England: Transformation at Paignton Zoo Has Begun
Photo: Courtesy of Paignton Zoo
(eap) Earlier this year, Paignton Zoo, located in the county of Devon in southwest England, has been taken over by the Dutch leisure company Libéma. With this acquisition – and the simultaneous takeover of Newquay Zoo (Cornwall) – the operator group has entered the UK market for the first time. The company’s portfolio otherwise mainly comprises animal and holiday parks in the Netherlands, including Safariland Beekse Bergen. Alongside the acquisition, Libéma announced investment measures over the coming years, aiming to further enhance both animal welfare and the overall visitor experience at both English zoological facilities.
At Paignton Zoo, the first phase of redevelopment has recently begun. Initially, the existing “Grasslands” zone will be transformed into a large savannah landscape. In the future, giraffes, zebras, ostrich and blesbok, as well as – for the first time – white rhinoceroses, will be accommodated there. The focus lies on a mixed-species concept, combining habitats for animals from different continents, including South America and Central Asia. In addition, the zoo intends to make further improvements, including new pathways, improved visitor flow, enhanced play areas, and updated food and beverage facilities. New interpretation and storytelling elements are also set to enhance the overall visitor experience.
Steven van den Heuvel, Transition Manager for Paignton Zoo, commented: “This is a hugely exciting moment for Paignton Zoo. What we’re doing is not just updating individual habitats, but rethinking the entire visitor experience and how we tell the story of the animals in our care. Grasslands is the first major step, but it’s part of a much bigger transformation happening across the whole site. Over time, visitors will see new species, new habitats, and a completely new way of exploring the zoo. Importantly, this evolution stays true to what Paignton Zoo has always stood for. Conservation, education, and animal welfare remain at the heart of everything we do, and this investment allows us to strengthen that work for the future.” ■
