Paignton Zoo, a beloved fixture in Devon’s landscape for more than a century, is now up for sale as its owner, the Wild Planet Trust, faces mounting financial challenges. The news, confirmed on September 30, 2025, has sent ripples through the local community and the wider conservation world, raising questions about the future of one of the UK’s most prominent zoological institutions.
The 85-acre estate, together with an additional 18 acres of adjacent land, is now on the market. The trust’s intention, according to a spokesperson, is clear: “the intention is for it to remain as a zoo.” That’s a point of reassurance for many who fear the loss of such a vital center for wildlife conservation and education. Paignton Zoo is home to more than 2,000 animals, a testament to its scale and significance.
Financial woes have been brewing for some time. The Wild Planet Trust, which also owns Newquay Zoo, has openly acknowledged the “crippling challenges” it faces, citing inflationary pressures and rising staffing costs as primary culprits. In July 2024, the trust announced a cost-cutting plan aiming to reduce expenses by about £1 million within a year. Despite these efforts, the trust now believes that securing outside investment—potentially through a sale—is necessary to safeguard its future.
In a statement, the trust emphasized its priorities amid the turbulence: “Our unwavering commitment remains on providing our animals with the highest levels of welfare and husbandry, ensuring all of their physical, emotional and environmental needs are met.” This pledge to animal welfare has been consistent throughout the trust’s communications, even as it navigates uncertain financial waters.
While no guide price has been publicly released for the estate, the trust has assured stakeholders and the public that confidentiality is essential during this process. “We have previously shared information regarding the financial challenges that we face, and whilst we have already taken appropriate action to try to ease these challenges, this is another avenue for us to investigate,” the trust stated. It also promised to share more information as soon as it becomes available, aiming for transparency while balancing the demands of a sensitive negotiation.
Tim Jones from the South West Business Council weighed in on the situation, offering a note of cautious optimism. “It’s no surprise that currently with the market, the tourist market, hospitality market and inflation generally that there are some problems at the moment. This is an institution that we just cannot let fail,” Jones said. He acknowledged the gravity of the financial issues but insisted they are “resolvable, in our opinion.”
The trust’s predicament is not unique in the current economic climate. Inflation has hit many sectors hard, but for organizations reliant on tourism and hospitality, the impact has been particularly acute. According to the trust’s latest accounts, nearly 500,000 visitors were welcomed to its sites in 2023—a strong number, but apparently not enough to offset the rising costs that have beset the organization.
The history of Paignton Zoo stretches back to 1923, when it opened as the Torbay Zoological Gardens. Its origins lie in the private menagerie of Herbert Whitley, an eccentric millionaire with a deep passion for animal welfare and education. Whitley “strongly believed that the zoo should be a place of learning, not just recreation,” the zoo’s website notes. After his death in 1955, the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust was formed to continue his legacy, eventually evolving into the Wild Planet Trust in 2019.
Over the decades, the trust expanded its conservation efforts, taking over Newquay Zoo in 2003 and opening Living Coasts, a coastal zoo in Torquay. However, Living Coasts was forced to close in 2020 due to the devastating impact of the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent lockdowns—a stark reminder of how external shocks can threaten even the most established institutions.
The Wild Planet Trust’s commitment to conservation goes beyond its own gates. In its latest statement, the trust reiterated that “securing investment will ensure we protect the long-term future of our conservation charity and continuing to help halt species decline.” This mission-driven focus has earned the trust considerable goodwill, but it also underscores the stakes involved in the current sale process. If the zoo were to close or change hands to a less conservation-minded owner, the impact could ripple far beyond Devon.
The trust’s approach to communication has been measured, balancing the need for confidentiality with the importance of keeping the public informed. “Confidentiality is crucial to this process, ensuring that all relevant parties have access to consistent, accurate, and timely information,” the trust explained. This balancing act is critical, as rumors and speculation can quickly undermine confidence and complicate negotiations with potential investors.
For many in the local community, the zoo is more than just a tourist attraction—it’s a cherished institution and a source of regional pride. It also plays a vital role in public education, offering children and adults alike the chance to learn about biodiversity and the importance of conservation. As Tim Jones put it, “This is an institution that we just cannot let fail.”
Yet, the challenges are formidable. Inflation and increased staffing costs are not likely to abate in the near term, and the broader economic environment remains uncertain. Still, the trust’s leadership is adamant that animal welfare will not be compromised, no matter what the future holds. “Our unwavering commitment remains on providing our animals with the highest levels of welfare and husbandry, ensuring all of their physical, emotional and environmental needs are met,” the trust reiterated in its public communications.
As the sale process unfolds, all eyes will be on the Wild Planet Trust and the fate of Paignton Zoo. The hope, shared by many, is that a suitable investor will step forward—one who shares the trust’s commitment to conservation and education. If that happens, Paignton Zoo may yet continue its storied legacy for another century, serving as a beacon of hope for wildlife and a source of joy for generations to come.
For now, the future of Paignton Zoo hangs in the balance, a testament to the challenges facing conservation organizations in a changing world—and a reminder of the critical importance of community support, responsible stewardship, and unwavering dedication to the animals in their care.
