I took my dog to the viral TikTok ‘dog-friendly ‘ zoo and we both absolutely loved it
After seeing a viral TikTok video of a dog-friendly zoo in North Yorkshire, I decided to treat my dog to a day out to the attraction to see if it really was as good as the post recommended it to be.
After a two hour drive, my dog and I arrived finally arrived at Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park hidden away just off the A1039 Scarborough Road. At first glance, when I pulled up in the car park, I was very surprised at how small it seemed from the outside but I should not have been as it was much bigger on the inside.
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After paying a cheap-ish entry fee of £9 and 60p for animal feed, I was really impressed with how the five acre site, which opened in 2008 and got its zoo licence in 2017, was spaced-out with enclosures at every corner. I was worried that there would not be much to do or see but there was no need as there were different areas to explore!
My Labrador, Scooby, was also excited by the new experience of going to a zoo for the first time and was very eager to see who was inside. I laughed as he seemed to be enchanted and could not stop smiling as he met the range of wonderful creatures from meerkats, Tanuki, ponies, donkeys and parrots.
Walking around the zoo, however, Scooby became more excited as visitors were eager to see him as much as the animals of the attraction - but it made his behaviour a little worse as he pulled on his lead and became a little stressful for myself. But after a bit of tough love and a lot of treats, I was able to take more control and continue to enjoy the experience of what seemed an ever-expanding zoo which grew larger and larger at every corner.
I was impressed at how the staff were accessible and wondered around to help or answer any questions visitors had, while they also maintained the cleanliness of the site. It was also nice to see planned talks they had for almost every hour in every enclosure, so visitors could learn more about the amazing creatures they had.
As I continued to walk around, the weather was perfect - which I think also made bringing Scooby a little easier. Additionally, by going mid-week, the attraction was not too busy, which made it a pleasurable walk around the zoo and through the gardens as well.
However, after around an hour and a half of exploring, the excitement of strangers at the attraction, being in a new place and even the long drive was probably was a little too much for Scooby - so I had to end my visit a little earlier than planned. Although I was sad to go, I got to see everything and the stress of taking the dog out by myself was not as bad as I anticipated.
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Overall, I really enjoyed my visit to Filey Bird Garden and Animal Park and would go again with my partner to make it a less stressful experience, especially if we brought Scooby again. I think Scooby had a great time, as it seemed like he could not stop smiling and for only £9, I think it was a reasonably priced attraction that is hidden away and not known of unless you search for it.
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