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The zoo that inspired the film "We Bought a Zoo", on the edge of Dartmoor.
Dartmoor Zoo is highlighting the contributions of its dedicated volunteer team during Volunteers' Week 2026, showcasing stories from volunteers across education, animal care, and maintenance roles. The zoo credits its volunteers with playing a vital role in animal care, visitor engagement, conservation efforts, and day-to-day operations.
The zoo has been selected as a finalist in the Muddy Stilettos Awards 2026 in the Best Family Experience category. Voting is open until Tuesday 26th May, and the zoo is encouraging visitors and supporters to cast their votes.
Dartmoor Zoo has improved its VisitEngland Quality Assured Visitor Attraction score to 84%, up from 80% in October 2023. The assessment praised the zoo's varied exhibits, educational programming, keeper talks, and strong conservation messaging.
Chincha, a male jaguar, has left Dartmoor Zoo after 11 years to join Zoo d'Amnéville in France as part of an international breeding programme. The move aims to preserve valuable jaguar genetics and support global conservation efforts for the species.
Dartmoor Zoo has released a new app allowing visitors to pre-register, access animal facts, and navigate the 33-acre site before and during their visit. The app features an interactive map, daily talk schedules, adoption information, and custom photo frames to enhance the visitor experience.
FeaturedDartmoor Zoo has announced the birth of three meerkat pups consisting of two females and one male. The zoo is running a naming competition from 3–19 April, with proceeds supporting Dartmoor Zoological Society.
FeaturedDartmoor Zoo has announced the birth of three baby goats consisting of two females and one male. The zoo is running a naming competition from 3–19 April, with proceeds supporting Dartmoor Zoological Society.
FeaturedZeya, a female Amur leopard cub born at Dartmoor Zoo on 29 September 2025, has reached the six-month milestone and is thriving under the care of her mother Lena. As one of only 15 Amur leopard cubs born in 2025, Zeya represents a significant contribution to the survival of this critically endangered species and has attracted thousands of visitors to the zoo.
Dartmoor Zoo has been awarded BIAZA Accredited status as of 17 March 2026, joining the first cohort of zoos to achieve this mark of excellence. The accreditation recognises world-class standards in animal care, welfare, education, research, and conservation work that exceed UK and Ireland zoo licensing requirements.
FeaturedZeya, a critically endangered Amur Leopard, was born at Dartmoor Zoo and is one of only 15 Amur Leopards born globally in 2025. The birth represents a significant milestone for the species, which is among the world's rarest big cats.
Dartmoor Zoo is promoting the therapeutic value of wildlife encounters for visitor mental wellbeing, citing research showing that time in nature reduces stress and improves psychological health. The zoo positions itself as a destination where conservation work and human wellness intersect through carefully designed visitor experiences.
Churchill, a male serval at Dartmoor Zoo, has completed his first year at the zoo following his rescue in January 2025 from concerning conditions. His recovery demonstrates the importance of specialist care and responsible guardianship for wild cats.
Dartmoor Zoo is celebrating World Serval Day and one year since their female serval Sabra arrived and was introduced to their male serval Churchill. The pair have developed a strong bond and are almost always seen together, providing rewarding observation for the zoo's team.
Dartmoor Zoo is now supported by SeaMoor Lotto, a weekly lottery scheme where £1 tickets offer a 1 in 50 chance to win prizes up to £25,000. The zoo receives 50p from each ticket sold, with draws held every Saturday night.
Dartmoor Zoo is inviting visitors to name Red Admiral butterflies for £10.99 as part of a spring fundraising initiative. All proceeds support native conservation efforts at the zoo, with participants receiving a certificate, bamboo socks, and wildflower seeds.
Zeya, one of only 15 Amur Leopards born globally in 2025, went on show to the public on 31st January following a move to the main enclosure with her mother Lena on 26th January. The cub represents a significant contribution to the critically endangered species, with only an estimated 120 remaining in the wild.
Dartmoor Zoo emphasises the importance of maintaining a healthy zoo population of Amur Leopards to support the species' recovery, as wild reintroductions are not currently feasible. The zoo is appealing for donations to support ongoing conservation projects for this critically endangered big cat.
Dartmoor Zoo is marking International Zebra Day by highlighting the care and conservation of its three Grant's Zebra residents through a keeper perspective. The zoo uses the occasion to educate visitors about zebra ecology, the threats they face in the wild including habitat fragmentation and poaching, and why these animals are vital to African ecosystem health.
Dartmoor Zoo is selling limited-edition Valentine's Day adoption packages spotlighting three of the zoo's famous animal couples: Amur Leopards Lena and Freddo with cub Zeya, Lynx Flaviu and Emily with kit Carpi, and Meerkats Ben and Geri with pups Endeavour and Everest. The packages are available from 27 January to 13 February and include adoption certificates, plushes, fact sheets, and bamboo socks.
FeaturedChurchill, a male serval rescued from The Cat Survival Trust, arrived at Dartmoor Zoo on 21 January 2024 and has now completed his first year at the zoo. The rescue was a collaborative effort involving Dartmoor Zoo, Hertfordshire Zoo, and The Big Cat Sanctuary, with Churchill now thriving alongside companion Sabra.