A zoo NOT to visit

We had such great plans for the beginning of the week. A trip to Colwyn Bay Zoo and then a trip to pretty much my favourite zoo, Dudley. I was not overly impressed with Colwyn Bay Zoo. A nightmare to get around on my scooter - and I should have listened to my gut when as we stopped outside the entrance, the young woman on duty rolled her eyes. She obviously did not want to deal with anyone - either disabled or otherwise. I got some reasonable photos, but nothing to write home about. Negotiating the Zoo was a complete nightmare. They were obviously making improvements to the zoo where the tigers were situated and I couldn't get down there to see them. Terribly, terribly disappointing - but also terribly unnerving, because if you feel that the transport you're riding is going to tip over at any moment you're not confident negotiating the paths. What makes it worse is that even if I did complain, I have seen from the TripAdvisor Reviews that they don't respond the way you want. I complain and I get the 'well the staff were there to help you if you'd asked' and I feel like replying, Yes, the staff are there if you ask if a) Any staff are around and b) if their very attitude encourages communication. And at Colwyn Bay Zoo I had both. Plus I've had that sort of response before. How I should like them to respond is: 'We're very sorry that you had such an awful day at our zoo and that you found the signs confusing. We're working on improving access to the zoo as a whole for our disabled visitors. Please find two vouchers for a free entry to our Zoo when you return.' But I wouldn't get that response, I'd just get the Woolworths response. (The Woolworths response when you used to go in to the store is: 'I've just put anthrax in your pick and mix.' To which the response was a blank-eyed stare and 'Sorry. That's not my counter.) These days it seems as though no-one is willing to hold up their hands and take responsibility.

On the plus side, Dudley Zoo was brilliant! My scooter kept dying on me, but it was so much better. Admittedly, I have an annual membership so technically I enter the Zoo for free; but it was just wondeful! Lovely staff, could acess pretty much all the animals (apart from the Lemur Wood, but they know about this and are still working on parts of the site) I could get around the Zoo, plenty of places to go to the bathroom and just so much better in so many ways. Staff willing to talk to you; to answer any questions (no matter if you think they're stupid questions) and always say hello and ask how you are. Super, super day. But I've never been disappointed there - and quite frankly I'd rather put the £10 it cost to get into Colwyn Bay Zoo towards a disabled annual membership from Dudley. Even my parents like Dudley Zoo.

So, as you can see I got some absolutely splendid photos (although the snow leopard was a bit difficult) but it was just so much better. Anyway, hopefully I shall let you know how the Middle Earth Festival goes on Sunday. Being a Tolkien nut, I'm quite looking forward to it!