The future of Newquay Zoo is secured after new owner is revealed

Wednesday, 10 December 2025 10:30

Wild Planet Trust says Dutch leisure group Libéma will take over the operation of both Newquay Zoo and Paignton Zoo from the 2nd of January, 2026.

Both sites will no longer be run as charities. 

In a statement, Wild Planet Trusts says the Dutch leisure company consists of more than 20 businesses - including four zoos: "Libéma...shall safeguard the future of both zoos and will ensure their vital conservation, educational and breeding programmes can continue for many years to come.

"The zoos have been an integral part of local life for more than a century and half a century respectively. News that these iconic zoos were at risk of closure came as a surprise to many. Both zoos had been clear and open about the need for new investment to secure their long-term future. Libéma have now stepped in to make this happen."

Wild Planet Trust say they will step back from day-to-day operations and focus on wider conservation work in the UK and overseas.

Plans for Newquay Zoo include the creation of a new savannah exhibit featuring giraffes. Meanwhile in Paignton, there are plans to improve the routing, connecting five theme areas, reintroduce rhinoceroses, create a new enclosure for camels, vicunas, rheas and maras and to build a new baboon rock for baboons and warthogs."

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