Paignton Zoo dealt devasting blow by Storm Darragh

Paignton Zoo has been dealt another devastating blow after Storm Darragh ripped apart one of its historic trees.

A towering beech, estimated to be over two hundred years old, was severely damaged by the extreme gales this weekend, crushing a wooden hut in its wake.

This is the third instance of extreme weather damaging iconic trees at Wild Planet Trust, the charity behind Paignton Zoo, in 2024. 

Earlier this year, the zoo lost a veteran cherry tree and an ancient oak. Over the weekend, a mature larch tree was uprooted, and a poplar at Newquay Zoo was completely felled.

Catherine Mortimer, Curator of Gardens for Wild Planet Trust, says: "Sadly, with these extreme weather events becoming more common, we expect that we will continue to lose more of these very old trees. One of the reasons we made the decision to close the zoos on Saturday was due to the risk posed by branches being blown off and potentially hitting someone.”

The decision to close was not made lightly, as the Trust has been transparent about the financial pressures they have faced recently, and the closure resulted in the loss of much-needed revenue. 

Despite this, zoo staff have remained resourceful. The fallen beech has already been repurposed, with branches used as perches and enrichment for the animals. Smaller branches, which are edible and highly nutritious for some species, have been shared with zoo residents, including Manny the black rhino.

Above: Manny the black rhino

Catherine continues: “While it is a shame to see these trees damaged, we have a motto that 'nothing goes to waste' and will make sure that we salvage as much as we can for our animals."

As part of its mission to combat species decline, Wild Planet Trust is committed to replenishing lost habitats. 

The gardens team at Paignton and Newquay Zoos continues to cultivate new trees, ensuring the longevity of these vital ecosystems. 

The gardens, which earned a Britain in Bloom Gold Award this year, provide not only aesthetic beauty but also practical benefits, supporting native species and nourishing the zoo’s animals through carefully maintained browse plantations.

To support Wild Planet Trust’s efforts to protect wildlife and their habitats, you can donate or volunteer by visiting https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/support-us/.