Visitors to Paignton Zoo usually come to see the animals. After all, it is a zoo. What they actually see as they walk around is a natural landscape and animals within it. What they don't generally notice is that this is a created landscape and the plants are carefully selected to mimic the natural habitat types of the animals. Plants are fundamental to the atmosphere and this is one of the reasons that Paignton Zoo is not just a zoological garden but also a botanical garden.
The gardens of Paignton Zoo consist of both mature shrubberies and new areas developed over the past 10 years. The new plantings are mainly designed to re-create the major habitat types from around the world. Native plants are used in some areas to enhance the natural ambience whereas in others, exotics create variation within the habitat themes.
The plant collections contain around 5,000 specimens representing about 2,500 different plants. Records of all these plants are held on a computer database which holds information on plant origin, identification and cultivation. Some of the rarest plants in the world are grown in the gardens. The Zoo’s nursery also supports plant and animal conservation work and the scientific research of students.
The warm climate in South West England allows us to grow many tender plants outside as part of the exhibits. Palms, bananas and citrus are amongst the plants that contribute to the tropical feel of the Zoo.
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