ZOO TIGERS MAKE A SPLASH WITH LOCAL BREWERY PARTNERSHIP
A collaboration between Paignton Zoo Environmental Park and Bays Brewery, a local brewery, has raised £1,500 for a new swimming pool for critically endangered Sumatran tigers, demonstrating how community partnerships can deliver measurable conservation outcomes.
Steph Dawson, Business Development Manager for Paignton Zoo, commented:
“This project shows what can be achieved when local businesses come together with a shared vision. From the very beginning, Claw Ale was designed with a specific purpose, to fund a new pool for our Sumatran tigers. This targeted approach has delivered exactly what we promised.”
The project brought together multiple local suppliers who contributed expertise and competitive pricing. K Blasting handled specialised blasting work at reduced rates, whilst iCivils completed excavation work in one day rather than the anticipated three-day timeline. The zoo’s internal maintenance team managed construction completion.
Staff from Bays Brewery worked directly alongside zoo personnel to construct the facility foundations, moving beyond traditional cheque-writing corporate partnerships.
Bays Brewery Director Peter Salmon commented:
“Our partnership with Paignton Zoo has always been about more than just brewing great beer – it’s about making a tangible difference for wildlife. From digging foundations to raising vital funds, we’re proud to play our part in protecting some of the world’s most endangered animals. The £1,500 raised for the new tiger pool is just one chapter in a story that’s seen nearly £30,000 donated to conservation causes through our charity brews, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with the result.”
The pool’s completion comes at an opportune time, enhancing animal welfare for the critically endangered species whilst improving visitor experience ahead of the busy summer season. With fewer than 400 Sumatran tigers remaining globally, facilities such as this support essential conservation breeding programmes.
The timing coincides with recent developments in the zoo’s European breeding programme for Sumatran tigers, including the transfer of female tiger Padme to Fota Wildlife Park in Ireland as part of this critical programme. Additional tiger-related announcements are expected next week.
The project illustrates how anchor institutions can leverage community relationships to achieve capital improvements more efficiently than traditional procurement methods, offering local businesses clear objectives and measurable outcomes beyond standard financial contributions.
Businesses interested in partnership opportunities can contact the zoo on 01803 697500 or email [email protected]
