Dartmoor Zoological Park

Dartmoor Zoological Park sits on 33 acres just north of Sparkwell village, on the south-west edge of Dartmoor in Devon. The land once formed part of the Goodamoor Estate, where a 17th-century house still stands. The estate passed through the Treby family until the late 19th century. In 1968 Ellis Daw opened the park as Dartmoor Wildlife Park and designed many of its early enclosures. After a difficult period in the early 2000s the zoo closed in 2006 before being bought by the Mee family. The zoo matters because it now runs conservation programmes for species such as Asian short-clawed otters and Amur leopards. In 2011 it became a BIAZA member, allowing exchanges with other zoos for breeding projects. The park was named Eden’s Top Wildlife Attraction of the year in 2011 and became a charity in 2014 after raising £340,000. A granite block beside the house commemorates Daw’s role as founder. Visitors walk paths between modernised enclosures and the old estate house. They can see otters, leopards and lynx in landscaped surroundings that mix woodland and open ground. The park’s layout keeps animals active while offering clear views for guests. A large granite monument marks Daw’s founding words. Families return often thanks to the annual pass scheme. The setting on the edge of Dartmoor adds open moorland views beyond the zoo fences.