Paignton Zoo unveils new giraffe home as Grasslands development takes shape

Paignton Zoo has recently unveiled a newly renovated home for its herd of Nubian giraffes, complete with a new covered viewing area offering visitors a different perspective of one of the zoo’s most recognisable species.

The development comes as the herd welcomes its newest arrival, Brad, the zoo’s only male giraffe. Brad arrived in June and has been settling in well, marking an important step for the future of the herd and Paignton Zoo’s participation in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).

The giraffes will move into one side of the newly renovated Savannah House, with the other side providing indoor space for zebras and antelope species as plans progress for a mixed-species savannah habitat inspired by Africa’s grasslands.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy a new covered viewing area overlooking the developing mixed-species savannah, offering a new perspective to watch the giraffe herd from and, once they arrive, the other animals sharing the habitat. The new shelter, crafted by local business Dan Brown Carpentry, forms part of the evolving look across the zoo and will also provide a versatile setting for events and activities.

Designed with animal welfare, conservation, and education at its heart, the development provides enhanced facilities for the giraffe herd while creating more opportunities for visitors to connect with the animals and learn about their conservation. Brad’s arrival also marks an important step for the future of the zoo’s giraffe breeding programme, with the team excited about the potential to expand the herd in the years ahead.

Ashley Gillam, General Manager, said: “It’s fantastic to see this next stage of Grasslands coming together. Brad has settled in really well since arriving in June, and we’re excited about what his arrival means for the future of our giraffe herd and breeding programme.

“The new Savannah House and viewing area will give our giraffes an enhanced home while offering visitors a completely new way to see and connect with the herd. As the mixed-species habitat develops, it will become an important part of Grasslands, and we’re looking forward to welcoming visitors to experience it for themselves.”

The Savannah House forms part of the wider Grasslands development, the largest-scale development at Paignton Zoo in decades, which will become the first complete section of the zoo to be developed as part of its current programme of works under Libéma’s ownership.

Grasslands has already seen the return of southern white rhinos to Paignton Zoo for the first time in decades, alongside the arrival of the yaks, vicunas, and rheas. The area will continue to take shape over the coming months, with an antelope species arriving at the end of August and Bactrian camels expected in September.

The continued development of Grasslands is a key part of the new chapter underway at Paignton Zoo, bringing together new and enhanced animal habitats, conservation, and new ways for visitors to discover and connect with wildlife.