Wolves Return to the New Forest Wildlife Park

If you are looking for a fresh day trip from Bournemouth this summer, the New Forest Wildlife Park in Ashurst has just introduced a pair of European grey wolves. This is the first time the park has housed wolves since its previous pack passed away in 2024. The new arrivals include a two-year-old female from Belgium and a one-year-old male from France. The pair bonded in Belgium before making the journey to Hampshire together, and they are currently the only European grey wolves in the county. Curator of collections Jason Palmer has noted that wolves are a highly complex social species, making them one of the most challenging animals to keep well in captivity, though the team hopes they might breed in the future.

Located just a short drive from Bournemouth, the park is situated on Deerleap Lane in Ashurst, Hampshire. It is home to over 260 animals across 40 species, with a strong focus on native and past-native British wildlife. Alongside the new wolves, you can see the UK's only successful breeding pair of smooth-coated otters, who recently welcomed three cubs, as well as a large collection of giant otters. Other residents include a wolverine named Bodie and two lynx sisters, Tora and Inga, who are settled in a new enclosure. The park is a member of the International Union for Conservation of Nature and works closely with the Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust on various conservation projects.

Planning a visit is straightforward, especially during the summer season which runs until 22 September 2026. The park is open daily from 10:00 to 17:30, and it is best to arrive at least an hour and a half before closing to see everything. Standard adult tickets are £17.95, while child tickets for ages 3 to 15 are £13.95, and a family ticket is available for £56.50. Between 23 July and 31 August 2026, the park is running extra summer activities, including keeper talks, wildlife picture bingo, and access to the Go Wild! adventure playgrounds. For food, there is an on-site restaurant and tearoom called the Woodland Bakehouse, as well as a dedicated picnic area if you prefer to bring your own lunch.