About the Zoo

Paignton Zoo is not just one of the UK's top zoos and a great day out; we are also a conservation and education charity and part of a group of zoos and charities.

The Zoo was founded in 1923 by Herbert Whitley, and when he died in 1955 the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust was set up in his name. Paignton Zoo is owned by the Trust and it also owns Living Coasts in Torquay, Newquay Zoo in Cornwall, Primley Park and Clennon Gorge in Paignton, and Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve.