What’s happened while we’ve been closed?
During our 2 week January closure we’ve been busy and our team has achieved a huge amount! We’ve tackled the big jobs that make a mess and the areas that would be difficult to work in if visitors were using them. In no particular order, we’ve…
- Given our main entrance building a makeover. As you may already have heard, 2023 is Paignton Zoo’s centenary year and we’ve installed new banners, window art, and signage around our zoo.
- Installed a bespoke, handmade bridge at our entrance using myrtle wood which has been sourced from our site following storm damage last year
- Resurfaced lots of pathways
- Carried out deep cleans and tidied up visitor areas
- Weeded and mulched hundreds of metres of garden beds
- Carried out tree work
- Removed the old Brookside Aviary exit porch (next to our lower tiger viewing shelter)
- Staff have updated their training and refreshed policies and procedures.
- Made a start on refurbishing the entrance to our Education Building and we’re looking forward to welcoming 1000’s of school children this year who are taking part in our Schools Go Free in ’23 offer
Ongoing work
There are a number of jobs that are still ongoing. Again, in no particular order…
Bugs at Home – is having a deep clean. We need an external contractor to come back and repeat a cleaning treatment and are unable to return the animals to their homes until this has been done.
Zebras – we’re nearly done with our new zebra paddock and we’ll update you soon on when we hope to move them across.
Lions – There are a couple of improvements to the house and fence to complete, and some tree work, but the long awaited arrival of Boss, Semira, and Amahle from Newquay Zoo should be happening soon.
Crocodile Swamp – remedial repairs will continue as we work to resolve a complex issue with the exhibits roof and replace its entrance walkway.
Tiger pathway – plans are in place for some resurfacing work to be done leading to the tiger viewing areas from the main entrance. This will be done in February and will require some path closure to complete. Tigers will still be on view.
Other news
As well as all the above, we can also report that….
Baby orang-utan Ranbi is growing everyday
New arrival Fig the binturong is proving incredibly active – remember to look up when you go to see her as she’s often high in the trees.
The flamingos can now be seen in the former Ranch building as they have outdoor access on the Monkey Heights side.
This is set to be a momentous year for the zoo and there’s plenty more announcements and updates to come so be sure to keep your eyes peeled on our social media or sign up to regular email newsletter. If you’d like to learn more about our centenary plans, please click here.