A popular Midlands wildlife park has taken the decision to shut its gates to the public today, Monday, 5th January 2026, prioritising the wellbeing of its animals during a severe cold spell.
Weather Warning Prompts Safety Closure
Wild Zoological Park, located at Halfpenny Green in Bobbington near Stourbridge, announced the closure on Sunday evening via its Facebook page. The move comes as the Met Office issued a yellow weather warning for ice and snow across the West Midlands, forecasting potential travel disruption and temperatures struggling to rise above freezing.
Park management stated that with forecasted cold conditions, slippery pathways, and hazardous roads, their team's primary focus would be on ensuring all their animals remain "warm, safe, and comfortable." The announcement was met with public support, with one social media user calling it a "wise decision to keep everyone safe."
Information for Visitors and Ticket Holders
The park, which is approximately 50 minutes from Birmingham and has been offering £5 tickets on selected dates until February, has directly contacted visitors with existing bookings for Monday, 5th January.
Affected guests have been given two clear options:
- Transfer their tickets to another available £5 date, which run every weekend until February half term.
- Receive a full refund for their booking.
The closure adds to the widespread disruption as thousands across the region return to work and school after the Christmas holidays, with gritters deployed to treat roads.
About the Park and Today's Forecast
Wild Zoological Park is home to a diverse collection of creatures across its themed lands, including Wild Australia, Wild Amazon, Wild Asia, Wild Africa, and a Reptiles Unleashed area. Residents include species such as:
- Black-tufted Marmosets and Ring-tailed Lemurs
- Red-necked Wallaby and Meerkats
- Rainbow Lorikeets and the Palawan Binturong
The park is also famed for its Wild Wings Free show, promoted as the UK's biggest free-flight spectacular, though it is only held during suitable weather conditions.
A Met Office spokesman detailed the forecast for Monday, stating: "After a very cold, frosty and icy start for some, a mainly dry day to come with lengthy sunny periods and perhaps the odd rogue light snow flurry." Maximum temperatures were expected to reach around 2°C, with a widespread and severe frost forming again overnight as temperatures plunge below freezing.
