History
The life of this site began in 1966 when local builder Idris Hale purchased the then semi-derelict Penscynor House. He made the grounds home to a private collection of exotic birds and in response to public demand it was decided to start admitting visitors in 1971. The collection broadened significantly from its humble beginning and by the time of closure 174 animals were housed here. By 1998 Hale's grandson had taken over operations and despite an average of 200,000 visitors annually opted for closure, selling the land and house for development.
Our visit
It's not tricky to locate, nor is it secure or challenging but it is different. The site is hugely overgrown and there is flowing water to traverse in places, but it is a pleasant place to be and feels like a set from Jurassic Park. The remaining structures of interest are the penguin enclosure, an aviary and the chimpanzee house. Most of what was here has now rotted away but I am certainly pleased with what we got to see and would recommend it as a place to visit.
This one is a bit fuzzy - the nettles were taller than me and there was also a good depth of water between us, but it was good to see.
Hope you enjoy and thanks for looking.
The life of this site began in 1966 when local builder Idris Hale purchased the then semi-derelict Penscynor House. He made the grounds home to a private collection of exotic birds and in response to public demand it was decided to start admitting visitors in 1971. The collection broadened significantly from its humble beginning and by the time of closure 174 animals were housed here. By 1998 Hale's grandson had taken over operations and despite an average of 200,000 visitors annually opted for closure, selling the land and house for development.
Our visit
It's not tricky to locate, nor is it secure or challenging but it is different. The site is hugely overgrown and there is flowing water to traverse in places, but it is a pleasant place to be and feels like a set from Jurassic Park. The remaining structures of interest are the penguin enclosure, an aviary and the chimpanzee house. Most of what was here has now rotted away but I am certainly pleased with what we got to see and would recommend it as a place to visit.
This one is a bit fuzzy - the nettles were taller than me and there was also a good depth of water between us, but it was good to see.
Hope you enjoy and thanks for looking.
