Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo stands in Trenance Leisure Park on the northern edge of Newquay, Cornwall. The 13-acre site was once part of Trenance Gardens and still shares the landscaped grounds with rose gardens and mature trees. A Britain in Bloom Gold award was given to the planted landscapes in 2025. The zoo opened in 1969 after moving from a smaller children’s zoo that had operated in the rose garden since the 1950s. Early enclosures included a penguin pool, a Californian sea lion pool and a walk-through aviary inspired by London Zoo’s Snowdon Aviary. The first day drew around 4,000 visitors despite a two-day delay caused by late animal arrivals. The zoo is now Cornwall’s largest, housing about 993 animals of 36 species across its compact grounds. It became part of the Wild Planet Trust in 2003 and is a member of leading zoo associations. A 3.5-acre African Savannah opened in 2009 with an elevated viewing platform. The Philippines zone, added later, is home to fishing cats, Visayan warty pigs and Philippine spotted deer. The zoo also keeps Carpathian lynx, red pandas and Humboldt penguins, many involved in European breeding programmes. Visitors follow paths through planted landscapes and themed zones. The Gems of the Jungle walk-through aviary replaced the original 1969 structure after storm damage. The Wonders of the Wild exhibit highlights small species and their ecological roles. Sensory learning areas and educational programmes support conservation messages. The zoo’s layout still reflects the 1980s Monkey Walk and oriental garden, while newer sections blend with the older gardens.