One of Barbados’ many attractions is the Barbados Wildlife Reserve. The Wildlife Reserve is found in the Northern Parish of Barbados called St Peter which is about a 20 minute drive north from Bridgetown. The Barbados Wildlife Reserve is a natural mahogany wood and is the home to a selection of animals which roam free (unless they are poisonous or dangerous) in their own natural habitat. The Reserve is a great place to visit for all the family, especially children.

At the Wildlife Reserve you get a great opportunity to walk around and admire the beautiful and natural surroundings of the Reserve and watch the animals freely and close up in their own natural environment whilst they are eating, playing and interacting with the other animals, although on occasions you may need to search high and low for them or deeper in the bushes.

You will find the popular Barbados Green Monkeys, turtles, a varied and colorful selection of birds including peacocks, parrots and flamingoes, a selection of reptiles – some in cages, and some non native animals such as the Brocket Deer, agoutis which look a little like guinea pigs but with longer legs, chairman which looks like an alligator, and armadilo.

The Barbados Green Monkeys are very active in the Reserve and the best time to visit the Reserve to see them is in the morning or later in the afternoon as they do tend to leave the Reserve and explore. The monkeys get fed around 2.30pm so this is a good time to ensure you see them. These monkeys originated from Gambia in West Africa about 350 years ago. The monkeys actually have a brownish grey fur with specks of yellow and olive green, but when seen in certain light they tend to have an overall green appearance and it is from this unique colouring as to how they have got their name.

All through the reserve are benches for you to take a seat, enjoy the beautiful surroundings and sit and watch quietly the natural animals around you.

Your ticket to the Barbados Wildlife Reserve will also give you admission to the Grenade Hall Forest and Signal Station, another popular tourist attraction packed with history and culture as well as amazing scenic views across the Island. This signal station was built in the 1800’s and was one of many built to form a warning system and communication system by the use of flags and lanterns to the island.

The signal station is located up in the high hills surrounded with its own forest and you walk through the shaded paths and follow the nature trails.