Curraghs Wildlife Park

Curraghs Wildlife Park sits beside the wetland it takes its name from and organises its collection by world wetland region, so the enclosures move from South American marsh to African swamp to Asian river, with otters, lemurs, red pandas and a walk-through wallaby enclosure among the residents. It is run by the island government rather than commercially. A small narrow gauge railway runs around part of the site in the summer.

History

The park lies in the Ballaugh Curraghs, a wetland in the north-west of the island, and is owned by the Isle of Man Government, now run by the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture after earlier administration by the Department of Community, Culture and Leisure (Wikipedia, Curraghs Wildlife Park).

What's there

• The wetland theme - enclosures arranged by world wetland region.
• The walk-through wallabies - the enclosure visitors pass among the animals.
• The otters and lemurs - among the collection's better known residents.
• The park railway - the small line running in the summer months.

When to go

April to September is the full season with all facilities open. Winter opening is reduced. Weekends and school holidays are busiest.

Practical notes

The park is modest in scale compared with mainland zoos. Winter hours are much reduced and some areas close. Much of it is outdoors with limited shelter in bad weather.

Nearby

Ballaugh Curraghs is beside it, and Kirk Michael is south.

Key facts