West Midlands Attraction Turns Mud into Fun After Weeks of Rain
Following months of relentless rainfall and ongoing flooding challenges in many parts of Shropshire, a local tourist attraction is choosing to focus on the brighter, and notably muddier, aspects of early 2026. Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World in Telford is encouraging families to don their wellies, zip up their waterproofs, and fully embrace the elements with 'The Great Hoo Zoo Mudventure.' This special event runs throughout the upcoming half-term break from February 14th to 22nd, offering a unique opportunity to celebrate rather than combat the mud.
Celebrating Muddy Environments and Animal Behaviour
Instead of viewing the mud as a nuisance, the zoo is highlighting its crucial role in nature and animal behaviour, while promoting a week of gloriously squelchy outdoor enjoyment. Throughout the event, visitors can participate in daily 'Muddy Animals' talks, where knowledgeable keepers will explain why and how certain species thrive in muddy habitats. These engaging sessions will feature some of the zoo's most enthusiastic mud-lovers, including swamp-dwelling monkeys, deer, and the ever-popular capybara, widely regarded as the true champions of mud.
Interactive Family Activities and Educational Fun
Families are invited to get hands-on with a Mud Pie Making Contest, putting their creativity to the test, and to take on the Muddy Wellies Trail. This trail involves following clues and fun facts scattered around the zoo, with participants having the chance to win a prize. Will Dorrell, owner of Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, emphasized, 'Mud might seem inconvenient for us, but for many animals it's essential. From cooling down and protecting skin to encouraging natural behaviours, mud is part of being wild. The zoo is home to mud-loving capybaras and even swamp monkeys, and this event is all about helping people understand the role that mud has in ecosystems all whilst having a brilliant, yet muddy time.'
Encouraging Outdoor Exploration and Learning
Dorrell added, 'Wellies are strongly recommended, mess is guaranteed, and smiles are pretty much inevitable. It's about getting outside, learning something new, and remembering that nature isn't always clean and tidy, and that's exactly what makes it wonderful.' The Great Hoo Zoo Mudventure runs from February 14th to 22nd and is included with standard zoo admission, making it an accessible and educational outing for all ages.
