SNAP HAPPY! ZOO LAUNCHES PHOTO CONTEST WITH CHANCE TO GET UP CLOSE WITH MOST POPULAR ANIMALS 

Animal lovers with an eye for a great shot could win EXCLUSIVE access to Paignton Zoo’s most magnificent creatures in a prestigious photo competition. 

The zoo has thrown open its gates to wildlife photographers of all abilities for its 2026 Calendar Photography Competition – with the winners bagging special access to the zoo’s 80-acre site. Lucky winners will see their jaw-dropping images plastered across the zoo’s 2026 calendar, with one spectacular shot earning pride of place on the cover. 

Brenna Cliff, Digital Content Co-Ordinator for Paignton Zoo, commented:  

“We’re incredibly excited to see how photographers interpret our animal and plant collection through their unique perspectives. This competition not only celebrates artistic talent but also helps raise awareness about the importance of wildlife conservation.” 

From magnificent big cats like lions and tigers to cheeky primates such as orangutans and gorillas, photographers will have plenty to focus their lenses on. The zoo’s collection of smaller mammals including adorable meerkats and cheeky red pandas are sure to be popular subjects, while photogenic toucans and imposing marabou storks will have bird enthusiasts reaching for their cameras. 

Those with a passion for the scaly and slithery won’t be disappointed either, with a dedicated reptiles, amphibians, and invertebrates category. Green-fingered snappers can also showcase their talents in the botanicals section, celebrating the zoo’s impressive plant collection. 

The exciting initiative is being run in partnership with Visit Exeter. Claire Toze, Tourism Manager for Exeter City Council, commented: 

“We are proud to partner with Paignton Zoo on the photographic competition. The zoo is one of Devon’s most popular visitor attractions, drawing in visitors from across the county, including Exeter. We can’t wait to share the winning photos!” 

Wannabe wildlife photographers have from 14 April to 2 May to submit their entries, with 50 finalists to be selected to move forward to the main competition. Lucky finalists will then get their exclusive zoo access between 19 May and 2 June, snapping photos from multiple categories, including large mammals to botanicals, to enter into the calendar competition. The winning 12 photos will be announced on 16 June, and the finished calendars will hit the zoo gift shop shelves in mid July. 

All 12 lucky winners will bag themselves a family membership valid for one year and a free copy of the calendar. The overall winner will scoop an exclusive animal experience of their choice at Paignton Zoo. The charity calendars, priced at a bargain £9.99 with all cash going to support the zoo’s vital work, will be available at the zoo gift shop and via telephone purchase. 

For more information, go to www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/photo-competition.