Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm, a conservation charity in North Somerset, England, is teaming up with Santa this Christmas to champion literacy by transforming his traditional grotto into a library where each child receives a special book instead of a toy, addressing the alarming decline in children’s daily reading habits. Research from the National Literacy Trust shows that fewer than 1 in 5 children aged 8 to 18 read every day, representing the lowest level ever recorded, with daily reading rates falling nearly 20% since 2005 as screens and digital distractions increasingly dominate young lives. By gifting books rather than toys this Christmas, the zoo hopes to inspire children to discover the joy of reading while developing lifelong literacy habits that will serve them far beyond the holiday season. Families stepping into Santa’s library experience will find shelves lined with carefully selected books designed to spark imagination and curiosity, with each child leaving with their own personal story to treasure and enjoy throughout the year.
The zoo is simultaneously spreading festive cheer by opening its doors to support older members of the community, offering free admission for all guests aged 70 and over throughout December in an initiative now entering its sixth consecutive year. 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, neighbors, and friends to come together for meaningful shared experiences during a time that can feel isolating for many seniors. Zoo Director Larry Bush explained that community sits at the heart of everything they do, emphasizing that Christmas provides a perfect opportunity to encourage people to come together and strengthen bonds when connection matters most. The zoo’s full festive itinerary starting November 29th includes visiting Santa’s library, browsing locally made gifts at the annual Farm Shop Christmas Market, and following a brand new Gingerbread House Trail through the zoo where visitors can discover festive traditions and animals from around the world.
