Paignton Zoo is evolving! Discover what’s changing and what to expect during your visit.
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More to explore than ever before
Discover exciting new arrivals, expanding habitats and unforgettable wildlife across 80 acres.
Every visit offers something new!
The Ultimate Full-Day Family Adventure... with Wildlife at Its Heart
Explore 80 acres of animals, indoor habitats, play areas, and award-winning gardens, Paignton Zoo is designed for a full day of discovery for families, friends, and wildlife lovers.
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What’s Included With Your Ticket
Your ticket covers far more than entry. Enjoy talks, feeds, indoor habitats, and space to roam, all in one day.
✔ Daily animal feeding sessions
✔ Indoor tropical and desert habitats
✔ 80 acres of wildlife and gardens to explore at your own pace
✔ Family-friendly play areas and nature trails
✔ Restaurant and multiple food outlets around the site
✔ Conservation work that protects threatened species
A Full Day Out in Devon
With 80 acres to explore, daily talks included, play areas, and space to roam, most families spend the whole day discovering something new.
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Phase One is complete!
For the last six months the zoo has been undergoing significant development. From new animals, new habitats, new maps, new routing and a central plaza - find out what's changed so far.
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Rare and Remarkable Wildlife
Meet Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, and species found nowhere else in the UK, all in one unforgettable visit.
Who's new at the zoo?
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Greater rhea
As part of the development of the new Grasslands area, we have welcomed greater rhea to the hilly habitat opposite the giraffes. They will soon be joined by vicuña.
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Swamp wallaby
We have had two new male swamp wallabies join the group as part of the Islands area.
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Southern white rhino
Our 2 young male white rhinos are the first large mammal move in many years, they represent the start of an exciting new era.
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Make the Day Even Better
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Unlimited visits with membership
Visit once, then come back through the seasons.
Membership is the easiest way to turn a day out into a year of wildlife moments, plus discounts and early access to selected events.
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Go behind the scenes
Our popular Paignton Zoo Animal Experiences are set to return from 1 September 2026, giving you the chance to get closer than ever to some of the incredible animals that call the zoo home.
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Play, trails, and exploration
Keep young explorers moving with indoor soft play, outdoor play areas, and nature trails through our breath-taking Clennon Gorge wildlife reserve.
A Great Day Out, Whatever the Weather
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Rain or shine, there is always something to do. Step into our indoor tropical houses, explore immersive exhibits, and keep moving with activities and play between animal encounters. It is the kind of day out that stays enjoyable, even when the forecast changes.
Meet Iconic Species, and Rare Finds
From big cats and great apes to species you will not see elsewhere in the UK, Paignton Zoo brings the natural world closer, while supporting its future.
Across the site you can encounter Critically Endangered species such as Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, and Bornean orangutans, alongside favourites like Rothschild’s giraffes, red pandas, and Chilean flamingos. Paignton Zoo is also the only UK zoo to house a northern brown kiwi and a short-beaked echidna.
Every Visit Supports Conservation
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Paignton Zoo has been caring for wildlife since 1923 and plays an active role in conservation breeding and international collaboration through leading zoo associations.
Your visit helps fund animal care, habitat development, and conservation work that protects threatened species.
How long does it take to visit Paignton Zoo?
Most visitors spend a full day exploring the 80-acre site, including talks, indoor habitats and play areas.
Is Paignton Zoo open all year?
Yes. Paignton Zoo is open every day (except for Christmas Day), with seasonal opening times available on our website.
What animals can I see at Paignton Zoo?
The zoo is home to more than 1,800 animals, including Sumatran tigers, western lowland gorillas, Rothschild’s giraffes and species found nowhere else in the UK.
Is Paignton Zoo suitable in bad weather?
Yes. Indoor tropical and desert habitats, covered exhibits and play areas make it a great day out rain or shine.
Does my ticket support conservation?
Yes. Every visit helps fund animal care, conservation breeding programmes and international wildlife protection initiatives.
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