I try to take each day one at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once! x
I try to take each day one at a time, but sometimes several days attack me at once! x
Member since:01.02.2006
Reviews:43
Members who trust:20
I have just enjoyed a lovely day at Paignton Zoo! I suppose it is primarily a kid's place, but in my opinion it's a great place for people of all ages to visit, and there are far worse ways to spend the day than at the zoo! I don't know if any of you watched a series called Zoo Keepers, on a few years ago? Well, it was filmed at Paignton Zoo, so some of you may recognise it.
LOCATION AND PRICE
Paignton Zoo is located in Paignton, South Devon. For directions you can see their website. Prices are as follows: Adult: £11.35 Child (3-15): £7.60 Student/Senior Citizen: £9.35 Family (2 adults+2 children): £34.10 These prices all include a contribution to the zoo's newest project, Crocodile Swamp. I don't know when this will be open, but it sound interesting, crocodiles are about the only thing they don't currently have! The zoo is open from 10am until 6pm in summer, and dusk at winter. It is open everyday apart from Christmas.
MAIN ATTRACTIONS
The animals! There are loads of different kinds here, and they are divided into different categories: Wetlands, Desert, Savannah, Primley, Forest, and Tropical Forest. They are all good, but my personal favourites are the Savannah animals, and the Forest ones.
The Forest
area includes lions, gorillas, tigers (one of my favourites!), owls, gibbons, orang-utans. The big cats tend to attract the most attention in this part of the zoo. Unfortunately, the tigers seem to be a little shy, or bored with the attention and tend to relax on the far side of their enclosure where you cannot see them very well. This was the case today. It is a shame, because they are beautiful animals.
My other favourite area, the Savannah, includes zebras, rhinos, elephants and ostriches, but sadly no giraffes anymore. They used to have a family of three giraffes, but they were recently killed in a fire. This is a real shame, as on previous visits to the zoo they had been my favourites. On a more positive note, the zoo is planning to get some more giraffes, but it could be ages before they get any. Right next door to the old giraffe enclosure is the elephants. These always attract a lot of attention! There is one African and one Asian elephant, and you can tell the difference by the size of their ears. We were there at feeding time in the afternoon, which was nice to see.
Obviously the larger and more exotic animals (big cats, elephants, etc) draw bigger crowds, but there are many types of exotic plant and loads of species of birds wandering around if that is more your thing. The place is also full of peacocks!
Throughout the day you can watch various animals being fed, and there are also set times when you can meet the keeper and ask questions. These events are always good, and it is worth being there just before it starts, so you can have a good view and not miss anything. The times of these events are usually stated near the particular animal's enclosure.
ENVIRONMENT AND GETTING AROUND
You here about some zoos that keep animals in very restricted conditions, but luckily Paignton isn't one of those zoos. The animals are all very well looked after, and they have clean, spacious enclosures with indoor and outdoor areas. There are more than one of almost all the animals, so they have 'friends' to interact with.
The elephant and giraffe enclosures are still fairly new, and a lot better than the older ones (but even they weren't bad), and the monkey houses are also quite new and attractive. On this visit I noticed that the cheetah's space had been redone, and it is also so much better. Of all my zoo visits this is the first time I have seen the cheetah, because there always used to be long grass. I didn't believe there really was one!
The environment is absolutely lovely, there are plenty of trees and plants everywhere from all different parts of the world. There are some indoor parts of the zoo, like the desert part which has been made to look like a desert, and the tropical retile part which is swelteringly hot!
Paignton Zoo is very pleasant to walk around in. It is quite slopey, and the paths are very windy, leading off in all different directions. You can get lost, or keep going round in circles, if you are not paying attention, but generally it is easy to find your way around. There are sign posts everywhere pointing you in the right direction. There are several toilets around, and these are signposted too.
To be honest, I wouldn't like to be walking around here in the rain, it is nicer to go when it is warm, or at least dry. There were a few showers today though, and it didn't ruin the day at all.
CONSERVATION AND EDUCATION
The zoo is keen on educating people, and so it is a great place for children of all ages. I remember a few school trips here. There is an education centre and staff in the zoo should you need to arrange a trip. I remember once going into a classroom where we were talked to about some of the animals they have in the zoo. The keepers are also willing to answer any questions.
The zoo is actively involved in research, conservation projects and breeding programmes for endangered species. It's not just a tourist attraction, the zoo really helps to make a difference, which is why it's so interesting.
FOOD
There are various snack huts selling drinks and ice creams around the zoo, and these are very easy to find. There is bound to be one nearby. There is also the Island Restaurant. This is a nice place, over-looking a lake with lots of birds, and gibbon island. They also have a bar. However, the food is expensive, and you may prefer to bring a packed lunch. There are picnic facilities to use if you do.
ACCESSABILITY
I didn't see any wheel chair users, but I did notice that the paths were very wide, as were the gates and entrances. I don't think there would be any problems here, I don't think lack of accessability would prevent anyone from seeing anything. There are a lot of slopes and hills, but hardly any steps.
SHOP
There is a main shop just inside the entance. It is fairly expensive, as you might expect, and sells things like soft toys, stationary, t-shirts, toys, and also a lot of craft-y things you might put in your house, for example, wooden giraffes, things like that. There are also a few tiny souvenir shops dotted around the place.
To sum up, this is a great day out. I have been here many times and I never get fed up of it. I think most people will enjoy at least some espect of the visit, there really is such a variety of things to see. It is extemely family friendly and great for children; fun and educational. If you live nearby, or if you happen to be in Devon, you should definately pay it a visit. Not many places in this country allow you to see so many exotic creatures all in one day!
Enjoy the pictures x
Pictures of Paignton Zoo
Zebra
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We've driven past this a few times whilst on our hols down in Devon/Cornwall, but we obviously should go in and have a look around! Thanks, brilliant review there. Sal x
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