Penscynor Wildlife Park, a cherished family attraction in Neath, south Wales, closed permanently in 1998 after 27 years of operation. The site has since been left to decay, reclaimed by nature, but remains vivid in the memories of visitors.
Origins of the Wildlife Park
The park began unintentionally in 1966 when Neath builder Idris Hale bought the crumbling Penscynor House in Cilfrew. His love for wildlife led him to Indonesia, and he turned the 11-acre grounds into a sanctuary for exotic parrots. After charity fundraisers to let the public view the birds, Idris opened the wildlife park in 1971, with TV personality Johnny Morris of Animal Magic officiating the launch.
In the 1980s, the park peaked with the addition of an alpine slide. The toboggan run cost £250,000, a huge sum at the time, but recouped the investment within 18 months due to its popularity. Visitors rode a chairlift up the hillside, then controlled their speed down in bucket seats.
Peak Years and Closure
In March 1996, Idris's grandson, Jonathan Hale-Quant, took over. At its height, the park employed 40 full-time staff, rising to 150 in summer, and attracted 250,000 visitors annually, making it one of Wales's top three tourist attractions. However, unpredictable weather, declining visitor numbers, and poor financial returns forced closure. Jonathan told BBC Wales Today: "It was borne out of one man's dream and commitment to the conservation and to education of future generations. But really if it's not paying for itself then it has to go."
The park closed in 1998, and all 174 animals were rehomed. From 1999, the northern section was developed into 41 homes, and by 2005, Penscynor House was put up for sale.
Abandoned but Not Forgotten
Many enclosures remain, decaying and overgrown. Former visitors share memories on Facebook. One said: "Loved the place as a kid." Another recalled: "Always went here as a 70s kid." A visitor who explored the site wrote: "It's like walking through Jurassic Park the Lost World." Jonathan told WalesOnline: "There is a twinge of sadness when you see these photos of what it looks like now. When I close my eyes I can see it exactly as it was."
The park's animal logo sticker was ubiquitous on cars in Wales and even appeared on a CD sleeve by Liberty 37. Jonathan added: "I had a fantastic upbringing at the park. But it's been closed for more than 20 years now, and nature has reclaimed the park."
