It is not uncommon for theme parks to have zoos, take Flamingo Land and Paultons park for instance. The most famous theme park with a zoo is Chessington, which is probably the only really famous one, apart from Drayton Manor, this is because the theme park side often proves more profitable. Like every rule there's an exception, a few enthusiastes will recall Crinkley Bottom (at Cricket St Thomas) which before the theme park side shut, it was billed as the UK's only movie park. Noel Edmends then fell out with the people who owned the land so the zoo expanded and the rides shut. The West Midlands safari park got a fair about 10 years ago with a few roundabouts which went on to get a log flume and some roller coasters. In 20 years time could this be the next Alton Towers?

When it comes to when the zoo was built, Drayton Manor is almost unique, infact the rides actually came before the zoo. Drayton Manors slogan is 'family run for family fun' and true to its word it does just this. The zoo has a large amount to thank for the parks family reputation, little children too small for the rides can stroll down teraces of trees through animal enclosures holding hands with their grand mothers and even coasters enthusiastes don't sniff at a picnic watching animals going about their daily lives.

The management claim that the zoo is enjoyed by 900,000 visitors every year who come to enjoy attractions such as the bat cave and parrot walk, all crammed into 6 acres. To feed the animals and clean them out 10 staff are employed purely to look after the zoo. If you are interested in feeding times then you need to look at the entrance board.

The zoo is not out standing and Chessington still leads the way, the reason it only gets 2 stars is that some of the enclosures are small and not a particularly good environment. They could do more with the zoo like the Chessington Sky safari.