Days out around Bristol: Noah's Ark

[messpot]

Friends have told me the owner evangelises, creationist stylee, to small children, claiming to be a descendant of Moses...This, and the claims that ...."Many scientists believe there were dinosaurs on the Ark" etc, make me concerned to mediate this arrant tripe for my children, whilst enjoying the fluffy animals and so on. I want my children to respect and learn about comparative religion, (whilst retaining the right to 'google' for unanswered questions about life)- but I mind the heavy indoctrination here.

Well, don't go then...

Have been there twice with my sister and both our children, and have never experienced any preaching at all.

I went last year with ds (then 3). I knew nothing about the creationist views of the owners.

We had a great day - it is a lovely place, but I was very shocked at the talk they gave in the big converted barn area. We ambled in after lunch.

To begin with it was simply educational (there were a few classes of school children there with their teachers) and ds loved it. They brought out different animals and discussed how they were similar/different, what they ate, what they produced etc etc.Ds got to feed a lamb a bottle of milk, and stroke the goats. But then all of a sudden the guy asked if any one in the audience knew why the donkey had a cross on it's back? Well do you? According to the man it's because a donkey carried Mary and Jesus, and oh yes never forget Jesus died for our sins, and of course he made all the animals exactly as they are, and science can prove this if you use your brains and never forget about that Jesus dying on the cross for your sins, and he's not descended from a monkey, and on and on. I was in complete shock. He spouted all sorts of (to my mind) creationist nonsense.

I don't think I'd have minded if I'd had any sort of inkling and been pre-warned, but there was absolutely nothing in any of the literature or written around the place. I felt as if they'd pounced unfairly on a captive and mainly young audience.

I haven't been back as I can't decide what my principles are on this (wishy washy atheist that I am). I think that basically they have every right to spout on about their beliefs, but I wish they were more open about it on their advertising etc. Have a look at the educational pages on their website here to get a flavour. And then make up your mind. HTH

I've heard they can be a bit preachy, from a friend who lives in Bristol. She said if you can see past that, its not a bad place to visit.

I went at Easter and witnessed the sacrificial lamb doctrine, spoken no actions. I also heard some of the litrature is homophobic???
There's always the zoo??

mind boggles at 'homophobic zoo'

we didn't realise it was at all religious until we went inot the gift shop.
And the dds love dit there.

Yep. Bit of a surprise when DH took the DCs there last year. But the DCs loved it and ignored the propaganda.

The talk is the only bit that is very creationist, and it did take me aback a bit I have to say, but if you look at your website, that is obviously there tenet - they spend a long time justifying how the Genesis story is correct and the flood really did happen exactly as in the bible.

But the animals are nice! I have only been once, as it is quite expensive, and we have zoo membership so tend to go there!. But it's the only talk I would really have a problem with.

I'm enlightened! Thanks for your views and advice...there's no real agreement aout how upfront their literature is though - We're sticking with the Zoo and Darwinian theory for now. 'Jesus died for someone's sins, but not mine' (Patty Smith)

I've never been, as I object to proselytising via children, so I stuck to zoo membership and Horse World. A friend said she went and only noticed some odd comments in the literature. Someone else said the tractor ride was a preachy bit.

Haven't been to Noah's Ark, but have you been to Puxley Park (near Weston super Mare)? The animal area won't be fully open until next month, but in the meantime there are some sheep and cows to look at and a fantastic play barn.