VIDEO: Giraffes, rhinos and new habitats coming to Paignton Zoo in 2026, new owner says

Two of the South West’s best-loved attractions have been given a new lease of life after Wild Planet Trust confirmed that Dutch leisure company Libéma will take over the running of both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo from January 2026.

The announcement follows months of uncertainty after the Trust revealed earlier this year that fresh investment was essential to safeguard the long-term future of the zoos, which attract around 400,000 visitors a year.

Libéma – which already operates four zoos in the Netherlands – will take on the commercial operations of both sites, allowing Wild Planet Trust to focus entirely on its charitable conservation work in the UK and abroad.

Interim CEO of Wild Planet Trust Stephen Kings said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Paignton and Newquay Zoos as Libéma takes over the commercial operations of Wild Planet Trust from 2 January 2026.

"Under Libéma’s ownership, both zoos are not only guaranteed to survive but to thrive into the future. Libéma shares our commitment to animal welfare, conservation and hospitality, and we believe visitors will see significant new developments as a result.”

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Wild Planet Trust will continue to collaborate with Libéma on conservation projects, while all current zoo staff will move across to the new company to ensure continuity for animals, visitors and employees.

Sarah Barr, Chair of Wild Planet Trust, said: “When we began seeking investment, our top priority was finding a new owner who would continue to operate the zoos and protect their legacy.

"We were determined to find someone who shared our deep passion for conservation and animal welfare. We are confident that, under Libéma’s stewardship, the zoos will go from strength to strength whilst The Trust concentrates on its vital conservation work.”

Libéma CEO Dirk Lips said the organisation is “very much looking forward” to taking the zoos forward.

“We currently operate four zoos, including Beekse Bergen - the Netherlands most visited wildlife attraction - but we’ve been looking to expand our activities for animal welfare, education, research and conservation.

"When the opportunity to invest in these two incredible zoos arose, we seized it with both hands. I feel very much at home in the UK and the staff in the zoos have made me feel very welcome. We therefore are very much looking forward to working together on the exciting plans we have for the zoos.”

Major changes planned for 2026

Libéma has outlined a series of developments set to begin next year, including a new savannah at Paignton Zoo featuring giraffes, zebras, wildebeest and antelope, a reintroduction of rhinoceroses, a new camel and vicuña enclosure, and a new baboon rock for baboons and warthogs.

Newquay Zoo will also benefit from a new savannah for giraffes.

The transfer to Libéma officially begins on 2 January 2026, with both organisations working together over the coming weeks to ensure a smooth handover.

The full video interview with the new owners can be viewed above.