explaining about the animals in a very child friendly way.

The Otter Creek is very interesting and this must have been one of my favourite events last year. lots of interesting facts but also watching the otters chasing the food (the keeper was throwing) and playing.

The penguin pool is great fun, with plenty of fish to go round the crowd so every one gets a chance to throw some fish to the Penguins. Great fun for anyone watching them dive and swim for the food.

All in all I think you can tell I love this place. Clean and well maintained, happy animals,good facilities for everyone and great fun filled day out meeting the animals!!!!! At a reasonable price!

Just a quick note have put the Transport links as average as we always drive so I'm not entirely sure but I'm sure there is a bus route very close. Also price I would have rated as good rather than excellent but with the online voucher that anyone can redeem I think it makes it all a very fair price.