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About Us
Founded in 1923 as Primley Zoological Gardens, Paignton Zoo has grown from a private collection into one of the United Kingdom’s leading conservation zoos.
Set across 80 acres in Paignton, Devon, the zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals representing nearly 190 species, alongside around 1,600 species of plants. For more than a century, wildlife care, horticulture and public education have been at the heart of everything we do.
Today, Paignton Zoo continues to evolve, combining historic roots with modern conservation practice.
Our Mission
Paignton Zoo exists to protect wildlife and inspire people to care about the natural world.
Through conservation breeding, scientific collaboration, education and sustainable horticulture, we contribute to global efforts to safeguard endangered species. Every visit supports this work.
Conservation in Action
Paignton Zoo is an active member of:
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA)
The World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA)
We participate in numerous European Endangered Species Programmes and manage international studbooks for selected species, including the southern cassowary and Sulawesi crested macaque.
The zoo is home to eleven Critically Endangered species, including Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, and Bornean orangutans.
Recent conservation achievements include:
Successful breeding of southern cassowary
Hand-rearing of pink pigeons as part of an international recovery programme
Breeding of the Socorro dove, a species extinct in the wild
King colobus and maned wolf births
Our work connects local action in Devon with global conservation networks.
A Zoo and Botanical Garden
From its earliest days, Paignton Zoo was designed as both a zoological and botanical garden.
Today, around 1,600 species of plants are cultivated across the site. These are not simply ornamental displays. They support habitat recreation, animal welfare and conservation priorities. Seasonal planting programmes ensure the grounds are vibrant year-round, while browse production provides natural enrichment and nutrition for species ranging from gorillas to giraffes.
The gardens have received Gold awards in Britain in Bloom, recognising their national significance.
Education and Community
Education has long been central to Paignton Zoo. The zoo works with schools, colleges and universities to support learning in biology, conservation and environmental science.
We welcome thousands of school pupils each year and provide structured workshops, guided sessions and curriculum-linked resources.
As a major visitor attraction in Devon, we are proud to play an active role in the local community and regional tourism economy.
Looking Ahead
Over 100 years after opening its gates, Paignton Zoo remains committed to the same core purpose: connecting people with wildlife.
As we move forward, we will continue to balance heritage with innovation, combining conservation science, horticultural excellence and visitor engagement across our 80-acre site in Devon.
Every visit helps support this mission.