Zoo visitors can now travel the world without leaving Cornwall thanks to mind-blowing new VR experience

Zoo-goers are in for a treat this summer as Newquay Zoo unveils its game-changing virtual reality experience that’ll transport you across the globe in minutes. The Cornwall attraction has teamed up with Wild Immersion to launch an incredible VR adventure that lets visitors come face-to-face with wildlife in their natural habitats – without stepping foot outside the county. 

From 26 July to 21 September, visitors can strap on a headset and find themselves getting up close and personal with sloths in the rainforest canopy, diving into the ocean with blue whales and sea turtles or exploring the frozen arctic alongside a pack of wolves. 

The jaw-dropping 360-degree experience uses real wildlife footage – not computer graphics – captured in actual habitats around the world, complete with authentic sounds and a musical score that’ll make your heart soar. 

Natalie Timms, Visitor Experience and Retail Manager at Newquay Zoo commented: 

“It’s absolutely mind-blowing. One minute you’re in Cornwall, the next you’re in the forest with lemurs and chimpanzee or swimming with a pod of dolphins. It’s like nothing we’ve ever offered before.” 

The best part? After your virtual safari, you can step outside and see the real deal – creating an incredible connection between the digital world and actual conservation work happening at the zoo. 

Each 15-minute session packs in about 10 minutes of pure VR magic, with videos changing weekly so you’ll never get bored. Groups are kept small at just 8 people, making it feel intimate and special. 

The experience runs from 10:15am to 4:00pm daily (with a lunch break from 1:15-2:00pm) at the Pavillion next to the Red Pandas. At just £5 on top of your zoo entry, it’s a bargain for what could be the adventure of a lifetime. The experience is open to anyone aged 6 and over, and it’s fully accessible for wheelchair users. 

With 160 spots available each day across 20 sessions, the zoo advises people to book ahead to avoid disappointment. 

Natalie Timms continued: 

“No doubt this is going to be hugely popular with regulars and tourists alike. We recommend booking tickets online in advance where possible. You could try your luck on the day at the Pavillion, but don’t say we didn’t warn you if it’s sold out!” 

The zoo’s pulling out all the stops with an exclusive preview for its members on Sunday 20 July, with tickets going live this week.