Newquay Zoo: From humble roots to Cornwall’s wildest family attraction
1950’s
Newquay Zoo started life as a seasonal attraction back in the 1950s, originally named Newquay Children’s Zoo and located over in the rose garden area of Trenance Gardens. In 1969, Newquay Urban District Council decided to relocate it to its current site, and we’ve been here ever since.
1994
In 1994, the zoo was bought by Mike Thomas and Roger Martin, and for the next nine years it remained privately owned. During this time, we partnered with St Austell College, and as a result, developed and established a vital educational facility on land adjacent to Newquay Zoo, catering for BTEC and HND studies. Now part of Cornwall College, this facility employs members of Newquay Zoo’s educational team to teach courses.
2003
In 2003, Newquay Zoo joined forces with Paignton Zoo in Devon, and both sites became part of Wild Planet Trust: a registered charity dedicated to conserving natural habitats and wildlife throughout the world. Since 2003, Newquay Zoo has become a leading centre of excellence in animal welfare and conservation.
2025
In 2025, we launched our brand-new exhibit ‘Wonders of the Wild’ in Spring 2025, which celebrates nature’s real-life superheroes and showcases the incredible adaptations of our planet’s smallest – but mightiest – creatures.
2026 – A fresh start for Newquay Zoo
2026 marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Newquay Zoo as we officially join Libéma, a leading Dutch leisure company with a passion for wildlife and conservation.
As the operators of some of the Netherlands’ most popular attractions – including Safaripark Beekse Bergen – Libéma bring a wealth of experience in creating amazing visitor experiences, whilst also mirroring Newquay Zoo’s commitment to animal welfare and conservation through their Stichting Wildlife foundation, which supports 30 global conservation initiatives.
Our gates remain open, but behind the scenes, an exciting vision for the future is taking shape. From the arrival of new species to the enhancement of our habitats and visitor facilities, we are excited to share this journey with you. At our core, our commitment to breeding, education, and biodiversity is unchanged – staying at the heart of everything we do, and ensuring Newquay Zoo thrives for many years to come.
Take a look at some of Newquay Zoo’s historical photos below:
