Wild Planet Trust Receives Early Investment Interest for Newquay and Paignton Zoos

A week after announcing it was seeking investment, Wild Planet Trust – the charity behind Newquay Zoo in Cornwall and Paignton Zoo in Devon – says it has been encouraged by both community support and interest from potential investors across the UK and Europe.

Exploring Options to Secure the Future

The Trust is exploring options designed to strengthen both sites, including a potential sale to operators committed to keeping them as working zoos. Both Newquay Zoo and Paignton Zoo remain fully open to visitors during the process.

Stephen Kings, Interim Chief Executive at Wild Planet Trust, said the process was about finding the right solution to secure both zoos as thriving institutions.

“We’re exploring all avenues to secure the future of both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo for the next century and beyond. Like many charities, we’ve faced rising costs and global challenges, and we’ve already made difficult but necessary internal changes. Now we’re looking at every option to ensure we don’t just survive, but flourish.”

Any potential investment would need to preserve both sites as working zoos focused on conservation, education and animal welfare, while also securing jobs and supporting modernisation.

Interviews

Early Interest but Cautious Optimism

The Trust confirmed that it has received expressions of interest from across the UK and Europe, though discussions remain at a very early stage.

“There have been conversations with potential investors and interested parties, which is very encouraging. We are cautiously optimistic. But I have to emphasise that these are very, very early days,” Stephen said.

Strong Community Support

Visitor numbers have remained steady since the announcement, with backing from residents, local businesses, councils and authority leaders. Many have shown their support through visits, renewing memberships and sending messages of encouragement.

“These zoos belong to the community – they always have. People are proud of both zoos, and the response we’ve received this past week has been truly humbling. It has only strengthened our resolve to find the right solution for the future.”

Zoos Remain Open and Active

Both zoos remain open and operational, with staff continuing to care for hundreds of species, including many involved in international breeding programmes for endangered animals. The Trust says animal welfare remains its top priority, ensuring all physical, emotional and environmental needs are met.

Seasonal events continue as planned, with Halloween and Christmas festivities in the calendar. Supporters are encouraged to visit the zoos, take part in animal experiences such as feeding the giraffes, adopt animals from £3 per month, or take out annual memberships.

Tickets and further information are available at paigntonzoo.org.uk and newquayzoo.org.uk.

About Wild Planet Trust

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 2019, building on a legacy dating back to 1957 with the formation of the Herbert Whitley Trust. Its origins go back even further to 1923, when Herbert Whitley founded Torbay Zoological Gardens in Devon as a place of learning.

The Trust operates Paignton Zoo, Newquay Zoo and three nature reserves – Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve, Primley Park and Clennon Gorge. Its conservation and research projects span the UK and beyond, focusing on animal behaviour, nutrition, enrichment and ecology.

Paignton and Newquay Zoos are members of the British & Irish Association of Zoos & Aquariums (BIAZA), with Paignton Zoo also accredited by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).

Wild Planet Trust operates under the belief that every species is important, everything is connected, and every action matters in helping to halt species decline.