A giraffe with a patterned neck and long lashes stands against a backdrop of green leafy trees, looking slightly to the side.

Animal Experiences

Our animal experiences allow you to get up close and personal with some of our most popular animals! As part of your experience, you will meet and chat with our knowledgeable keepers – a great opportunity to learn about the animals from the people that know them best.

Person wearing a green "Zoo Junior Keeper" shirt looking out a window with kitchen items nearby.

What if I have already bought an experience?

We are honouring all previously purchased experiences up until their expiry date. If you have purchased an experience voucher, please contact us at experiences@paigntonzoo.uk to get booked in.

Animal Experiences Are Coming Back!

Our popular Paignton Zoo Animal Experiences are set to return from September 2026, giving you the chance to get closer than ever to some of the incredible animals that call the zoo home. Whether you're searching for an unforgettable gift, a unique family day out, or a behind-the-scenes wildlife experience, our animal experiences offer the opportunity to meet our expert keepers, hear fascinating stories about the animals in their care, and discover more about the vital conservation work taking place at Paignton Zoo. More details, including the full range of experiences available, will be announced soon – so keep an eye on this page for updates.

Giraffe Experience

Come face to face with our towering giraffes and enjoy a special close-up encounter with one of the zoo’s most iconic species, while learning more from our expert keeping team.

A lion licks a treat held by a person through a wire fence in a sunny, grassy area with yellow flowers.
Lion Experience

Get closer to our magnificent African lions and discover more about their behaviour, personalities and care from the keepers who know them best. A memorable opportunity to learn more about one of the zoo’s most impressive species.

Giant Tortoise Experience

Step inside the enclosure with our gentle giant tortoises, help feed them some of their favourite foods and discover more about their behaviour, care and incredible adaptations.

Echidna Experience

Meet one of the world's most unusual mammals and discover what makes echidnas so fascinating. Spend time with his keeper, learn more about their unique adaptations and enjoy a special close-up experience with this remarkable species.

Zoo keeper in blue shirt pushes a wheelbarrow of hay toward two giraffes outside a fenced area with green trees in the background.
Zookeeper Experience

Go behind the scenes at Paignton Zoo and spend four hours alongside our zoo team. Get involved in a variety of keeper tasks, visit different areas of the zoo and discover what it takes to care for our animals.

A tiger crouches in tall grass, its intense eyes focused forward. The fur is vividly striped with a mix of orange, black, and white.

Make the most of your visit