You’re driving down White Stubbs Lane, deep in the leafy heart of Broxbourne, and you’re looking for the familiar green signs of Paradise Wildlife Park. But something is different. The name on the gate has changed. Since April 2024, this iconic Hertfordshire staple has officially shed its "Paradise" skin to become Hertfordshire Zoo.
Is it just a marketing gimmick? Honestly, no. For those of us who grew up visiting this place back when it was a bit of a ramshackle collection of cages in the 80s, the transformation is nothing short of staggering. It’s not just a name change; it’s the final stamp on a forty-year journey from being "the worst zoo in Britain" to a legitimate powerhouse of conservation.
What’s the Deal with White Stubbs Lane?
If you’ve never been, Paradise Wildlife Park White Stubbs Lane is tucked away in the Broxbourne Woods. It’s a bit of a winding drive to get there, but that’s part of the charm. You feel like you’re leaving the suburban sprawl of the M25 corridor and entering something a bit more wild.
The site itself has a heavy history. Back in the 1960s and 70s, it was known as Broxbourne Zoo. To be blunt: it was grim. We’re talking about a time when animal welfare was an afterthought and the facilities were failing. When the Sampson family took over in 1984, they didn’t just buy a business; they bought a massive project. They spent decades tearing down old iron bars and replacing them with the expansive, glass-fronted habitats you see today.
Why the name change happened in 2024
The shift to Hertfordshire Zoo was timed for their 40th anniversary. CEO Lynn Whitnall—whose father Peter Sampson started the whole thing—has been pretty vocal about why they did it. Basically, they wanted to be "the" zoo for the county. They wanted a name that sounded as serious as the work they’re doing with snow leopards and Amur tigers.
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But don't worry. It’s still the same family running the show. The same faces you see on the CBBC show One Zoo Three (the Whitnall brothers) are still there, literally getting their hands dirty in the enclosures.
The Big Cats and the "World of Animals"
Most people head to White Stubbs Lane for one reason: the big cats. This isn't your average "lion in a field" setup. The Land of the Tigers is a standout. It’s one of the few places in the UK where you can actually watch Amur tigers swimming. They have a massive deep-water pool with glass viewing panels. Seeing a 200kg tiger dive in for a dip right in front of your nose? It’s terrifyingly cool.
- Snow Leopards: Their Himalayan-inspired habitat is world-class.
- White Lions: A legacy of the park’s history, though the focus has shifted heavily toward endangered species like the Amur leopards.
- Sun Bear Heights: This is a UK-first. It’s a mixed-species habitat where sun bears live alongside binturongs and Asian small-clawed otters. It’s chaotic in the best way possible.
Beyond the Fur: The World of Dinosaurs
Let’s be real for a second. If you have kids under the age of ten, they probably care more about the T-Rex than the tigers. The World of Dinosaurs at the park is legitimately impressive. It’s not just a couple of plastic models tucked under a tree.
There are over 40 life-size animatronic dinosaurs hidden in the woodland. They roar. They spit water. They move. It’s immersive because it’s set in actual forest, so you’re walking through the trees and suddenly a Spinosaurus is towering over you.
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The Rex Express
There’s a little train called the Rex Express. It’s a simple ride, but kids lose their minds for it. If you’re visiting on a weekend in 2026, be prepared for a bit of a queue here. Pro tip: head to the dinosaurs first thing in the morning while everyone else is still looking at the meerkats near the entrance.
The Reality of Conservation (EEAT)
It’s easy to look at a zoo and see entertainment. But Paradise (now Hertfordshire Zoo) has become a heavy hitter in the BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums) community. They aren't just showing off animals; they are breeding them for survival.
Take the Amur Tiger program. There are fewer than 500 of these cats left in the wild. The zoo works closely with the Species Survival Plan. When you pay your entry fee at White Stubbs Lane, a chunk of that goes directly to the Zoological Society of Hertfordshire’s conservation partners, like the Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent.
They’ve also faced some hurdles. Like many charities, they’ve had legal battles over VAT treatments for their enclosures—basically arguing that these structures are for charitable conservation rather than just "buildings." It’s a reminder that running a high-spec zoo in the 2020s is a massive financial tightrope walk.
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What Most People Get Wrong About a Visit
A lot of visitors think they can "do" the park in two hours. You can’t. Not if you actually want to see the animals being active.
Animals aren't performers. If you turn up at midday when it’s 25°C, the lions are going to be asleep. Period. If you want the best experience, you need to time your walk around the keeper talks. The keepers here are genuinely passionate—most of them have been there for years and know the animals' personalities. They’ll tell you which red panda is the "diva" and why the jaguars prefer certain toys.
Practical Info for Your Trip
- Location: White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, EN10 7QA.
- Parking: It’s free and there’s plenty of it, but it gets muddy if it’s been raining.
- Food: The Bamboo Kitchen has a view of the tigers. It’s decent, but like any zoo, it’s not cheap. Bringing a picnic is totally fine; there are loads of benches.
- 2026 Events: Keep an eye out for character days. They often have appearances from things like Bluey or Paddington to keep the toddlers happy while the adults look at the wolves.
Is It Still Worth It?
Honestly? Yes. Even with the name change, the soul of Paradise Wildlife Park White Stubbs Lane remains. It’s one of the few "big" attractions that still feels like a local, family-run spot. You can see the progress in every new enclosure they build.
The move toward becoming Hertfordshire Zoo isn't about forgetting the "Paradise" years. It’s about growing up. If you haven't been since you were a kid, you won't recognize the place. It’s gone from a curious collection of animals to a sophisticated, conservation-first facility that just happens to have some really cool animatronic dinosaurs in the backyard.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the Schedule: Before you leave, check the official Hertfordshire Zoo website for the daily talk times. Seeing the tigers being fed is 100x better than just seeing them sleep.
- Book Online: It’s almost always cheaper to book your tickets at least 24 hours in advance rather than paying at the gate.
- Pack for the Woods: Remember, this is a woodland site. Even if the sun is out, the paths under the trees in the Dinosaur area can stay damp. Wear trainers you don't mind getting a bit dusty.