Dartmoor Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo is home to many different species of animals, including endangered ones. We will tell you more about where it is located and how much tickets cost.

History

Dartmoor Zoological Park opened in 1968. It was originally a wildlife park founded by Ellis Doe on the Gudamour Manor estate, which his family had purchased in 1948. In the following years, a large number of animal species were acquired to expand the collection, including tigers, lions, jaguars and pumas.

In 2001, DZP Zoo experienced a crisis. A report by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals raised questions about the conditions in which the animals were kept. Experts criticised them and demanded that the zoo's licence be revoked. The owner disagreed with the accusations, citing the absence of accidents in the zoo's history.

In 2006, Dartmoor Zoo was closed. The park lost its licence, which led to its closure.

It was later acquired by the Mee family. In August 2006, Benjamin Mee became the owner of the park. The deal was worth £1.1 million. Thanks to him, Dartmoor Zoo is still open. The park reopened in July 2007. It was extensively renovated and became accessible to both locals and tourists.

In 2009, the zoo was accepted into BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), which is a benchmark for numerous animals.

Since September 2014, Dartmoor Zoological Park has been a registered charity. Its financial position has been strengthened by voluntary donations.

In 2016, the Dartmoor Institute of Zoology was launched at Dartmoor Zoological Park.

‘We Bought a Zoo’

In 2008, Benjamin Mee wrote a book about his experience buying a zoo, calling it ‘We Bought a Zoo.’

In 2011, a film based on the book was released.

What animals are there at Dartmoor Zoo?

Dartmoor Zoo is home to around 20 species of mammals, including Amur tigers, African lions, lynxes, jaguars, meerkats, zebras, monkeys and fallow deer.

There are also birds such as macaws, ostriches, horned owls and pheasants.

There are 15 species of reptiles, including the royal python, tortoises and leopard tortoises, and the red-tailed boa.

The fourth group consists of amphibians and invertebrates. Tarantulas, scorpions, exotic cockroaches, hermit crabs.

Among the rare animals in the zoo are gorillas, eared pheasants, red-cheeked ibises, spectacled bears, and white-eared pheasants.

Like Rosemoor Wildlife Park, this is a place where you can feel closer to nature.

Endangered species

Among the endangered species at DZS Zoo are:

1. The Amur leopard is one of the rarest animals on the planet, with only about a hundred remaining in the wild.
2. Amur tiger. It belongs to endangered species, with only 500 to 600 individuals remaining in the wild.
3. European wildcat. It is listed on the IUCN Red List as a species on the brink of extinction.
4. Panzirnaya turtle. Belongs to species on the verge of extinction.

In addition, the zoo has, for example, a jaguar, a Scottish wild cat, an Asian short-tailed otter and an African grey crane.

Animal adoption

Those who wish to do so can take animals into their care at Dartmoor Zoological Park. There are three adoption options:

1. Bronze, costing €30.
2. Silver, costing €60.
3. Gold, costing €90.

Adopters receive a thank-you letter, a car sticker, an information bulletin, an adoption certificate and a photo of the animal.

Tickets and prices

An adult ticket costs £21.95.

A free annual pass is available for those over 16 years of age.

Students with valid ID and seniors over 65 years of age are eligible for discounts. The ticket price for them is £19.50.

A FREE annual pass is available for persons over 65 and students with valid ID.

A child ticket (ages 3 to 15) costs £16.50. A free annual pass is available.

Visitors under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult at all times while in the zoo.

Admission is free for children under 3 years of age and for persons with disabilities.

A family ticket for 4 people, with a minimum of two adults, costs £69.95.

• FRNTLN20: 20% discount for NHS, Blue Light Card and military holders, valid on ID.
• DZSWWT20: 20% discount for visitors to Wildwood Devon, Wildwood Devon receipt required on day of visit.
• DRAKEDZS: 25% discount at Drakes Den.

The zoo is open every day from 10:00 to 16:00 in winter and from 10:00 to 18:00 in summer. From November to January, it is closed on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Holidays at the zoo

The Dartmoor Zoo is even more interesting thanks to the festive events that take place there on a regular basis.

Dartmoor Zoo Christmas

Devon hosts festive events timed to coincide with Christmas, allowing you to fully experience the holiday atmosphere. Set amid the magnificent landscapes of Dartmoor, the zoo is transformed into a winter wonderland, promising a memorable experience for your family. The festive programme includes a host of exciting activities, such as:

• Breakfast with Santa.
• Animal Mutation.
• Making wreaths.

A Christmas adventure in Dartmoor is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the magic of the weekend.

Dartmoor Zoo Halloween

Dartmoor Zoo opens its gates after dark for Halloween. Anyone who wants to can spend a spooky night at the zoo.

The event took place at the end of October and consisted of two amazing evenings filled with horror and chilling fears.

During their walk around the zoo, guests encountered terrifying characters.

This event is suitable for families, but some areas may have restrictions and are not suitable for small children.

Halloween began at 5:30 p.m. and ended at 8:30 p.m.

The event has not been held in recent years.

Say ‘I do’ at Dartmoor Zoo

Dartmoor Zoo Plymouth offers wedding services for those who wish to tie the knot. This option is ideal for nature lovers. The ceremony takes place in the stunningly beautiful Dartmoor Park in Devon, surrounded by 33 acres of gardens and amazing animals.

The beautiful wedding hall has wooden floors and a fireplace. In summer, ceremonies are held in marquees in the centre of the zoo, surrounded by lush greenery and fireplaces.

For any couple, this will be an exclusive experience and a memory to last a lifetime. The newlyweds and their guests can enjoy a buffet, barbecue and a full three-course meal. This unique wedding venue in Devon is ready to host an unforgettable celebration for you.

How to get to Dartmoor Zoo

There are several ways to get to Dartmoor Zoo.

By bus

Dartmoor Zoo is located near Plymouth in the south-west of Devon. From there, you can take bus route 59 to the zoo. The A13 bus stop is located in the city centre, and the bus goes straight to the gates of Dartmoor Zoo, to the Dartmoor Wild Life Park stop. The journey takes about half an hour.

By train

You can get to Dartmoor Zoo by train via Plymouth station. For example, there is a direct train from London Paddington to Plymouth. The journey takes approximately 3 hours. The nearest local railway station is Ivybridge, from where you can take a taxi to the zoo.

By car

By car, take the A38 motorway, then turn onto Deep Lane and follow the signs to the zoo. Coordinates for your satnav: 50.409493, −3.998845.

Dartmoor Zoo Map

The zoo map shows where the entrance, ticket office and toilets are located. It also shows the areas where different species of animals are kept, to help you find your way around the park.

Location

Sparkwell, Plymouth, PL7 5DG

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