Jim Parker: Giving back Paignton Zoo its heart and soul

It only seemed like yesterday that Paignton Zoo was at death’s door. Interim CEO Stephen Kings and his Wild Planet trustees had tried everything to turn around the fortunes of what was once one of the best attractions in the UK.
Covid, plummeting visitor numbers and the Living Coast rent chain around its neck had all played a part in taking the zoo to its lowest ebb.
The zoo, with empty paddocks, missing animals and closed exhibits, was in dire need of investment. You could almost feel the air of despondency and sheer sadness over its decline with closure a real threat and just around the corner. It had lost its soul.
Putting the zoo on the market was the only and last-chance-saloon option.
Then, virtually out of the blue, came Libéma, a Dutch leisure company consisting of 20 businesses including four zoos, and a takeover deal which saved and safeguarded the future of both Paignton and its sister zoo at Newquay as well an assurance that their vital conservation, educational and breeding programmes would also continue for many years to come.
Dirk Lips, chief executive of Libéma, said at the time: “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.”
From the onset, there was talk of transforming and remodelling the zoo with themed areas and new animals, and new exhibits.
The takeover was announced and revealed publicly on December 10 last year. Now, less than four months later, those transformational plans have been confirmed and revealed, including new animals in their new Paignton home around Easter.

Paignton Zoo White Rhino Concept

It has been confirmed that the site will be reorganised into four themed zones: Grasslands, Wetlands, Rainforests and Islands. Improvements will include:
* An expansion of the Grasslands zone, including a new mixed-species savannah habitat
* Introduction and return of species including zebra, ostrich, blesbok, rhea, vicuña, Bactrian camel and yak
* Development of a new Plains habitat for white rhinoceros, marking the return of rhino to the zoo
* Development of a new Wetlands habitat for sitatonga
* Progression of plans across Forests and Islands zones, including future species such as babirusa, saki monkeys, and Komodo dragons
* Improvements to visitor experience, including new pathways, play areas, and food and drink facilities

Paignton Zoo South-American Pampa plans

Each of the new themed areas will be designed as a looping route, ensuring visitors can fully explore every habitat, all connected by a central plaza overlooking the main lake.
Transition manager Steven van den Heuvel said: “Grasslands is the first major step, but it’s part of a much bigger transformation happening across the whole site.
“Over time, visitors will see new species, new habitats, and a completely new way of exploring the zoo. Importantly, this evolution stays true to what Paignton Zoo has always stood for – conservation, education, and animal welfare remain at the heart of everything we do, and this investment allows us to strengthen that work for the future.”
The zoo has already begun work across the site. Visitors may have noticed diggers, new structures, and early signs of change as plans move from concept into reality.
The transformation will also extend beyond animal habitats. New pathways, improved visitor flow, enhanced play areas, and updated food and drink facilities are all part of the wider redevelopment, alongside new interpretation and storytelling woven throughout the routes. The owners say that together these changes are designed to create a more immersive and engaging day out.
Mr Lips said conservation remains at the core of Paignton Zoo’s work, with international breeding programmes for endangered species continuing alongside the redevelopment. Plans are also underway to introduce new fundraising initiatives to support conservation projects both in the UK and overseas.
The zoo is also exploring ways for the local community to be involved in the transformation, with opportunities to contribute to elements of the redevelopment expected to be announced later this year.
The change in tone from despondency to delight was there for all to see in a video interview about the changes with zoo head of living collections Lisa Britton.
She said: “It has been a whirlwind journey over the last few months. We have had numerous changes now. People will see lots of developments going on.”
Paddocks are either being improved or created from top to bottom of the zoo.
Lisa said: “It is very exciting. This investment is what we have been crying out for. Most of these plans we have been talking about for years. We just simply didn’t have the funds
“We have those funds now. All the dreams, hopes and aspirations are all coming to fruition.”
Council leader Dave Thomas said: “I am delighted that the new owners of the zoo are already starting to demonstrate what they previously spoke about. This is fantastic news for the whole of the Bay. “
Deputy council leader Chris Lewis, who also holds the council’s regeneration portfolio, and chief executive Anne Marie Bond met the new Dutch owners when they first approached the zoo.
He said: “We knew these were people we could do business with. It has transpired that was correct. If the zoo had closed we would have never got it back. It is great to see that it is getting investment from its new owners. This is a real boost for the Bay. It shows that people have faith in the Bay.
“We have seen this with our regeneration partners Milligan and Willmott Dixon helping us.
“We have always said we cannot do it on our own.
“They have faith in us because we have faith in them. It is all about partnerships.”
Libéma says the improvements constitute the biggest redevelopment in the zoo’s 103-year history.
Not only are they delivering on their plans and more besides.
The heart and soul is back at Paignton Zoo.