🎄 Our Top 5 Animal Experiences to Gift this Christmas at the Hemsley Conservation Centre, Kent
- Adam Hemsley
- Oct 2
- 3 min read
Struggling to find a Christmas gift that’s meaningful, exciting, and memorable? This year, give someone the magic of close-up animal encounters at Hemsley Conservation Centre, one of the most charming and value-driven wildlife centres in the heart of Kent.
Our animal experiences offer fun, education, and unforgettable memories, all while supporting our mission to care for endangered species and teach visitors about wildlife conservation. Best of all, all experiences can be purchased as gift vouchers valid for 12 months, perfect for Christmas gifting.
Here are our Top 5 Animal Experiences to give this Christmas 🎁
🎁 Top 5 Animal Experiences for Christmas Gifts
Always a family favourite, the meerkat experience is full of energy and fun! Spend 30 minutes inside the enclosure, feeding and watching these curious little characters up close. It’s perfect for children and adults alike, creating unforgettable Christmas memories.
For something calm, unique, and fascinating, the sloth experience is ideal. Meet our gentle sloth alongside porcupines, small monkeys, and armadillos in a experience designed with animal welfare in mind. A thoughtful and rare experience for teens and adults who love unusual creatures.
The perfect Christmas present for the budding animal expert! This two-hour, hands-on experience lets young keepers roll up their sleeves and see what it’s really like to care for animals.
They’ll prepare feeds, try their hand at cleaning, learn about enrichment, and even get the chance to meet and interact with favourites like wallabies and meerkats. It’s our most popular children’s experience for a reason - the excitement and pride on their faces is a gift in itself.
Bring a touch of Madagascar to Christmas morning! Participants spend 30 minutes feeding our lively lemurs while learning about their rainforest home and conservation status. Up to four participants can join, making it an ideal experience for families or friends who want to share the adventure together.
Our playful otters are always a guest favourite! This exciting no-contact feeding experience lets you watch their cheeky personalities shine while helping provide their food. Packed with energy and fun, it’s a memorable gift guaranteed to delight any animal lover.
🌟 More Animal Encounters to Choose From
Beyond our Top 5, the Hemsley Conservation Centre offers a variety of experiences:
Tapir & Capybara Experience (16+) - £79.99
Maned Wolf Feeding (16+) - £69.99
Monkey Feeding Experience (12+) - £54.99
Armadillo Experience (12+) - £54.99
Kinkajou Experience (12+) - £54.99
Big Bug Experience (5+) - £54.99
Shadow a Keeper Experience (15+) - £165
Discovery VIP Experience (12+) - £99.99 (includes continental breakfast)
With so many options, there’s an experience to suit every age and interest - from children just discovering wildlife to adults seeking a unique adventure.
✅ Important Information Before You Book
Prices are per person.
A small booking fee is added at checkout.
Booking protection can be added for a small fee when booking a dated experience (not applicable to gift vouchers).
Most encounters are one-to-one with a keeper; the Junior Zoo Keeper experience allows multiple participants from other households.
Participants receive a certificate to commemorate the experience.
🎅 Why Animal Experiences Make the Perfect Christmas Gift
Entry is included for the experience participant.
Vouchers are valid for 12 months, giving recipients flexibility.
Suits all ages, from children as young as 5 to adults.
Educational & ethical - encounters are designed around animal welfare, with animals always choosing whether to participate.
Great value - Hemsley Conservation Centre is proud to offer some of the best-value animal experiences in Kent, combining close-up encounters with expert guidance and memorable moments.
Supports our conservation and education mission, helping care for endangered species and inspire the next generation of wildlife lovers.
✨ This Christmas, give more than a gift - give the magic of meeting wildlife up close and making memories that last a lifetime.
👉 Explore all animal experiences & purchase gift vouchers here
