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We Tried That... Paignton Zoo
Founded by Herbert Whitley, a shy, eccentric millionaire, Paignton Zoo was opened to the public in 1923. Torbay Zoological Gardens, as it was then known, included monkeys, bison, zebras, baboons, many birds and the entrance fee was one shilling for adults and sixpence for children.
From the earliest times, education, conservation and botanical themes were paramount.
Today the Zoo is an educational and scientific charity dedicated to conserving our global wildlife heritage and inspiring in its many visitors a life long respect for animals and the environment.
It just so happened that our visit to Paignton Zoo coincided with ‘Fair Trade forttnight;’ an event organised to make people more aware of fair trade goods, sample fair trade products and learn about why it is so important. Exhibitors from organisations such as Tradecraft and Rwandan Aid Products were also there to promote and give information about Fair Trade and its impact.
The Zoo’s weekend was organised by Paul Bellingham. “Fair trade is all about doing business instead of relying on charitable handouts. We can buy great products for which the workers get paid a fair wage.” Over 20% of all gift sales at Paignton Zoo, Living Coasts and Newquay Zoo come from fairer world merchandise and offer one of the largest selections available for retail sale anywhere within the UK. These products are also used in the restaurants and cafe’s within the zoo and are available for purchase in the souvenir shop.
Paignton Zoo is a member of several professional zoo associations and operates within strict ethical guidelines. The WWCT Animal Ethics Committee is responsible for developing and monitoring the ethics policies of all the WWCT zoos, Paignton Zoo, Newquay Zoo and Living Coasts.
The key points are...
- Keeping and breeding animals and propagating plants that are under threat or no longer exist in the wild
- Offering all visitors an exciting and informative wildlife experience
- Providing a resource for educational purposes, both within and outside the Zoo
- Contributing to the conservation of wildlife and the natural environment both within and outside the Zoo
- Supporting and promoting the work of the Zoo’s owning body the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust
- Encouraging Zoo staff and volunteers to achieve their fullest potential to enable the Zoo to meet its objectives
- Promoting sustainability of local and global communities and their environment and managing the Zoo to a plan to support these ideals
Not only is Paignton Zoo home to thousands of amazing animals and plants but also offers you a miniature train ride, a wobbly jungle bridge in Lemur Wood, indoor and outdoor play areas, keeper talks and feeding times, places to eat and places to sit – all packed into 80 acres of natural habitat.
It really is an incredible place and opens your eyes to the importance of world conservation, fair trade, animal welfare and how each of us can in turn do our our bit to help make a difference in the world.
It’s a great opportunity for a fun filled and educational family day out and not just for the kids! You can walk through a world of wonder – visit the desert, cross the savannah, explore the forest and trek through the tropics. Find out about conservation and the world’s endangered species and even adopt an animal or plant.
Paignton Zoo is a registered charity and part of the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust and all profits made are invested in the conservation of threatened species.
The Zoo has received many awards, most recently the Silver Award in the Enjoy England Excellence Awards 2006 and was also a finalist in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards in 2006 for the best Large Visitor Attraction.
And if all this hasn’t got you itching to go to Paignton Zoo while the weather is fine then we don’t know what will. If you do go as a result of this article, make sure you mention By The Dart.
Directions
Totnes Road, 1 mile from Paignton town centre. Once in Paignton follow the brown tourist signs, marked with an elephant and Zoological Gardens. The Zoo is situated near to Morrisons supermarket.
Open daily (except for Christmas) from 10am - 6pm with the last entry at 5pm.
Closing times vary throughout the season, so please check before each visit.
First Published April 2009 By The Dart
