Paignton Zoo is one of the South West’s most beloved wildlife attractions.
Set across 80 acres of beautiful grounds, we’re home to over 2,000 animals and countless plant species – a place where you can roam, discover, explore and connect with nature.
Whether you visit for a few hours or spend a full day with us, you’ll encounter animals from around the world living in naturalistic habitats. Our ranger and keeper talks run daily, giving you the chance to learn fascinating stories about the animals in our care and the conservation work that protects them.
Conservation at our heart
All of our animals live in carefully designed exhibits that reflect their natural environments. We’re passionate about conserving their future and protecting endangered species from extinction. Through our animal breeding programmes and conservation initiatives – including dormouse reintroduction work – we play a genuine role in species protection globally.
We believe that education is central to conservation. When you visit Paignton Zoo, you’re not just having a great day out; you’re supporting the vital work that happens behind the scenes.
Visit us
There’s plenty to do beyond the animals. Jungle Fun, our indoor soft play area, is perfect for younger children, whilst our Nature Trail takes you through part of the Clennon Gorge wildlife reserve – one of two nature reserves we manage (along with Primley, a beautiful free-access green space just across the Totnes Road).
When you need a break, head to The Island Restaurant for a proper meal, or grab something quick from our food kiosks selling everything from pasties and burgers to pizzas and ice creams. Before you leave, visit our gift shop where you’ll find exclusive items you won’t find anywhere else – perfect for taking home a piece of your day at Paignton Zoo.
We open daily from 10am (closed Christmas Day). Come rain or shine, there’s always something to discover. You’ll need a full day to see it all – so plan ahead and make the most of your visit with us.
Our History
From private collection to family destination
Paignton Zoo has been welcoming visitors for over 100 years.
What began as the private menagerie of eccentric millionaire Herbert Whitley in the 1920s has grown into one of the UK’s most cherished wildlife attractions – a place where families come to experience incredible animals and where serious conservation work happens every single day.
Herbert Whitley’s vision
Herbert Whitley believed a zoo should be far more than just a day out. When he opened Paignton Zoo to the public in 1923, he set out to create a place of learning and discovery, rooted in three core missions: conservation, scientific research, and education. Those principles remain at the heart of everything we do today.
A century of growth
Over the past 100 years, Paignton Zoo has transformed into a world-class facility. The 1990s saw a major £6m redevelopment programme that reshaped the zoo for the 21st century. Since then, we’ve opened the Ape Centre, Education Centre, Avian Breeding Centre, Reptile Tropics, Veterinary Centre, and numerous other facilities dedicated to animal care and visitor experience.
In 2003, we expanded further with the acquisition of Newquay Zoo. In 2008, we opened Crocodile Swamp, and in 2010, the Amphibian Ark – each facility designed to provide our animals with naturalistic habitats whilst allowing visitors to get closer to wildlife than ever before. This commitment to both animal welfare and visitor experience continues to grow.
A leader in the zoo world
Paignton Zoo was instrumental in founding the Zoo Federation – now the British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums – which helped establish global cooperation between zoos and set standards for animal care and conservation across the world.
We remain at the forefront of modern zoo practice, combining exceptional visitor experiences with genuine conservation impact through our animal breeding programmes and research partnerships.
Breeding programmes that matter
Central to our work are the animal breeding programmes that help protect endangered species. These aren’t just attractions – they’re part of a global effort to preserve wildlife for future generations. Every visit helps support this vital work.
Looking to the future
In January 2026, Paignton Zoo joined Libema, a leading European leisure operator with a portfolio of wildlife parks and attractions.
This partnership opens new possibilities for the zoo – enhancing our visitor experiences whilst maintaining our unwavering commitment to the animal breeding programmes and conservation work that have defined us for over a century.
As we continue to care for our animals and welcome guests from across the region and beyond, we remain dedicated to our founding principles: creating places where people connect with wildlife, where education inspires, and where conservation makes a real difference.
Explore our past
Curious about how the zoo has changed over the years? Take a walk down memory lane with our free Zoo Memories Trail and see how your favourite spots have evolved. You can also view our original 1930s guidebook and dive into our documentary blog series that traces the zoo’s full story – from Herbert’s private collection through to today:
We’d love to hear your memories too. Share your photos and stories on our Memories of Paignton Zoo Facebook group and help us celebrate the generations of visitors and staff who’ve made this place special.