NEWQUAY ZOO HOSTS INCLUSIVE FAMILY DAY WITH CAAP AND ACTIVE CORNWALL

Newquay Zoo recently welcomed almost 200 visitors, including 85 children, for a special day organised in collaboration with the Cornwall Accessible Activities Programme (CAAP) and Active Cornwall. This event provided children and young people with additional needs, along with their families, an opportunity to enjoy the zoo’s accessible and engaging environment.  

CAAP, a Cornwall-based charity formed by parents of children with additional needs, offers activities during school holidays that are inclusive for disabled children and their siblings. Their mission is to ensure that all families can access enriching experiences together.  

Mark Exell, Chairman for CAAP said:  

“Finding activities for our young people is not always easy as many venues are not completely accessible to wheelchair users. Newquay Zoo is one such provider than can cater for the needs of all our members and combined with their friendly and helpful staff, Newquay Zoo is always a firm favourite with our members. We look forward to continuing and developing our relationship with Newquay Zoo. Thank you for making our members feel so welcome.” 

Active Cornwall champion the benefits of incorporating movement and physical activity into everyday life, focusing on those facing the most significant inequalities. Their funding through the Time2Move Holiday Programme, alongside Newquay Zoo’s reduced group rates, made it possible to provide free lunchboxes to children eligible for free school meals, ensuring that all families could fully enjoy their day. 

Lewis Sanders, Development Officer for Active Cornwall, said:  

“We are incredibly pleased to support CAAP and the families who benefit from their services in receipt of benefits related free school meals. The Time2Move Holiday Programme aims to ensure that every child has the opportunity to enjoy happy and healthy holidays. Our commitment to this initiative reflects on our dedication to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to be physically active, access to nutritious meals and able to spend time with their peers. Working with local providers we are making a positive impact and helping to create memorable experiences for families in Cornwall.” 

Throughout the day, families participated in interactive ranger talks featuring animals such as lemurs, penguins, tapirs, capybaras, and lynx. Children also engaged in ‘show and tell’ sessions, fostering curiosity and learning about wildlife.  

Newquay Zoo’s engagement programme offers a range of sessions designed to engage pupils with the zoo and conservation, including groups with Special Educational Needs (SEN) learners. These programmes aim to inspire a love for nature and conservation among young visitors. 

Natalie Timms, Visitor Experience Manager at Newquay Zoo, said: 

 “It was such a joy to welcome so many families to our zoo – the atmosphere was full of laughter, excitement, and happy smiles all day long. Our team loved seeing children engage with the animals, ask brilliant questions, and enjoy the space at their own pace. The feedback from visitors was incredibly positive, with many saying how relaxed and included they felt.” 

Steph Dawson, Business Development Manager, added: 

“At Wild Planet Trust, we believe our zoos should be more than visitor attractions – they should be valuable resources for the communities they serve. Events like this highlight how Newquay Zoo can provide inclusive, enriching experiences for families who may not always find it easy to access days out. We’re proud to support organisations like CAAP in delivering these opportunities and will continue to work closely with partners across the region to make nature accessible for everyone.”  

Newquay Zoo encourages bookings from inclusive and accessible groups looking for a fun, educational, and safe day out in Cornwall. As part of our commitment to accessibility, the zoo includes a fully equipped Changing Places toilet, offering enhanced facilities for visitors with complex needs who require extra space or specialist equipment during their visit. The zoo also offers free carer entry for visitors with a disability – simply bring a valid form of ID, such as a Blue Badge, PIP, or DLA letter, and a carer can join you at no extra cost when purchasing a full-price ticket. 

For more information about group visits or accessibility, please contact us on 01637 873342 or email [email protected].