Paignton Zoo

Sir David Attenborough turns 100 today, marking a century of influence on wildlife conservation and zoo education. Paignton Zoo staff reflect on his 2016 visit and his profound impact on generations of conservationists and animal lovers worldwide.

Paignton Zoo is investing in new habitats and visitor experiences as part of a phased development programme. New species including rhea and vicuña will arrive from late May, with main construction works planned to complete by summer 2026.

Paignton Zoo is undergoing its most significant redevelopment in 103 years, reorganising the entire site into four distinct themed zones: Grasslands, Wetlands, Rainforests, and Islands. The transformation, now underway following the zoo's acquisition by Dutch leisure company Libéma, will introduce new habitats, species, and visitor experiences throughout 2024 and beyond.

A new South American-inspired Andean Pampa habitat is being developed within the Grasslands zone to house rhea and vicuña. The habitat reflects the zoo's shift towards larger, mixed-species environments designed to mirror natural ecosystems.

A new habitat is being prepared in the Wetlands zone specifically for sitatunga, a rare antelope species adapted to moving through water. The development is part of the zoo's wider four-zone transformation.

Conservation remains central to Paignton Zoo's redevelopment, with international breeding programmes for endangered species continuing throughout the transformation. The zoo is launching new fundraising initiatives to support conservation projects in the UK and overseas.

A new Central Asian Steppe-inspired habitat is being created within the Grasslands zone to house Bactrian camels and yak. The development continues the zoo's commitment to larger, mixed-species environments that reflect natural ecosystems.

Work is progressing on the Rainforests and Islands zones, with plans to house babirusa, saki monkeys, and Komodo dragons alongside further developments in indoor habitats. These zones form part of the zoo's comprehensive four-zone redevelopment.

The new Grasslands zone features an expanded giraffe paddock transformed into a large mixed-species savannah habitat. Zebras, ostriches, and blesbok will join giraffes in the reimagined space, with first arrivals expected around Easter.

Paignton Zoo is undertaking a major transformation to create new mixed-species habitats and improved visitor experiences across the site. The project is part of an exciting long-term vision to develop immersive spaces for both animals and visitors.

Paignton Zoo has started improvement works at its main entrance as part of a wider transformation project. The zoo remains open with alternative access clearly signposted, and works are expected to continue through to the start of summer.

Zoo News

Limbali, an unrelated male king colobus monkey introduced to Paignton Zoo as part of a managed breeding programme, died just weeks before the birth of Limba. His genetic contribution to the breeding programme's success remains significant for the species' long-term survival.

Koidu, a Diana monkey born last summer and affectionately known as the zoo's 'miracle baby', is now part of a trio of young primates in the Monkey Heights exhibit. Her presence alongside two king colobus infants has brought increased visitor engagement and conservation awareness to the exhibit.

Wild Planet Trust has secured investment from Dutch leisure company Libéma, which will take ownership of both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo from 2 January 2026. This marks Libéma's first UK venture and guarantees the zoos' long-term future, allowing their conservation, education and breeding programmes to continue.