Paignton Zoo to reopen Crocodile Swamp

Paignton Zoo’s beloved Crocodile Swamp exhibit is on track for a grand reopening, thanks to the incredible generosity and support of the local community.

The popular attraction, closed since December 2022 due to storm damage to its roof, is now undergoing preparations for its January reopening. The closure had been announced as indefinite, pending significant repairs and maintenance.

One key task has been constructing a replacement entrance ramp to ensure safe access for visitors.

Nearly two years later, the zoo shared the exciting news that the exhibit’s revival has been made possible through its community-driven fundraising campaign, ‘Bring Back the Swamp,’ which raised an impressive £15,000.

Expressing his gratitude, Stephen Kings, Chief Executive of Paignton Zoo, said: “We are deeply grateful for the support shown to us by our zoo community. We can now officially announce that Crocodile Swamp will be reopening very, very soon.”

To celebrate the announcement, Paignton Zoo has launched a unique prize draw.

The grand prize includes an exclusive opportunity to feed a crocodile, the honour of cutting the ribbon at the grand reopening ceremony, and a large cuddly crocodile toy, courtesy of the zoo’s retail partner, Nature Planet. 

There will also be several crocodile-themed prizes for runners-up.

Kings added: “We wanted to offer something special in return for our supporters. This prize draw provides the perfect opportunity for one lucky winner to go behind the scenes and experience the thrill of feeding one of our crocodiles. It’s also a wonderful way for our supporters to continue contributing to the ongoing care of our animals.”

The news has sparked excitement among the local community, with many expressing their enthusiasm on Facebook.

One Facebook user said: “Fabulous news! We’ve really missed the crocodile swamp, it was always one of the highlights of our visits. It’ll be so good to see it up and running again.”

This announcement follows the recent reopening of the zoo’s newly renovated Giraffe House on Saturday, October 26, 2024. 

The updated enclosure is now home to five female giraffes: Janica, Otilie, Joanna, Eliska, and Florrie. 

The prize draw will officially open on December 1 and will run for 31 days, closing at midnight on New Year’s Eve. 

Everyone is encouraged to participate: www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/croc-swamp-prize-draw