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MALDON PROMENADE PETTING ZOO

FAQs

Zoo FAQ’s

We get asked lots of questions regarding the zoo, below are the most common ones we get asked, if you cannot find the answer to your question then by all means please get in touch.  If your question is urgent it is always best to call us so we can deal with your question straight away, any messages sent can take up to 3 days to get answered and sometimes longer during our busy times.  This page also covers questions we get asked about our mobile services.

Do we need to book to come along to the zoo?

If you are coming along for general admission to the zoo then there is no requirement to book – various events do require booking and these are as follows: Mini Keeper Days, VIP Tours, Birthday Parties, Special Requests and Special Events we may have running.

How much is Admission?

Adults £9.95

Children £7.95

Concession £8.95

Family of four for £34.95

Under 2’s free

Look out for special offers we have running during our off peak season, the best place to find our offers is on our Facebook page, www.facebook.com/maldonzoo

Can we touch some of the animals?

Of course, as part of your general admission fee and as standard you are now entitled to enjoy a Cute and Fluffy Talk, Reptile Talk, Feeding Demo with our Meerkats and a Farm Talk.  On some days our head keeper also carries out talks, please listen for announcements.  At Maldon Zoo you get out what you put in, make sure you enjoy the numerous talks above to get the most out of your visit.

Do you sell food within the zoo or can we bring a picnic?

We do sell light refreshments such as tea, coffee and soft drinks along with some basic snacks such as pizza, hot dogs, freshly made sandwiches, crisps and chocolate. The park itself does boast some fantastic food kiosks where hot food is always available (please note during the off peak season this may be limited). There is also lots of space within the park where you can sit down and have a picnic – we ask that you do not do this within the zoo and most importantly please never feed any of our animals with human food.

Mobile Services FAQ’s

We get asked lots of question regarding our mobile services, you will find most of the answers here, but please don’t panic if you cannot find the answer you are looking for, we are just a phone call away and always on hand to help where we can.

Are you Licensed?

Yes we are fully Licensed under the new Animal Welfare Act 2018 and our License is issued by Maldon District Council, our Licence number is 21/00462/AWLAIA.

Can guests hold the animals?

The majority of our animals can be handled and interacted with, our team of experienced animal handlers will provide full instructions at your event.​

Can we visit you to see the animals?

Yes, you can come and visit us at Maldon Promenade Petting Zoo.

Is there an age limit for mobile events?

As a rule their is no age limit and all of our packages can be tailor made to suit any age range – we are always able to provide advice if you are unsure which package to choose so that you get the most from your event.

Do you charge for fuel?

Fuel is charged at £2.00 per mile for reindeer events booked through our sister company Popsys Reindeer Limited as these animals require them to tow a horse trailer.

Other  events that do not require a trailer are charged at £1.50 per mile.  We charge for the return journey so if you are 25 miles away then you are charged for 50 miles – please note that this is not only a fuel charge but also covers time spent in the vehicle for our animal teams alongside vehicle maintenance.

Do you have Insurance?

Yes we have our own public liability insurance which is available on request.  Our public liability insurance is very bespoke and covers all ages from zero upwards.

How do I book?

After contacting us to confirm availability for your chosen date, you can then either complete a booking form via the website or alternatively we can complete one with you over the telephone – please note that without a completed booking form your booking is not confirmed.  

Deposits are required to secure any booking.

Can the animals be outside?

Only during the warmer months, as we have exotic animals one of our requirements from October until the end of March is that events need to be held indoors.  However always have a back up plan if you have booked us to be outside as the British weather can be very unpredictable – please note that we do reserve the right to close our event early should the weather be too extreme, we would never do this without consulting you first.

Any reindeer event booked through our sister company Popsys Reindeer Limited must be outside, reindeer can never work inside under any circumstance.

How can payments be made?

Initially we will request a deposit so that your event is secure – final payment is then due 7 days prior to your event taking place, we accepts payment via PayPal, BAC’s, Credit or Debit Card and if agreed at the point of booking the remaining balance can be made in cash on the day.  We do not accept personal cheques under any circumstances, if you are a company and this is your only method of payment a £30 cheque processing fee may be applied.

Please note that our payment terms supersede any payment terms you may have as an organisation, please ensure that you understand these at the time of booking services.

Do you send invoices?

Yes – invoices are issued and form your booking confirmation, our invoices include our VAT Number and details on how to pay, you can even pay directly from our invoices by credit or debit card using the secure payment link.

Events booked through our sister company Popsys Reindeer limited are invoiced separately, please note that Popsys Reindeer Limited is not VAT registered so VAT does not apply on any reindeer booking.

What happens if I need to cancel?

Contact us in the first instance as we can at times be flexible and move your chosen date if we have availability. If rescheduling isn’t an option for you then the following cancellation terms will apply:

Cancellation Policy : If you decide to cancel your event then this must be given in writing to jcpartypets@gmail.com- the following cancellation charges will apply:

– If you have booked more than 30 days in advance then we require a minimum of 28 days notice of your intention to cancel otherwise the full balance will be due.

– If you have booked less than 30 days in advance then we require a minimum of 7 days notice of cancellation otherwise the full balance will be due.
– In all circumstances if you the customer are cancelling your event then your deposit will be forfeited by you.

What happens if you cancel?

In the unlikely event that this happens, we will offer an alternative date to you, if this is not acceptable then a full refund of any monies paid will be made to you.

What happens if I need to complain?

Contact either James or Craig using the numbers provided on the website, we are always more than happy to address any issues you may have.  Alternatively you can put your complaint in writing and send to jcpartypets@gmail.com

Will animals make a mess?

Yes but we always clean up fully after an event.  We can  work on a variety of floor surfaces but wood flooring or tiles are preferred.  We always try to minimise any risk of damage to our customers personal items. Please contact us if you have any questions, concerns or special requests.  Please note we cannot accept liability to any damage caused by the animals or equipment.

Do you have a risk assessment?

Yes and this can be provided on request, all of our animal handlers are trained in health and safety regarding the animals.  Any bespoke risk assessments requested may incur an administration fee.

What happens if anyone gets bitten?

Rest assured that all of our animals are UK Bred and have been vet checked to confirm that they are healthy.  Please speak to member of our staff who will be happy to provide first aid if need be.  Please be advised that bites are very rare and full instructions are provided at all times to guests when interacting with our animals.  If you are still concerned after your event then please contact your GP or NHS Direct.

What happens if I have an allergic reaction to an animal?

If this happens then the first thing you should do is seek suitable medical advice, although reactions are very rare they can at times happen.  If at any point you are concerned then please contact us for advice, please remember though we are not doctors so therefor cannot provide any medical advice.

DISCLAIMER

Even though all of our animals are handled and interacted with regularly there is always a small possibility that they could bite or scratch, there is also the possibility of the animals soiling clothing.  We do provide a full health and safety briefing prior to any event starting and we ask that all guests listen to this carefully.  Safety signage is on display at all of our events and hand sanitiser is provided.  J&C’s Party Pets Ltd does not accept responsibility for any damage caused by the negligence of guests by not adhering to safety advice and information.

Thank you for your fantastic comments….

  • Gemma Marie

    June 2021

    We had a fantastic experience when J&C party pets visited our nursery and reception classes. Jade and Danny were extremely knowledgeable and really engaging. I would highly recommend them. Thank you for such a wonderful day!

  • Connor Austin

    June 2021

    The staff are ALL so, so welcoming and knowledgable about the animals. Friendly and helpful and always happy to be asked questions. The animal enclosures are all really well maintained and it’s obvious that the staff honestly do care about their wellbeing. The fact that the animals are rescues makes what they do that little bit more special.

  • Tasha Weatherley

    May 2021
    ade was AMAZING, my little boy and some of his friends are sometimes wild 😝 but she was so patient, enthusiastic and could tell she really knew her stuff when it came to the animals. Everyone was so impressed from the children to my grandparents in their 80s. A really incredible, different experience we will definitely be back thank you to all of the staff