BREAKING: Paignton Zoo secures new future after major takeover deal

The Wild Planet Trust and Paignton Zoo have been saved after a deal with one of the biggest leisure firms in Holland.

The financially-struggling Trust has confirmed the new owner for both Paignton and its sister zoo in Newquay.

Libéma, a Dutch leisure company consisting of 20 businesses, including four zoos, will safeguard the future of both zoos and will ensure their vital conservation, educational and breeding programmes can continue for many years to come.

And there are already plans to add new ‘themed’ areas to the zoo.

Read next: Jim Parker: It's a family affair as Dutch leisure giants step in with £10m deal to save Paignton Zoo just months before worst-case closure scenario

The zoos have been an integral part of local life for more than a century and half a century respectively. 

News that these iconic zoos were at risk of closure came as a surprise to many.

Operated by Wild Planet Trust, a charity dedicated to wildlife conservation and protection, both zoos had been clear and open about the need for new investment to secure their long-term future. Libéma has now stepped in to make this happen. 

“This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Paignton and Newquay Zoos as Libéma takes over the commercial operations of Wild Planet Trust from 1st January 2026,” said Stephen Kings, Interim CEO of Wild Planet Trust.

“Under Libéma’s ownership, both zoos are not only guaranteed to survive but to thrive into the future. 

“Libéma shares our commitment to animal welfare, conservation and hospitality, and we believe visitors will see significant new developments as a result.”

Dirk Lips, CEO of Libéma, said: “We currently operate four zoos, including Beekse Bergen - the Netherlands most visited wildlife attraction - but we’ve been looking to expand our activities for animal welfare, education, research and conservation.

“When the opportunity to invest in these two incredible zoos arose, we seized it with both hands. I feel very much at home in the UK and the staff in the zoos have made me feel very welcome. We therefore are very much looking forward to working together on the exciting plans we have for the zoos.”

Under the agreement, Libéma will take over the operation of both zoos, allowing Wild Planet

Trust to focus fully on its charitable mission of wildlife conservation in the UK and worldwide.

Although the zoos will no longer operate as charities, Libéma remains fully committed to conservation. Through their trust, Stichting Wildlife, they currently support 30 active conservation initiatives worldwide.

As Wild Planet Trust steps back from operating the zoos, they will be able to fully focus on and strengthen their vital conservation research and support efforts. 

Sarah Barr, Chair of Wild Planet Trust, added: “When we began seeking investment, our top priority was finding a new owner who would continue to operate the zoos and protect their legacy. 

“We were determined to find someone who shared our deep passion for conservation and animal welfare. 

“We are confident that, under Libéma’s stewardship, the zoos will go from strength to strength whilst The Trust concentrates on its vital conservation work.”

All current zoo employees will transfer to Libéma from January 2026, ensuring continuity for both staff and animals. 

Over the coming weeks, Libéma and Wild Planet Trust will work closely together to guarantee a smooth handover. 

Once the transition is complete, Wild Planet Trust will step back from zoo operations but will collaborate with Libéma on future conservation projects.

Libéma has a proven record of revitalising struggling zoos, ensuring that once-threatened attractions have become thriving centres for education, conservation and family enjoyment.

For Paignton Zoo plans for 2026 are to improve the routing, connecting five theme areas, to create a savannah with giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and antelopes, to reintroduce rhinoceroses, to create a new enclosure for camels, vicunas, rheas and maras and to build a new baboon rock for baboons and warthogs. In Newquay Zoo a savannah with giraffes will be created.