
About
Welcome to the small zoo in the heart of Kent! Opening in 2015, the Hemsley Conservation Centre (HCC) is home to almost 100 amazing and endangered animals from all over the world! Heard of a tayra or ground cuscus before or even a prehensile tailed porcupine? We strongly believe that getting people closer to wildlife in a safe, fun, yet educational manner is the best way to inspire people about wild animals, their habitats and their conservation. The HCC is a great place for you to learn and discover wondrous wildlife!
Location
Reviews
What people are saying
Rating Distribution
A lovely little place, much better than any zoo you'll go to. I went with my 15-year-old son and we both loved exploring and looking at all the animals, particularly the otters and the ocelots. They all have plenty of space to run around and the freedom to hide away if they want to. Everything had a very wild feel about it, which might not be to everyone's tastes but it made it seem so natural, with the animal habitats blending in almost seemlessly. It could however do with some more seating throughout and perhaps more obvious signage. We spent ~1.5 hours here, but we could easily have stayed longer if we had the time. It made a wonderful morning out.
Today our daughter was gifted with a zookeeper experience at Hemsley conservation centre and was more than happy. She said she'd love to come again and maybe work there one day Ella was given a lot of information by highly knowledgeable and dedicated staff, Kelly and Bethany. We highly recommend this wonderful place as children will get wonderful memories. Thank you and wish you loads of happy customers.
Really lovely small zoo with nice enclosures. Friendly, happy people working there but they're overwhelmed with the work and the cafe, although lovely and clean and styled beautifully like a jungle, was just impossible when it came to lunchtime with 45 minute waits for lunches. I'd take a picnic with you. Toilets basic with only a hand towel to dry hands and internally locking doors that you can't open from the outside so careful with children who may lock them!!! Tricky to find and watch out for the huge potholes as you drive in! This all said, prepare when you go and you'll have a wonderful time. The zoo was a joy to visit.
Absolutely amazing. Had the best day there. The staff are so friendly and kind they always seem to have time for you it never feels like there too busy. The keepers are so knowledgeable and are always happy to answer any questions you may have. They all seem so happy to work there. I had an experience for the day it was the rainforest vip and it was unbelievable. I was so amazed to see the sloth coming down to get his food I have been somewhere else and seen sloths who just stayed in a box so this was incredible. The porcupine and Goldie monkeys were Equally as amazing the way they took the food from my son and I just put a smile on our faces. Ben our keeper for the experience was very knowledgeable and very happy to answer all our questions. Thank you all so much for an amazing day.
Lovely little place, we've been meaning to go for a few years now. Liked how it was a little bit over grown, made it seem a bit more authentic. Nice cafe for cheese.sr & ham toasties
Fantastic afternoon meeting and feeding the kinkajous thankyou so much to Henry for all your help and knowledge. I have fed and met many of the fantastic animals and spoken to the keepers over the past couple of years and always have a lovely day there with the very knowledgeable keepers. Baby squirel monkeys are so adorable.
Features
Service options
On-site services
Accessibility
Wheelchair-accessible car park
Wheelchair-accessible entrance
Planning
Getting tickets in advance recommended
Children
Good for kids
AI Insights
Hello! I'm your AI guide for Hemsley Conservation Centre. I can help you with information about this attraction, including its history, best times to visit, and tips for your visit. What would you like to know?
Nearby Hotels
Finding the best hotels for you...
This may take a few moments