Not ready to book a date yet? Then check out our lion experience gift vouchers for the perfect gift for your lion-mad loved ones.
What happens on a lion feeding experience?
You’ll be up close to our magnificent pride on this feeding experience.
You’ll be welcomed by one of our lion keepers and after a short briefing you’ll be feeding our magnificent pride. When our lionesses see you they’ll be right over for a feed. Nothing will prepare you for seeing these magnificent animals up close.
You’ll be feeding our lions chunks of meat, on a skewer through the fence. You’ll be so close you can count their teeth!
Before you feed a lion you’ll be given a talk by our keepers. This is also your chance to ask the keepers all about our lions, after all, they know them best.
Your lion feeding experience will last at least 20 minutes. It includes a cuddly toy lion to take home to remember your special day and a certificate singed by your keeper.
This experience usually takes place inside the lion house where only the participants can enter.
Sometimes it will take place outside of the house so you will be on view to the general public.
Lion experiences must be booked in advance as there’s only one session per day for a maximum of two people.
Our lion experience is only suitable for those aged 16 or over.
You can read our full animal experiences terms and conditions here.
Safe and secure online payments
One off cost, no recurring payments
Instant email receipt of purchase
Lion experience reviews
I bought this experience for my grandma as a Christmas present and it was a massive hit! My grandma is… Read more
I bought this experience for my grandma as a Christmas present and it was a massive hit! My grandma is a wheelchair user and she was able to fully participate in this activity! Our zookeeper, Dan, was knowledgeable, attentive and very engaging. We had plenty of meat to feed the lions and you are only a feeding tong’s length away from these beautiful animals. I would 100% recommend this experience.
Charlotte Broom, Norfolk19 July 2025
3rd time my fiancee and I have done this experience, we love doing it. Dan who was with us again… Read more
3rd time my fiancee and I have done this experience, we love doing it. Dan who was with us again (we did it last year with him) is very informative, explains the different between the lionesses. 11/10. Dan is a credit to Folly Farm.
Kevin Rees, Cardiff19 July 2025
I do feel you need to change the way this is handled. The moment my son started feeding the lions… Read more
I do feel you need to change the way this is handled. The moment my son started feeding the lions we were swamped with the public gathering around in very close proximity and asking ridiculous questions (and that stops it from becoming a personal paid experience. People were jostling for a view and it got very busy. Ideally this needs to happen somewhere a little more private. I’m sure that’s not the first time it’s been mentioned. The lion keeper was fantastic however under the circumstances.
Paul Defiglio, Cardiff16 June 2025
We had an amazing experience. The lion guy was so nice to us and really knew his stuff. I’d give… Read more
We had an amazing experience. The lion guy was so nice to us and really knew his stuff. I’d give 6 stars if I could.
Paul Slater, Port Talbot04 June 2025
Had the experience for my son who’s loved lions since he was young. He thoroughly enjoyed it. Our keeper Megan… Read more
Had the experience for my son who’s loved lions since he was young. He thoroughly enjoyed it. Our keeper Megan was great throughout the experience always happy to answer any questions we had. To be that close without losing a limb is definitely worth the money.
Julian Davies, Neath17 May 2025
We fed the lions it was absolutely amazing what an experience enjoyed so much we booked again. Dan the keeper… Read more
We fed the lions it was absolutely amazing what an experience enjoyed so much we booked again. Dan the keeper was absolutely brilliant with the knowledge of the lions and answered any questions we asked and was such a lovely guy. Can’t wait to do it again.
Sharon Samuel, Aberdare19 April 2025
I booked the Lion feeding for my partners 60 birthday and she loved it and said it was brilliant and… Read more
I booked the Lion feeding for my partners 60 birthday and she loved it and said it was brilliant and I thought the same. Harry the man who took us in was very helpful and lovely. And my partner Louise would love to do it again.
Michael Whitcombe, Merthyr Tydfil16 April 2025
When Megan took me to the lion feeding area my anxiety began to creep in but she soon calmed me… Read more
When Megan took me to the lion feeding area my anxiety began to creep in but she soon calmed me and began chatting to me explaining who was who and giving me an opportunity to learn about their individual personalities. I feel extremely lucky and grateful to have had this experience and would definitely do it again. I can’t recommend this experience enough. Thank you.
Sian Davies, Aberdare14 April 2025
The whole experience was wonderful from start to end. The safety talk was interesting and the keeper was very friendly… Read more
The whole experience was wonderful from start to end. The safety talk was interesting and the keeper was very friendly and knowledgeable. An amazing privilege to get so close to those magnificent beasts and hear them grumbling. What a perfect day!
Lisa Rano, Pontardawe31 March 2025
Did an amazing lion feeding experience with Callum the Zoo Keeper, who was so informative and knew the pride of… Read more
Did an amazing lion feeding experience with Callum the Zoo Keeper, who was so informative and knew the pride of lions inside out, answered lots of questions. To be so close feeding these beautiful animals was overwhelming, incredible and the actual low grumbling noise that Hugo was making was just wow! So happy he came over for some food but to feed a family of lions was just wow. Thank you Callum.
Gabriella Canale-Davies, Rhondda Cynon Taff30 March 2025
Had a great time feeding the lions. Dan who was our guide was brilliant, friendly, and very informative regarding the… Read more
Had a great time feeding the lions. Dan who was our guide was brilliant, friendly, and very informative regarding the lions we were feeding, and also other topics regarding lion preservation, breeding, their welfare etc. The whole lion feeding was something special, to be only inches from these majestic animals was something we will never forget. Highly recommend the lion feeding experience.
Paul Ratcliffe, Norwich17 March 2025
Absolutely amazing experience, such great value for money for the experience we received. Staff were really informative and explained everything… Read more
Absolutely amazing experience, such great value for money for the experience we received. Staff were really informative and explained everything and answered all our questions, would highly recommend this experience.
Charlotte Sands, Bristol15 March 2025
It was amazing and would most certainly recommend to anyone thinking of doing it. My dad had this experience as… Read more
It was amazing and would most certainly recommend to anyone thinking of doing it. My dad had this experience as a Christmas present and he enjoyed it so much. The keeper was friendly and made the whole experience enjoyable and answered questions at ease. You could tell he genuinely cared for those beautiful lions.
Trevor Thomas, Templeton24 February 2025
We had an amazing lion feeding experience. The keeper Meg was so knowledgeable and her love and enthusiasm for all… Read more
We had an amazing lion feeding experience. The keeper Meg was so knowledgeable and her love and enthusiasm for all the animals at the zoo really shone through. Meg ensured we were safe and well informed throughout. It was such a privilege to be so close to these beautiful lions and something we will never forget. Thank you for a fabulous day.
Victoria Barrell, Torfaen01 February 2025
Fantastic experience today, we totally enjoyed. We even got to feed Hugo. Dan had great knowledge and the experience was… Read more
Fantastic experience today, we totally enjoyed. We even got to feed Hugo. Dan had great knowledge and the experience was much better because of him. 100% worth it, thank you.
Lindsey Harris, Rhonnda Cynon Taf13 October 2024
Absolutely brilliant experience! Terrifying at times but amazing to be so close to the lions. Their roars were absolutely deafening!… Read more
Absolutely brilliant experience! Terrifying at times but amazing to be so close to the lions. Their roars were absolutely deafening! Meg, our keeper, was very well informed and happy to answer all of our questions. Importantly for us, Meg didn’t rush us at all which we were very grateful for. Just brilliant. Thank you for a day we will never forget.
Donna Bridgland, Kent06 October 2024
Brilliant experience really enjoyed it. Was amazing getting so close to the lions. Dan was also great telling us about… Read more
Brilliant experience really enjoyed it. Was amazing getting so close to the lions. Dan was also great telling us about the lions. Would definitely do it again.
Lee Munro, Liverpool22 September 2024
It was really well presented. Thoroughly enjoyed. The mighty beast were enormous and so beautiful to get so close and… Read more
It was really well presented. Thoroughly enjoyed. The mighty beast were enormous and so beautiful to get so close and personal. The question and answer session was brilliant. Can’t wait to book another experience with the other animals you have. Thank you so much for an outstanding day.
Donna Warren, Tonyrefail18 September 2024
Absolutely amazing experience, lasted long beyond the minimum 20 minute mark. Dan was exceptional, very knowledgeable, funny, engaging, and clearly… Read more
Absolutely amazing experience, lasted long beyond the minimum 20 minute mark. Dan was exceptional, very knowledgeable, funny, engaging, and clearly loves what he does. The lions are an awesome combination of cute and scary, the ladies came for treats, Hugo kept his distance bless him. We would recommend this to anyone who is planning a trip, far enough in advance!
Conservation work spot on.
Tom Lawrence, Bridgend28 August 2024
We had an amazing experience feeding the lions, Harry was very informative and answer all our questions. Would definitely recommend… Read more
We had an amazing experience feeding the lions, Harry was very informative and answer all our questions. Would definitely recommend do this.
Helen Brunt, Cardiff29 July 2024
My son and I recently took part in the lion feeding experience, and it was absolutely brilliant! The keeper was… Read more
My son and I recently took part in the lion feeding experience, and it was absolutely brilliant! The keeper was really friendly and knowledgeable. The lions were incredible, and it was fantastic to get so close to them and learn more about them. The experience exceeded expectations, and is really worth the money. I would highly recommend this to anyone.
Deborah Wotton, Rhondda Cynon Taff24 July 2024
It was really an amazing experience being so up close and personal with lions. Our keeper was happy to talk… Read more
It was really an amazing experience being so up close and personal with lions. Our keeper was happy to talk about them and answer any questions, and my family loved that they were able to watch the whole thing without officially being part of the experience.
Cariad Thomas, Pontypool03 July 2024
My Dad really enjoyed his lion feeding experience and would highly recommend for anyone doing it to try it. The… Read more
My Dad really enjoyed his lion feeding experience and would highly recommend for anyone doing it to try it. The keeper was highly knowledgeable and patient with my Dad and assisted him well. Thank you to the Keeper and Folly Farm for this experience. My Dad has done the rhino experience also which prompted us to buy this experience for him.
Katie Douglas, Cenarth02 July 2024
We absolutely loved the experience and despite my wife’s excitement getting through the actual feeding super quickly, our instructor (Pete)… Read more
We absolutely loved the experience and despite my wife’s excitement getting through the actual feeding super quickly, our instructor (Pete) was very engaging and informative. We loved our trip to Folly Farm and will be returning with other members of the family.
Mark Guest, Kidderminster16 June 2024
Dan who did our experience was great full of information on each lion. My partner was just amazed with this… Read more
Dan who did our experience was great full of information on each lion. My partner was just amazed with this experience. Thank you for a great time.
Michelle Barrett, Gloucester05 June 2024
A completely wonderful experience. Thank you. The keeper explained everything so well and engaged with me answering all our questions…. Read more
A completely wonderful experience. Thank you. The keeper explained everything so well and engaged with me answering all our questions. All the animals were so we’ll cared for and the position of the experience allowed my family to be part of it as well. Would definitely recommend this experience to others.
Lucy Thomas, Newport26 May 2024
This was such a good experience being up close and feeding the lions, especially when holding the meat up high… Read more
This was such a good experience being up close and feeding the lions, especially when holding the meat up high for the lion to stand tall holding on to the fence to get her meat.
Ann Challenger, Neath12 May 2024
I brought this experience for my wife’s 40th birthday because she loves lions, she had a wonderful time. Thank you.
I brought this experience for my wife’s 40th birthday because she loves lions, she had a wonderful time. Thank you.
Richard Davis, Tipton29 April 2024
The whole family thoroughly enjoyed this feeding experience. The zoo keeper was very informative and due to the location of… Read more
The whole family thoroughly enjoyed this feeding experience. The zoo keeper was very informative and due to the location of the feeding session, we all felt like we were involved with the experience.
Mathew Eynon, Carmarthenshire27 April 2024
I cannot truly express how grateful I was to be so close to Hugo, Luna and their cubs and to… Read more
I cannot truly express how grateful I was to be so close to Hugo, Luna and their cubs and to be able to feed them and learn about them. The keeper was very informative and willing to answer all questions. It will certainly be embedded into my core memories and will be recommending to friends and family. Thank you so much.
Chris Brimble, Newport24 March 2024
The lion experience (including feeding) was truly amazing. Our keeper Megan really took a lot of time telling us about… Read more
The lion experience (including feeding) was truly amazing. Our keeper Megan really took a lot of time telling us about each and every lion and their different personalities. We will definitely be booking a return visit so we can take part in the rhino experience which Megan also recommended.
Karen and Mark Leigh, Monmouthshire16 March 2024
A great experience with staff who were very knowledgeable, and shared their time willingly. At no point did we feel… Read more
A great experience with staff who were very knowledgeable, and shared their time willingly. At no point did we feel rushed or any question was off limit. We will definitely be making reservations for other experiences.
Stuart Farrow, Bridgend14 February 2024
It was worth the years of waiting for my son to turn 16 to get to feed these amazing animals…. Read more
It was worth the years of waiting for my son to turn 16 to get to feed these amazing animals. Getting up so close was a real treat. The keeper who guided us through was excellent to. Happy to answer all questions and helped make the day a 10 out of 10. Another fantastic Folly Farm animal experience.
Katie Parker, Saundersfoot06 January 2024
Absolutely amazing! Well worth the money. Keeper really knew his information and made the experience even more enjoyable Probably the… Read more
Absolutely amazing! Well worth the money. Keeper really knew his information and made the experience even more enjoyable Probably the most memorable day I will ever have! The time was nice and long, all questions were answered and I would recommend to anyone. Would love to come back and take part again.
Elisha Coburn, Pontypridd04 November 2023
Incredible experience my husband thoroughly enjoyed it and said the keeper spoke very well and was very knowledgeable.
Incredible experience my husband thoroughly enjoyed it and said the keeper spoke very well and was very knowledgeable.
Scott Arthur, Pembroke Dock 30 September 2023
I ordered this lion feeding experience for my wife and daughter, they both loved it. I would definitely recommend this… Read more
I ordered this lion feeding experience for my wife and daughter, they both loved it. I would definitely recommend this experience.
Joe Spencer, Worcester 23 August 2023
The lion experience was booked as a family treat. Both thought it was brilliant. To see big cats that close,… Read more
The lion experience was booked as a family treat. Both thought it was brilliant. To see big cats that close, feed them and have the keeper talk to us one on one was amazing.
Craig Walters, Gloucester 18 August 2023
Loved our experience and thought it was value for money, we didn’t feel rushed. Keeper Dan was very knowledgeable we… Read more
Loved our experience and thought it was value for money, we didn’t feel rushed. Keeper Dan was very knowledgeable we left with amazing memories, fabulous pictures and the cutest lion soft toy.
Leanne Evans, Liverpool 09 August 2023
It was an amazing experience and very informative. Enjoyed every minute of it. Keeper Callum answered all our questions very… Read more
It was an amazing experience and very informative. Enjoyed every minute of it. Keeper Callum answered all our questions very well and was very professional and helpful throughout.
Jess Usher, Caerphilly 01 July 2023
Absolutely incredible experience for myself and my boyfriend. Keeper Callum was so knowledgeable and clearly has a love for the… Read more
Absolutely incredible experience for myself and my boyfriend. Keeper Callum was so knowledgeable and clearly has a love for the animals. The animals were in perfect condition and absolutely incredible up close! Can’t wait to do it all over again. Thank you for making dreams come true!
Kat Cullen, Milford Haven 21 June 2023
Would recommend the lion experience to everyone, my two kids (well young adults) absolutely loved it. To get up so… Read more
Would recommend the lion experience to everyone, my two kids (well young adults) absolutely loved it. To get up so close to these majestic animals was amazing, they so want to go back and do it again.
Tina Ahearn, Glynneath 16 June 2023
Everything was absolutely fantastic, all the lions came over to be fed. They were very vocal but the experience was… Read more
Everything was absolutely fantastic, all the lions came over to be fed. They were very vocal but the experience was wonderful.
Mark Francis, Tenby 31 October 2022
It was above and beyond what we expected and I will never get over Hugo wanting to join in, meaning… Read more
It was above and beyond what we expected and I will never get over Hugo wanting to join in, meaning we got to feed all six lions! Dan, our keeper, was incredible and taught us so much with the knowledge he shared. His passion for the animals and his job was clear and he’s such a credit to your team he made it such an fab experience. Thank you for another memorable day and for allowing us so close!
Emily Sleeman, Swansea 31 August 2022
My husband brought me the lion experience as a birthday gift and what an amazing experience it was, the best… Read more
My husband brought me the lion experience as a birthday gift and what an amazing experience it was, the best birthday present ever! Keeper Callum was fantastic he was very informative and knowledgeable about Hugo the lion and all of the lionesses. I had a fabulous time and got to feed each one up close, I would highly recommend this experience and will cherish my encounter forever. Thank you!
Lisa Brindley, Staffordshire 23 August 2022
Absolutely amazing experience. Dan the keeper was very friendly and knowledgable and you could tell he really loves the lions…. Read more
Absolutely amazing experience. Dan the keeper was very friendly and knowledgable and you could tell he really loves the lions. Fantastic day out in Folly Farm as always but the experience was the icing on the cake.
Natalie Lloyd, Trelewis 10 August 2022
I had a fantastic time. The keeper was brilliant. I couldn’t believe there were so many lions. Best day ever!
I had a fantastic time. The keeper was brilliant. I couldn’t believe there were so many lions. Best day ever!
Thomas Graham, Upminster 27 July 2022
Experience was amazing. The lion keeper was full of knowledge and answered all questions we had. The experience itself was… Read more
Experience was amazing. The lion keeper was full of knowledge and answered all questions we had. The experience itself was just out of this world, it was so nice to be so up close with the lions. And to learn a bit about them all will definitely be doing more Folly Farm animal experiences.
