Torquay theatre kit goes wild in Paignton Zoo makeover

Theatrical rigging once used to hoist backdrops and scenery at Torquay’s Princess Theatre is now helping lemurs leap, swing and climb at Paignton Zoo.

In a creative partnership blending theatre with wildlife conservation, the theatre has donated a selection of its retired fly ropes — previously part of its stage rigging system — to the Zoo’s Lemur Woods habitat.

Rather than send the ropes to landfill following a recent upgrade, the theatre sought a sustainable way to reuse them and reached out to Paignton Zoo, part of the Wild Planet Trust.

Ross Bibby, General Manager of the Princess Theatre, said: “These ropes had reached the end of their service at the Princess Theatre, and we are pleased to donate them to Wild Planet Trust/Paignton Zoo.

"Repurposing them for use in animal enclosures offers a valuable second life and provides excellent enrichment for the animals, while also preventing the ropes from ending up in landfill.

"This is a sustainable and meaningful way to support animal welfare and conservation.”

Now securely installed, the ropes have added fresh climbing routes and swinging spots for the Zoo’s agile primates.

Steph Dawson, Business Development Manager at Paignton Zoo, said: “This generous donation from the Princess Theatre provides excellent enrichment for our lemurs while supporting our shared commitment to sustainability. It's a perfect example of how local partnerships can benefit both wildlife conservation and the environment.”

Visitors can see the ropes in action at Lemur Woods.