Photo of The Fenn Bell Conservation Project in Greater London
Zoos

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project

📍 Rochester, Greater London

4.6(1,239 Google reviews)👶All ages

Compact conservation zoo in Rochester housing rescued animals in large enclosures, with popular Meerkat experiences, birthday parties in the Squirrel Monkey room, and seasonal Easter, Halloween and Christmas events. Cafe and roadside parking on-site.

Meerkat encountersRescued animalsLarge enclosuresFriendly staffSeasonal eventsCompact and manageable
★★★★★Featured review by Jason Lee

Didn't even know this was on our doorstep ( well 20 mins away) . It's a small zoo but don't let that put you off. It has an array of animals , alot behind glass rather than weird cages, which is good for photographers. Maybe go on a warmer day when you are likely to see more, but even on thexday we went we managed to see quite a few. Atcths moment all of the birds areas have green fine netting around then due to avian flu, and while this isn't great to see , it shows that they are looking after their animals properly. They have just opened a new tropical area and have a sloth which ( when it eventually does move) must be good to see. They also plan on getting a crocodile or alligator for this area and also butterflies .it was well set out and lots of boards of information and Considering it isn't a big zoo, we spent a decent amount of time here. The entry fee was reasonable too. They have a cafe , which is serviced by the pub , again prices were ok. We had a bit of a wait for the food, but it was busy and a special mention to the young lady servicing the cafe ( Ella) , who even though run off her feet , always had a smile on her face. For those that want to bring Thier own food , there is a large picnic area with benches which is good. Kids will love it. They also do experience days fod anyone wanting to get closer to the animals. All in all a nice day out. I'm sure we will return .

🏆 Family Action Verdict

Best for families wanting a relaxed, unhurried zoo experience without the scale and crowds of larger attractions. The compact layout is entirely manageable with prams and young children, and close-up animal viewing in large enclosures is more engaging for under-10s than distant viewings at big parks.

ℹ️ What to Know Before You Go

💡Book Meerkat encounter experiences well in advance, especially for birthday visits
Visit on warmer days when animals are more active and visible
🎟️A large picnic area with benches is available if you prefer to bring your own food
🚗Roadside parking is available around the venue — arrive with time to find a space

💬 What Families Are Saying

View all reviews →
4.6

1,239 Google reviews

Well-kept animals in large enclosures40%
Friendly knowledgeable staff30%
Great value entry20%
Compact and full experience10%
J

Jason Lee

3 weeks ago

Didn't even know this was on our doorstep ( well 20 mins away) . It's a small zoo but don't let that put you off. It has an array of animals , alot behind glass rather than weird cages, which is good for photographers. Maybe go on a warmer day when you are likely to see more, but even on thexday we went we managed to see quite a few. Atcths moment all of the birds areas have green fine netting around then due to avian flu, and while this isn't great to see , it shows that they are looking after their animals properly. They have just opened a new tropical area and have a sloth which ( when it eventually does move) must be good to see. They also plan on getting a crocodile or alligator for this area and also butterflies .it was well set out and lots of boards of information and Considering it isn't a big zoo, we spent a decent amount of time here. The entry fee was reasonable too. They have a cafe , which is serviced by the pub , again prices were ok. We had a bit of a wait for the food, but it was busy and a special mention to the young lady servicing the cafe ( Ella) , who even though run off her feet , always had a smile on her face. For those that want to bring Thier own food , there is a large picnic area with benches which is good. Kids will love it. They also do experience days fod anyone wanting to get closer to the animals. All in all a nice day out. I'm sure we will return .

L

Linda Williams

5 months ago

We brought our 7yr old grandchild for a Meerkat Experience birthday treat, and found a special event on too for half term. Never having been here before we are impressed. The whole day was brilliant for us all from start to finish, looking at the animals and birds. Every staff member was friendly, helpful and engaged with us..... in particular. Finding clues to solve the problem of missing Chester Fox, and the train ride absorbed our grandchild and we had fun because she was! Captured some great videos of her excitement to show her parents. Her Meerkat Experience will be something she'll never forget. The Keeper was teaching and supervised well. She absolutely loved it. Lunch in the café was good, too , and the shop was reasonably priced. (Toilets clean, well equipped for baby change and disabled. ) To complete the day she played in the recreation area whilst we had a cuppa before the trek home. Thanks so much, everyone, for an unforgettable day for all the right reasons. And even the sun shone all day. 🌞 Well done 👏

G

Grace Pullen

9 months ago

What a fantastic day out. Super cheap to get in, plenty of parking around the road side, plenty of toilets, large walking spaces and animals. It was fantastic to see the animals were all well kept and in large enclosures, with various animals to look at. We spent a good 2 hours here enjoying the animals and found it to be quiet without the usual hustle or business of a usual zoo. There was a play area for children and a cafe on site too! Would recommend!

C

Chris Cheeseman

3 weeks ago

Such an amazing zoo. Staff are helpful and knowledgeable. A must go to for anyone with a passion for conservation.

Reviews from Google

Overview

The Fenn Bell Conservation Project is Medway's first licensed zoo, focused on rescued animals housed in spacious enclosures — many viewable through glass rather than traditional bars, which suits photography. Meerkat encounters are the headline experience and require advance booking. Birthday parties use the Squirrel Monkey room. Seasonal events run at Easter, Halloween, and Christmas. An on-site cafe serves breakfast and lunch alongside a large picnic area.

🕐 Opening Hours

Monday10:00 – 17:00
Thursday10:00 – 17:00
Friday10:00 – 17:00
Saturday10:00 – 17:00
Sunday10:00 – 17:00

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