Zoos and safari parks have long been top destinations for families, school trips, and wildlife enthusiasts, offering an exciting day out while educating visitors on conservation and biodiversity.

However, as the adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) grows, leisure attractions must adapt to new visitor expectations, particularly regarding EV charging facilities.

Providing EV charging at zoos and safari parks is no longer a luxury but a necessity. With millions of visitors each year and long dwell times of around four hours on average, these venues are ideally suited for destination charging solutions. By installing EV charge points, zoos and safari parks can cater to the growing number of eco-conscious visitors, reflect their planet-friendly brand image, and reinforce their sustainability commitments.

The Growing Demand for EV Charging at Leisure Attractions

Rising EV ownership means more visitors are looking for reliable charging options when planning day trips.

There are currently over 1.4 million battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the UK, which is expected to soar in the coming years. This shift in transportation trends means venues without adequate charging facilities risk losing potential visitors to more EV-friendly destinations.

According to The BBC, zoos and safari parks attract around 25 million visitors annually across the UK. The nation's most popular zoos and wildlife parks, such as Chester Zoo and ZSL London Zoo, welcome around 2 million visitors and 1.3 million visitors annually, respectively, with many guests driving long distances to reach them.

With an increasing proportion of these guests driving EVs, charging infrastructure must be available to ensure their visit is smooth and stress-free. This is where industry experts like RAW Charging can help.

RAW has helped numerous notable leisure giants, including Merlin Entertainments and LEGOLAND, adapt their facilities to attract EV-driving customers and future-proof their sites for increased traffic as the years pass, with the option to add more charge points later down the line as a standard offering.

1. Long Dwell Times Make Zoos Ideal for Destination Charging

Zoos and safari parks typically see visitors staying for several hours, making them perfect locations for destination charging. With an average visit lasting between four and six hours, guests have ample time to charge their vehicles while exploring exhibits, attending educational talks, and enjoying food and drink facilities.

2. Zoos Appeal to Eco-Conscious Visitors

Many EV owners are motivated by environmental concerns, making them more likely to support attractions that share their values. Since zoos and safari parks focus on conservation and sustainability, providing leisure EV charging aligns with their mission and enhances their credibility as green organisations.

3. Zoos Enjoy Increased Visitor Numbers & Extended Stays

Research indicates that 67% of EV drivers choose destinations based on the availability of charging facilities. By installing EV chargers, zoos and safari parks can attract a broader audience and increase dwell times, improving secondary spending in cafes, gift shops, and additional revenue-earning locations.

4. Boosting Revenue with Smart Charging Solutions

Implementing a well-planned EV charging strategy offers an additional revenue stream. With competitive per-kWh pricing and the potential for tiered tariffs, zoos and safari parks can generate income while providing a valuable service to visitors.

5. Future-Proofing Against Regulatory Changes & Customer Expectations

Government policies are driving the transition to electric mobility, with the UK banning the sale of new petrol and diesel cars by 2035. Forward-thinking venues that implement charging infrastructure now will stay ahead of regulations and position themselves as industry leaders in sustainability.

What Are the Best EV Charging Solutions for Zoos & Safari Parks?
The key to any successful EV charging rollout is selecting the right technology and setup to suit visitor needs. Infrastructure experts such as RAW Charging would always recommend:

• A mix of AC and DC chargers – AC chargers are ideal for parking areas with longer dwell times, while DC fast chargers (and Rapid Hubs) cater to EV drivers on a tighter schedule and visiting for a shorter period.

• Strategic EV charger placement – EV charging facilities should ideally be located near entrances, exits, and key visitor parking zones; this allows EV drivers to find EV charging bays quickly and provides easy access.

• Contactless payment options – A seamless payment system ensures all visitors can use the chargers without hassle. RAW’s robust and reliable EV charge stations provide a seamless, stress-free charging experience with 24/7 host support.

• Smart load management – State-of-the-art software can optimise power distribution across charge stations, ensuring reliable charging for leisure attraction visitors even during peak periods.

RAW is Leading the Charge in Sustainable Visitor Experiences

By investing in EV charging infrastructure, zoos, safari parks, and other leisure attractions can significantly enhance their visitor experience, increase footfall, and align themselves with the future of sustainable travel.

As more families and individuals switch to EVs, providing reliable, convenient charging facilities will significantly influence destination choice. RAW Charging, a leader in EV infrastructure solutions, has helped many leisure, hospitality, and retail venues integrate charging solutions that meet customer needs while maximising operational efficiency.

If you are a zoo or safari park operator interested in EV charging in leisure and are looking to future-proof your venue and cater to the growing number of EV drivers, contact RAW Charging today for a free consultation and site assessment.