Paignton Zoo's Crocodile Swamp makes triumphant return

Torbay’s Paignton Zoo is set to reopen its iconic Crocodile Swamp exhibit after more than two years, marking an optimistic milestone after a period of financial hardship.

At 11 am on Saturday, January 18, the popular reptile exhibit will welcome visitors once again.

The reopening comes following a successful fundraising campaign and is a testament to the zoo's resilience and the unwavering support of the local community.

Last year, the zoo faced significant financial difficulties, leading to unavoidable redundancies and a change in leadership. 

Despite these challenges, the zoo remained determined to recover and sought feedback from the community on how to move forward.

Based on this feedback, the zoo prioritised reopening the Crocodile Swamp exhibit alongside the giraffe house, which reopened in October. 

While the community also expressed a desire to bring back the beloved train, the costs proved prohibitive. 

Instead, a miniature train from Plym Valley Railway was brought in for October half-term, delighting visitors and raising funds.

Proceeds from the miniature train and a Murder Mystery evening held as part of the Agatha Christie Festival contributed to the "Bring Back the Swamp" fundraising campaign. 

The campaign’s success, fuelled by the generosity of local businesses and individuals, enabled the zoo to secure the funds needed for renovations.

Stephen Kings, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Wild Planet Trust, said: "We are incredibly excited to welcome visitors back to Crocodile Swamp. The support we've received from the community has been overwhelming, from individual donors to local businesses like Westcountry Fabrication and Dyson Construction, who generously provided discounted services. We are deeply grateful to everyone who made this possible and look forward to sharing this special moment with all of you."

To celebrate the reopening, Paignton Zoo will host a ceremony on Saturday morning. The winner of a recent charity prize draw will cut the ribbon and enjoy an exclusive behind-the-scenes crocodile feeding experience.

Visitors hoping to attend this historic event are encouraged to book tickets online in advance.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Paignton Zoo website: https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk