15 Amazing Christmas Gifts for Animal Lovers
Know someone who’s happiest in the company of animals? From alpaca walks to remarkable wildlife encounters, these Christmas gifts for animal lovers promise a day they’ll be excited to unwrap.
Explore Gifts for Animal Lovers
Key Takeaways
Choose an experience around their favourite animal, from meerkats and penguins to birds of prey.
Make their gift a shared day out with an alpaca walk, zoo visit or encounter for two.
For someone keen to learn more, a keeper experience offers a glimpse behind the scenes.
Check the location, age requirements and availability before choosing your gift.
Animal Lover Gifts at a Glance
For a meerkat fan: Meerkat Close Encounter at Drusillas Park Zoo.
For a variety of wildlife: Meet the Animals at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis.
For penguin enthusiasts: Penguin Close Encounter at Drusillas Park Zoo.
For a relaxed day for two: Alpaca Walk with Afternoon Tea at Charnwood Forest.
For a family outing: Family Alpaca Experience at Pennybridge Alpacas.
For an aspiring keeper: Half Day Keeper Experience at Northumberland College Zoo.
For someone who loves birds: Bird of Prey Day in Bedfordshire.
For an unusual encounter: Giant Anteater Close Encounter at Drusillas Park Zoo.
How we Chose These Experiences
The best gifts feel personal, so we’ve chosen animal experiences to suit different interests and occasions.
There are gentle countryside outings, chances to meet fascinating species and opportunities to discover more about animal care. We’ve also included gifts for one, two and the whole family, with experiences in a range of locations.
Animal Encounters for Curious Wildlife Lovers
For the person who can’t resist a wildlife documentary or has a favourite animal they’d love to see up close, these encounters are full of discovery. Each one offers a chance to learn more from the people who care for the animals.
1. Meet the Meerkats at Drusillas Park Zoo
There’s something endlessly entertaining about a mob of meerkats, and this encounter in East Sussex brings two animal lovers closer to the action.
They’ll meet a zookeeper, help prepare snacks and discover more about these inquisitive creatures. Zoo entry is included too, leaving time to explore after their encounter. It’s a thoughtful gift for a pair who enjoy discovering the personalities behind their favourite animals.
Location: Polegate, East Sussex
Best for: Meerkat enthusiasts and curious pairs
2. Meet a Variety of Animals at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
Can’t decide on just one favourite animal? At Lakeland Wildlife Oasis in Cumbria, two guests can meet meerkats, lemurs and emperor tamarins with a knowledgeable keeper.
The experience includes feeding and enrichment, as well as entry to explore the wider zoo. Give it to a pair who’ll enjoy learning about several fascinating species in one visit.
Location: Milnthorpe, Cumbria
Best for: Animal lovers who enjoy a bit of variety
3. Enjoy a Really Wild Encounter at Millets Wildside
Give two wildlife lovers a day of discovery at Millets Wildside in Oxfordshire. Their 45-minute encounter offers the chance to meet a mixture of animals with an experienced guide, followed by time to explore the centre with all-day entry.
This is a brilliant choice for friends who are always keen to learn something new. The animals involved may vary, adding an element of surprise to their visit.
Location: Frilford, Oxfordshire
Best for: Friends who love meeting different species
4. Meet Lemurs and Meerkats in Devon
Treat two animal lovers to an encounter with meerkats and ring-tailed lemurs at Shaldon Wildlife Trust. They’ll learn about both species during the experience, with zoo entry included so they can continue exploring afterwards.
Set above the Devon village of Shaldon, it makes an inviting addition to a coastal day out. It’s a considered choice for a pair who enjoy wildlife and time together.
Location: Shaldon, Devon
Best for: Lemur lovers and a Devon day out
5. Get to Know the Penguins at Drusillas Park Zoo
For someone who’s always drawn to the penguin enclosure, this Christmas gift gets them closer to their favourite birds. Two guests can enjoy a close encounter at Drusillas Park Zoo and learn more about its penguins.
Afterwards, they can explore the rest of the zoo together. It’s a memorable surprise for a penguin fan and their favourite companion.
Location: Polegate, East Sussex
Best for: Penguin fans
Animal Days Out to Share
Some presents are even better when there’s someone to share them with. These animal experience days bring together quality time, fresh air and plenty to talk about on the way home.
6. Take an Alpaca Walk with Afternoon Tea
An alpaca walk followed by afternoon tea has all the ingredients for an unhurried catch-up. This experience for two at Charnwood Forest Alpacas combines time with the animals and a teatime treat.
It’s a charming present for a parent, partner or friend who would appreciate a change of pace. Add a note suggesting you enjoy the day together for an extra personal touch.
If afternoon tea is their idea of a perfect treat, discover more inspiration in our guide to luxury afternoon tea experiences in the UK.
Location: Swadlincote, Derbyshire
Best for: A relaxed catch-up for two
7. Enjoy a Family Alpaca Experience
Looking for a Christmas gift the family can enjoy together? This two-hour experience at Pennybridge Alpacas gives two adults and two children time to meet the animals and enjoy an alpaca walk.
It’s a chance to swap the usual weekend routine for some fresh air and new four-legged friends. Perfect for a family who enjoys getting outdoors together.
Looking for more ways to make memories together? Explore our Christmas experiences for families.
Location: Hook, Hampshire
Best for: Families who love animals and the outdoors
8. Spend a Day at London Zoo
A day at London Zoo offers plenty to discover, whether your recipients are fascinated by big cats or the smallest creatures. This gift includes entry for two adults, giving them time to explore the zoo in Regent’s Park together.
It’s a versatile choice for a couple of animal lovers who enjoy choosing their own route around an attraction. They could even pair their visit with a wider day out in the capital.
Location: Regent’s Park, London
Best for: A wildlife-filled day in the capital
9. Meet the Meerkats with Lunch at Ark Wildlife Park
Combine a memorable meerkat meeting with lunch for two at Ark Wildlife Park in Lincolnshire. With a keeper on hand, guests can feed the meerkats and learn more about the group.
Entry to the park is included, along with lunch from a set menu at the Kalahari Café. It’s a gift for two that turns an animal encounter into a fuller day out.
Location: Boston, Lincolnshire
Best for: Meerkat fans who would enjoy lunch together
10. Discover Falconry Together
Give two nature lovers the chance to discover more about birds of prey with a falconry experience. They can learn from the professionals, watch a display and handle resident birds.
With a choice of locations, it’s worth checking which venues are convenient for the people you’re treating. This one suits a pair who would enjoy trying something different together.
Location: Selected UK locations
Best for: Friends or couples fascinated by birds of prey
Looking for more ideas for a pair? Explore our Christmas gift ideas for every type of couple.
Extraordinary Experiences for Devoted Animal Lovers
Know someone who wants to do more than admire animals from afar? These experiences offer a closer look at animal care or a chance to spend time with a particularly fascinating species.
Which keeper experience should you choose? Head to Ark Wildlife Park for a behind-the-scenes visit with lunch, choose Northumberland for a hands-on half day, or try Lakeland Wildlife Oasis for a one-hour introduction with zoo entry.
11. Step Behind the Scenes at Ark Wildlife Park
For two people who’ve always wondered what goes into caring for animals, this keeper experience offers a glimpse behind the scenes.
They’ll learn about daily routines and visit a variety of enclosures with the team at Ark Wildlife Park. Entry to the park and lunch are included, giving them time to continue their visit afterwards. It’s a special Christmas present for an animal-loving pair who want to learn more about life at a wildlife park.
Location: Boston, Lincolnshire
Best for: Aspiring keepers who want to share the experience
12. Try a Half Day Keeper Experience
Give two animal enthusiasts the chance to step into the world of a keeper at Northumberland College Zoo.
During their half-day visit, they can help with tasks such as feeding the animals and cleaning their enclosures, with a keeper on hand to guide them. Zoo entry is included for the rest of the day, so there’s more time to explore afterwards.
It’s a thoughtful choice for someone who’s fascinated by animals and would enjoy sharing the experience with a friend or family member. Wrap it up at Christmas and give them a day to look forward to together.
Location: Newcastle upon Tyne
Best for: Two aspiring animal keepers
13. Become an Animal Keeper at Lakeland Wildlife Oasis
At Lakeland Wildlife Oasis, two guests can spend an hour alongside an experienced keeper and gain insight into caring for exotic animals.
There are opportunities to assist with feeding and daily routines, making this an engaging gift for anyone keen to learn. Zoo entry is included for both guests, so the visit doesn’t have to end when the session does. It’s ideal for two animal lovers who don’t mind dressing for a practical day out.
Location: Milnthorpe, Cumbria
Best for: A hands-on introduction to animal care
14. Spend a Day Discovering Birds of Prey
For the person who stops to watch a bird soaring overhead, a falconry day makes a distinctive gift.
Their day begins with a guided tour of the centre, where they can meet the falconer, discover the resident birds and ask questions. With different types of owls among the collection, it’s a distinctive gift for someone fascinated by birds of prey.
It’s a chance to learn more about these remarkable birds and enjoy an experience centred around their interest. A thoughtful choice for someone who would relish a day dedicated to their fascination.
Location: Bedfordshire
Best for: A bird enthusiast looking for a solo experience
15. Meet the Giant Anteaters at Drusillas Park Zoo
For an animal encounter that’s a little out of the ordinary, introduce two lucky guests to the giant anteaters at Drusillas Park Zoo. They’ll meet a zookeeper, discover more about these distinctive animals and help prepare their snacks.
The experience includes zoo entry, giving them the chance to meet more residents afterwards. It’s a wonderfully different gift for a pair who are always curious about the natural world.
Location: Polegate, East Sussex
Best for: An unusual wildlife encounter for two
How to Choose an Animal Experience Gift
Start with their favourite creatures, then think about the kind of day they’d enjoy. A zoo visit offers freedom to explore, while a guided encounter gives them time to learn more about a particular species.
Keeper experiences may suit someone who is interested in the work behind animal care, while an alpaca walk can make a relaxed outing for friends or family.
Before buying, check the location, number of participants, minimum age and accessibility information on the individual experience page. It’s also worth looking at available days, seasonal restrictions and whether zoo entry or refreshments are included. If you’re planning to join them, make sure the experience covers you both.
We Say: Give Them a Day to Remember
From a peaceful alpaca walk to a behind-the-scenes keeper experience, the best animal lover gifts feel as individual as the person receiving them. Choose the creature they can’t stop talking about and give them a day to look forward to.
Explore More Animal Experiences
FAQs
Answering your questions
An animal experience matched to their interests is a thoughtful place to start. Consider a meerkat or penguin encounter for someone with a favourite species, an alpaca walk for a relaxed outing, or a keeper experience for someone keen to learn about animal care.
Yes. Many experiences in this guide are for two, including the alpaca walk with afternoon tea, wildlife encounters and selected keeper experiences. Check the individual listing to confirm how many people are included.
Some are suitable for children, including selected family alpaca experiences and wildlife encounters. Minimum ages and adult supervision requirements vary, so check the details before buying.
Yes. An experience voucher can make a Christmas present to look forward to enjoying later. Available dates and voucher validity vary, so check the relevant experience details before purchasing.
Check the location, participant numbers, age limits, accessibility and available dates. It’s also worth confirming what’s included, such as zoo entry, lunch or time with a keeper.
Richard Marsh
Content Writer