A south Devon zoo is to see major improvements next year as a new owner takes up the reins.

Paignton Zoo, and sister attraction Newquay Zoo, which were under threat of closure, have been sold to Dutch leisure company Libéma.

The new owner operates 20 businesses including four zoos, one of which is the Netherlands’ most visited wildlife attraction Beekse Bergen. Libéma has a track record of revitalising struggling wildlife parks and turning once-threatened attractions into thriving centres for education, conservation and family enjoyment.

Wild Planet Trust said the deal with Libéma would safeguard the future of both zoos and will ensure their vital conservation, educational and breeding programmes can continue for many years to come.

At Paignton Zoo, Libéma has big plans for 2026 including: improvements to routing around the site to connect its five theme areas; the creation of a savannah with giraffes, zebras, wildebeests and antelopes; the reintroduction of rhinoceroses; the establishment of a new enclosure for camels, vicunas, rheas and maras; and the creation of a new baboon rock for baboons and warthogs.

All current zoo employees will transfer to Libéma from January 2026, ensuring continuity for both staff and animals. Over the coming weeks, Libéma and Wild Planet Trust will work closely together to guarantee a smooth handover. Once the transition is complete, Wild Planet Trust will step back from zoo operations but will collaborate with Libéma on future conservation projects.

‘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,’ said Wild Planet Trust interim chief executive Stephen Kings. ‘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.’

Under the agreement, Libéma will take over the operation of both zoos, allowing Wild Planet Trust to focus fully on its charitable mission of wildlife conservation in the UK and worldwide.

‘When we began seeking investment, our top priority was finding a new owner who would continue to operate the zoos and protect their legacy,’ commented Wild Planet Trust chair Sarah Barr. ‘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.’

Although the zoos will no longer operate as charities, Libéma said it remains fully committed to conservation. The company currently supports 30 active conservation initiatives around the world through its Stichting Wildlife trust.

‘We’ve been looking to expand our activities for animal welfare, education, research and conservation,” commented Libéma chief executive Dirk Lips. ‘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.’