Banham Zoo Halloween 2025!

Over half term I went with my friend, and a selection of our children, for a re-visit to Banham Zoo. We’ve been a few times recently and having been members pre-covid I had thought, on our previous visit, that it may have lost a little of its sparkle. It was still good but… I don’t know, I can’t put my finger on why, but it just felt a little flat. The penguins couldn’t be seen on that visit, I think due to avian flu. This also took out the flamingos (famambingos to us after a wonderful Posie mispronounciation) and coupled with having a new pay as you go fun fair it just felt off my vibe. However, I was definitely wanting to go again, and see if it had just been a moment, I so have loved visiting Banham over the years and wanted it to be back to the days of old that we love, love, loved (Jimmy fed the giraffes when he was about 4 and too young really but somehow we slipped him in and it’s STILL something we talk about even now)!

And… Drum roll… We had a GREAT day out. The penguins are still currently off bounds but they have built platforms to see them from up high, while soon they will move into the sealion enclosure (the sealions died – eek)! Other flattened areas like the birds of prey, anything threatened by avian flu basically, is reviving its area with a new something special and the flamingos have regained their visitor pink – all felt exciting and well!

We loved seeing the new baby sloth, riding on the train (with a fab compere), seeing the children’s entertainment laid on by the zoo, and, of course, visiting our fave giraffes. I would still say I’m no fan of a pay extra for fair ground and find it unnecessary at the zoo however, the atmosphere felt up, jolly and full of life. Animals looked happy, visiting food trucks delighted and we genuinely had a really fun day out!

I think it might be time to start thinking about becoming a member again. My children are Blue Peter badge holders so get in free and an annual pass also covers Africa Alive, as well as offering discounts at the likes of Jimmy’s Farm and a host of Norfolk attractions.