So how did it all begin...?

The site 'Four Acres Nursery' was purchased by the current owners in 1981, at that time it was a small market garden growing tomatoes and other salad crops which were sold from the farm shop at the front of the property. Through hard work and determination the business flourished and was successful with Four Acre Farm Shop gaining an excellent reputation for quality produce grown either locally or onsite.

However, as supermarkets and large multiples expanded through this part of Essex they tapped into many local markets including plants, fruit and vegetables and with this increased level of competition and the 'one stop shop mentality' having a detrimental effect on many small business's it became time to re-think the business strategy. With approx 1 acre of usable glass house readily available the owners went through a process of whether these buildings could be reutilised and the 'Butterfly House' idea seemed an ideal way in which to diversify away from the horticultural and retail market and into the leisure industry.

With a love of animals and birds along with a vast knowledge of successful horticulture and business acumen it seemed a natural transition.

With initial ideas and extensive research from around 1997 and after much deliberation it was full steam ahead with ideas, planning and organisation working towards an opening in or around 2000.

The conversion process of Greenhouse to Butterfly House was started in 1999, with the help of some very supportive family and friends.

The new attraction as it was then 'Tropical Wings Butterfly and Bird Gardens' opened to the public behind schedule on the 17th August 2000. It featured the Tropical House as we know it today full of exotic butterflies, birds, reptiles, weird and wonderful invertebrates and a small collection of parrots.

With consistent determination the work and growth has continued with the opening of the Bird Garden and Café in 2001, the unexpected acquisition of an additional 5.4 acres of land in 2003 opening up the possibility of bringing in more species and establishing ourselves as a popular family attraction.

Each year has seen considerable re-investment within the company to constantly up-grade the attraction, to improve the visitor experience for all, whilst making sure that we keep to the highest possible standards of Animal Care. We pride ourselves on listening to our customers, re-evaluating, re-designing and re-developing the zoo, for the benefit of all. As a family run concern, with family very much at the heart of our business.

This growth has seen the transition of the business from its early days as 'Tropical Wings Butterfly and Bird Gardens' to then becoming 'Tropical Wings World of Wildlife' and now following the inclusion of many more species of mammals and reptiles we have found our identity as 'Tropical Wings Zoo'.