Barbados Wildlife Reserve Guide
Get Up Close and Personal with Barbados' Wildlife! Guide
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve offers a unique opportunity to observe Barbadian animals in their natural habitat. Unlike a traditional zoo, the animals roam freely within a mahogany forest enclosure, allowing visitors to wander among them and observe their behaviors up close. It's a fantastic experience for families, nature lovers, and anyone looking for a different perspective on the island's fauna. The reserve was established in the 1980s by Canadian primatologist Jean Baulu. His vision was to create a sanctuary where animals could live in a more natural environment than a typical zoo. The reserve has since become a popular tourist attraction and a valuable conservation effort, helping to protect and educate the public about Barbados' native species. Visitors can stroll along the winding paths of the reserve, encountering green monkeys, tortoises, Brocket deer, peacocks, and various bird species. The best time to visit is during feeding time (usually around 2 PM), when the animals are most active and visible. There's also a small aviary and reptile house. While there isn't a specific culinary tradition associated with the reserve itself, nearby restaurants in the St. Peter and St. Lucy parishes offer delicious Bajan cuisine, including flying fish, cou-cou, and pepperpot stew.
Transportation
The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is accessible by bus from Bridgetown. Take the Speightstown bus from the Fairchild Street Bus Terminal in Bridgetown. From Speightstown, you can take a local bus or taxi to the reserve. Taxis are readily available throughout the island.
Opening Hours
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM Daily
Ticket Price
Adults: $15 USD, Children (3-12): $7.50 USD