Santa inspires reading at Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

This year, a Zoo and conservation charity in North Somerset, is teaming up with the one and only Santa to champion literacy this Christmas.

Families will be invited to step into Santa’s library, where each child will be gifted a special book -  with the initiative aiming to nurture a passion for reading at a time when children’s daily reading habits are in decline.

Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that fewer than 1 in 5 children aged 8–18 read every day - the lowest level recorded - with daily reading rates falling nearly 20% since 2005. By gifting books rather than toys this Christmas, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm hopes to inspire children to enjoy literacy while developing lifelong reading habits.

Alongside Santa’s library experience, Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm is also spreading festive cheer by opening its doors to support older members of the community and offering free admission for all guests aged 70 and over from 1–31 December. Now entering its sixth consecutive year, the initiative aims to bring warmth, connection and joyful shared experiences to a time of year that can feel isolating for many.

Inspired by Age UK’s continued work to tackle loneliness among older people - an issue affecting an estimated 1.5 million people at Christmas - the Zoo hopes the offer will encourage families, neighbours, and friends to come together for a meaningful day out.

Larry Bush, the Zoo’s Director, shared, “Community sits at the heart of everything we do and we see Christmas as a great time to encourage people to come together. We’re proud to offer a place where older visitors can enjoy nature, make memories with loved ones, and feel part of something special, just as much as our younger visitors. We hope that our special free entry for over 70’s will help brighten this Christmas season and strengthen community bonds at a time when they are very much needed.”