Edward and Carolyn Dorrell — dairy farmers from Telford and early pioneers of dairy ice cream — moved to Hoo Farm in 1988 after their previous home was acquired for redevelopment by the Telford Development Corporation.
When the Dorrell family arrived, the farm had stood empty for several years and was being used by the local council to grow Christmas trees. Those very trees became the unexpected starting point of our journey. Opening under the name Hoo Farm Country Park, we became the first attraction in the West Midlands to offer a “Cut and Dig Your Own Christmas Tree” experience — a festive tradition that quickly captured the hearts of local families.
Alongside the growing forest, the farm soon welcomed its first residents: horses, cows, pigs, sheep and goats. Visitors, delighted by the charm of a working farm, began asking to meet and learn about the animals. The demand grew rapidly, and it became clear that Hoo Farm had the potential to become something much more.
In 1991, responding to this enthusiasm, the site officially evolved into Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom, opening its gates permanently to the public. This marked the beginning of a new chapter — one that would see the farm transform into a much-loved attraction, and ultimately into the award-winning Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World that welcomes visitors today.
As Hoo Farm evolved, so too did the animals who called it home. The early 1990s brought an exciting variety of new residents — Ostriches in 1991, Llamas in 1992 and Deer in 1993 — marking the start of a much more diverse collection. Shortly afterwards, Foxes, Owls, Raccoons and a small range of reptiles joined the park, helping shape Hoo Farm’s growing reputation as a place where visitors could meet animals they rarely encountered elsewhere.
During this period, Hoo Farm also became known for its unique and quirky attractions. The Sheep Steeplechase — another first for the region — quickly became a firm favourite with families and a memorable highlight of many early visits.
One of the most significant chapters in Hoo Farm’s story came in 2001. Although the devastating Foot and Mouth outbreak never reached the farm, national restrictions meant the park had to remain closed until late May. The impact was severe, and the Dorrell family came close to losing everything.
It was during this challenging time that Carolyn had a bold idea: diversify the animal collection with species that would be less vulnerable in the event of another epidemic. This would not only protect the business but also offer visitors something completely new.
That vision came to life in 2004, when Meerkats and Alpacas arrived, signalling a fresh direction for the park. Alongside the new species, Hoo Farm expanded its activities with pedal go-karts, pony rides and the popular Galloping Goat Race, creating an even more engaging experience for families.
The transformation continued, that same year, Hoo Zoo achieved full Zoo Licence status — becoming Shropshire’s very first licensed zoo. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter, paving the way for the award-winning Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World that thousands enjoy today.
In 2021, as the park celebrated its 30th birthday, Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom embarked on its biggest transformation yet — relaunching as Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World. This exciting new chapter brought together everything guests loved about the original farm with immersive prehistoric adventures and an expanded focus on conservation, education, and unforgettable family experiences.
Today, the zoo is home to over 100 species of animals, alongside 30 life-sized animatronic dinosaurs and a full programme of daily activities. Whether you’re meeting meerkats, walking among lemurs, or exploring our prehistoric valleys, Hoo Zoo offers a full day of discovery for visitors of all ages.
Originally opening in 1991 as Hoo Farm Country Park, the site quickly grew into one of the Midlands’ most beloved attractions — even winning National Farm Park of the Year. By 2004, the farm achieved full Zoo Licence status, marking a defining moment in its evolution. Since then, Hoo Zoo has expanded far beyond traditional farmyard favourites, welcoming iconic species such as lemurs, servals, caracals, meerkats, and even wolves.
Three decades on, the spirit of Hoo Farm lives on — but with a bold new identity that continues to grow, innovate, and inspire.
Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World is built on a deep passion for conservation, with a guiding principle of “conservation through education.” Every visit is designed to inspire curiosity, empathy, and action — from our engaging animal meet-and-greets to our award-winning animal experiences (advanced booking essential). These encounters offer guests a meaningful connection with wildlife while highlighting the real conservation challenges animals face today.
Our animatronic dinosaurs play an important role too. While great fun, they serve as a powerful reminder: species can disappear forever. Their presence helps underline the urgency of global conservation and the importance of protecting the wildlife we still have.
Between 2023 and 2025, Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World was proudly ranked the 2nd Best Zoo in the UK on TripAdvisor, reflecting the hard work, care, and dedication of our team.
As we look ahead to an exciting future, we remain firmly rooted in our values. A quick glance at our TripAdvisor reviews shows the same words appearing time and again: “Lovely, friendly, and happy animals.”
That, above all else, is what continues to guide us.
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