New owner ‘will safeguard future of Paignton and Newquay zoos’

A new owner for Paignton and Newquay zoos has been found, the charity which runs them has said.

Wild Planet Trust said Dutch leisure company Libéma would “safeguard the future” of both attractions and ensure their conservation programmes would continue.

The zoos which are home to about 2,850 animals including endangered species, had been put up for sale due to rising operating costs.

Chief executive officer of Libéma, Dirk Lips, said: “When the opportunity to invest in these two incredible zoos arose, we seized it with both hands.”

Mr Lips said Libéma planned to invest “at least £10m” in the zoos over the next two years.

The company is due to take over commercial operations from 1 January 2026.

Stephen Kings, interim CEO of Wild Planet Trust, said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Paignton and Newquay Zoos.

“Under Libéma’s ownership, both zoos are not only guaranteed to survive but to thrive into the future.

“Libéma shares our commitment to animal welfare, conservation and hospitality, and we believe visitors will see significant new developments as a result.”

Wild Planet Trust said the zoos would no longer operate as charities, adding that Libéma “remains fully committed to conservation”.

Plans for the zoos include creating a savannah with giraffes, and to reintroduce rhinoceroses at Paignton.

Mr Lips said Libema operates four zoos already: “We’ve been looking to expand our activities for animal welfare, education, research and conservation.”

He added: “The staff in the zoos have made me feel very welcome. We therefore are very much looking forward to working together.”

Sarah Barr, Chair of Wild Planet Trust, said: “We are confident that, under Libéma’s stewardship, the zoos will go from strength to strength.”