Close-up encounters with 300+ rescued exotic animals, fully indoors in Epping.
Get To Know Animals CIC (GTKA) is an indoor exotic animal sanctuary in Epping, Essex, home to over 300 rescued and rehomed animals across around 70 species. Unlike a traditional zoo, every animal here is an ex-pet that lives in a warm, tropical-style indoor environment, so you can get genuinely close to the residents, watch them in their enclosures, and book hands-on handling experiences on the day.
The sanctuary is run as a not-for-profit organisation, meaning every ticket you buy goes directly towards the care, food, heating, and enrichment of the animals. The visit is self-paced, with no time limit, and suits families, animal enthusiasts, and anyone looking for something a little different.
Because it is fully indoors, GTKA is a great option whatever the weather. It sits on the edge of Epping Forest, so you can combine a sanctuary visit with a woodland walk if you want to extend your day.
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Trusted by 10,000,000 FamiliesYour General Admission ticket covers full access to the indoor sanctuary for the whole of your visit. There is no time limit on your stay, and you can arrive at any point during opening hours, with last entry at 4pm.
Ticket types available are: General Admission Adult (age 11+), General Admission Child (age 2-11), General Admission Senior (age 65+), Disabled, and Disabled Carer (free). Family bundle tickets are also available for groups of two adults and two to five children.
Get To Know Animals CIC is an indoor exotic animal sanctuary on the edge of Epping Forest, housing over 300 rescued and rehomed animals across around 70 species. The collection includes mammals, reptiles, birds, fish, amphibians, and invertebrates, all in a warm, tropical-style environment that feels more like a living jungle than a traditional zoo.
Every animal at GTKA has been rescued or rehomed as an ex-pet, which is why they are comfortable around people. The collection spans mammals including monkeys, hedgehogs, skunks, ferrets, and an armadillo; reptiles from tiny geckos to a 20ft python; birds including parrots and a cockatoo; and an American alligator. You will not be squinting into the distance here.
GTKA offers over 20 different animal handling experiences, bookable at reception when you arrive. Single encounters start from £5 for an insect or £8.50 for a furry. Multi-species packages range from the Zootastic Experience at £49.50 to the Ultimate Animal Lover for 2 at £250. All experiences are subject to each animal's health and mood on the day.
The entire sanctuary is indoors, housed in a tropical-style environment with heating throughout. There is no outdoor section, so rain, wind, and cold are not a factor. It also means the visit is comfortable for pushchairs and wheelchairs, with all areas fully accessible.
We are open to the general public Friday, Saturday and Sundays from 10am-5pm. Last entry strictly 4pm.
We are also open on selected dates during school holidays. Please check our website for exact dates and times
Get to know animals CIC
Get To Know Animals CIC, Forest Lodge Commercial Complex , Epping Road, Epping, Essex, CM16 5HW, England
We have a limited amount of parking spaces located at the main entrance. If the car park is full, you may park in our overflow at the back of the Miller and Carter car park.
Tel: 07944041715
This attraction has been claimed and verified. All information has been recently checked.
Last updated: 14:39 24/06/2026
Most asked questions relating to Get to know animals CIC.
Your ticket covers full access to the indoor sanctuary and all animal enclosures for the duration of your visit, with no time limit. Animal handling experiences are not included and must be booked and paid for separately at reception on the day.
