Paignton and Newquay Zoos saved as Dutch leisure company take over
The future of Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo has been secured after a new owner was confirmed for the much-loved attractions
The future of Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo has been secured after a new owner was confirmed for the much-loved attractions.
Dutch leisure company Libéma will take over both sites from January, promising to protect their vital conservation, education and breeding work.
All current staff will transfer over and new investment means visitors can expect major developments, including a new savannah for giraffes at both zoos next year.
The new company say the zoos have been an integral part of local life for more than a century and half a century respectively, and say they are committed to ensuring their future, when they take over from the Wild Planet Trust charity in the New Year.
Stephen Kings, Interim CEO of the Wild Planet Trust said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Paignton and Newquay Zoos as Libéma takes over the commercial operations of Wild Planet Trust from 2 January 2026.
“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.”
Under the agreement, Libéma will take over the operation of both zoos, allowing Wild Planet Trust to focus fully on its charitable mission of wildlife conservation in the UK and worldwide.
Although the zoos will no longer operate as charities, Libéma say the company remains fully committed to conservation.
Through their trust, Stichting Wildlife, they currently support 30 active conservation initiatives worldwide.
As Wild Planet Trust steps back from operating the zoos, they will be able to fully focus on and strengthen their vital conservation research and support efforts.
Sarah Barr, Chair of Wild Planet Trust, added: “When we began seeking investment, our top priority was finding a new owner who would continue to operate the zoos and protect their legacy. We were determined to find someone who shared our deep passion for conservation and animal welfare. We are confident that, under Libéma’s stewardship, the zoos will go from strength to strength whilst The Trust concentrates on its vital conservation work.”
Over the coming weeks, Libéma and Wild Planet Trust will work closely together to guarantee a smooth handover.
Once the transition is complete, Wild Planet Trust will step back from zoo operations but will collaborate with Libéma on future conservation projects.
Dirk Lips, CEO of Libéma said: “We currently operate four zoos, including Beekse Bergen — the Netherlands most visited wildlife attraction—but we’ve been looking to expand our activities for animal welfare, education, research and conservation.
“When the opportunity to invest in these two incredible zoos arose, we seized it with both hands. I feel very much at home in the UK and the staff in the zoos have made me feel very welcome. We therefore are very much looking forward to working together on the exciting plans we have for the zoos.”
In 2026 at Paignton Zoo, plans include improving the routing, connecting five theme areas, to create a savannah with giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and antelopes, to reintroduce rhinoceroses, to create a new enclosure for camels, vicunas, rheas and maras and to build a new baboon rock for baboons and warthogs.
In Newquay Zoo a savannah with giraffes will be created.