Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World Keeps Nature at Heart with Turf Mesh Parking Solution
Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World, formerly known as Hoo Farm Animal Kingdom, is a much-loved, family-run attraction nestled in the Midlands countryside near Telford. Originally opened over 30 years ago by a couple with a deep-rooted background in farming, the zoo has since evolved under the stewardship of their son, Will Dorrell, and his wife, who now run the business alongside a dedicated team.
Spanning 30 acres, Hoo Zoo is home to more than 100 species—including meerkats, ostriches, foxes, and deer—and is complemented by the incredibly popular Dinosaur World, which features 30 animatronic dinosaurs and an interactive woodland time-travel trail. Guests can even stay on-site in a self-catering property, making it a truly immersive experience for families.
However, the business faced a growing challenge—a 60 x 15 metre grass car park that struggled to cope during periods of heavy rain. This led to accessibility issues, restricted visitor numbers, and financial loss, all while posing a dilemma: how to solve the issue without compromising their green credentials or disrupting business operations.
That’s where Sinclair & Rush stepped in.
“We were looking for a cost-effective and eco-friendly solution to our parking issues that wouldn’t compromise our conservation-focused values.”
– Will Dorrell, Partner, Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World
Our Turf Mesh offered the perfect solution. It was quick and simple to install, minimising disruption to daily operations, and provided a strong, stable base for vehicles without damaging the natural aesthetics of the park. Most importantly, it enabled the zoo to retain its grass surface—preserving the green look while ensuring functionality.
Beyond the car park, Hoo Zoo sees additional future uses for Turf Mesh. They are considering using it inside animal enclosures to prevent digging, and potentially allowing their sheep to graze on the reinforced car park grass at night—naturally maintaining the lawn while keeping the area usable.
“It’s a win-win: the sheep are fed, and the car park is maintained—without costly landscaping or infrastructure.”
It’s easy to see why this incredible destination was recently rated the 2nd Best Zoo in the World on TripAdvisor. With innovation and care at the core of everything they do, Hoo Zoo & Dinosaur World continues to evolve while staying true to its roots in conservation and family values.
