Southwest zoos sold to Netherlands leisure firm
Wild Planet Trust has agreed to sell Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo to Dutch leisure company Libéma.
The acquisition secures the future of both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo, enabling their conservation, educational and breeding programmes to continue.
Wild Planet Trust is the charity organization that currently operates the South West zoos
Both zoos remain fully operational and open to visitors.
The Dutch leisure company will take ownership of both zoos on 1 January for an undisclosed sum.
Libéma have over 40 years’ experience in the zoo and wildlife sector and currently operates four zoos in the Netherlands.
Under Libéma’s control, Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo will lose their charity status.
Stephen Kings, interim CEO of Wild Planet Trust, said: “This marks the start of an exciting new chapter for Paignton and Newquay Zoos.”
“Under Libéma’s ownership, both zoos are not only guaranteed to survive but to thrive into the future. Libéma share our commitment to animal welfare, conservation and hospitality.”
Paignton Zoo is currently home to more than 2,000 animals and Newquay Zoo has around 1,000 animals.
“When the opportunity to invest in these two zoos arose, we seized it. We have exciting plans to invest and enhance the visitor experience,” said Dirk Lips, CEO of Libéma.
The zoos welcome approximately 400,000 guests per year.
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
CCS Insight: eSIMs ready to take the travel world by storm
Germany new European Entry/Exit System limited to a single airport on October 12, 2025
Airlines suspend Madagascar services following unrest and army revolt
Qatar Airways offers flexible payment options for European travellers
Air Mauritius reduces frequencies to Europe and Asia for the holiday season