Winter wrapped up at Newquay Zoo

The arrival of winter and the colder weather hasn’t slowed us down at Newquay Zoo. This season, we’ve welcomed new arrivals, revelled in thick jumper season, battled some big storms and we’ve even seen the penguins become quite the social media stars when they helped Keeper Dan clean out their pool for a refresh ahead of spring.

Many of our animals like to retreat during the colder months, staying warm and cosy in their heated enclosures but some, like the Red Pandas and the Lynx, like to embrace the plummeting temperatures, spending as much time outside as possible. Let’s recap what winter at Newquay Zoo has looked like so far…

New Arrivals at Newquay Zoo

Winter has been bustling with excitement here at Newquay Zoo! Just before Christmas, we welcomed an adorable baby Capuchin monkey. This little one has been clinging tightly to mum and learning the ropes (quite literally!) of its lively enclosure. Alongside this playful primate, a Superb Fruit Dove chick hatched in our Gems of the Jungle aviary—a little ball of feathers that’s already captivating budding bird enthusiasts.

As we rang in the new year, a delightful surprise emerged from our wallaby relatives. A tiny Pademelon joey was spotted peeking out from its mum’s pouch! This shy but curious marsupial will gradually venture outside to explore – make sure to pop by to watch these happy hoppers to get a glimpse of our little Joey.

With breeding season approaching, we’re also hopeful for more rare bird nesting successes and perhaps even fluffy penguin chicks – last year we were lucky enough to have three Humboldt penguins join the colony. Breeding these species is a vital part of our global conservation work, helping protect wildlife for future generations.

The storms didn’t stop us

December brought some wild weather as Storm Darragh roared through Cornwall with powerful winds. For everyone’s safety, we temporarily closed the zoo. Sadly, a towering 50-60ft Poplar tree toppled over in the Azara’s agouti exhibit, damaging the fence and the fishing cat viewing area. Thankfully, our animals were all snuggled up safe and unharmed.

Our incredible staff showed true dedication, rallying together to clear debris and secure enclosures. Some even returned from days off to help reopen the zoo quickly—what an amazing team!

January brought Storm Éowyn and even a tornado nearby! While the zoo was already closed for maintenance, we used the time to remove hazardous branches and strengthen enclosures. These storms remind us how crucial it is to protect not only our animals but also their habitats.

The Penguins of Newquay Zoo

Our Humboldt penguins have been loving the cooler weather this winter! These spirited swimmers became social media stars when a video of them splashing around went viral. Keeper Dan even had some feathery helpers as he cleaned out their pool.

If you haven’t met them yet, now’s the perfect time. Humboldt penguins come from cooler coastal regions in South America, so winter weather suits them just fine. Their playful antics are guaranteed to bring smiles all around—make sure to stop by and say hello!

Mischievous meercat update

Our meerkat family has been up to their usual tricks this winter. With noses to the ground and tails held high, they’ve been busy digging tunnels and keeping a watchful eye on the horizon. Check out this video of our meercat mob enjoying a meaty treat from Keeper Jack – they certainly are a feisty group!

These lively little creatures never fail to entertain, and they play an important role in their natural habitats as pest controllers. Stop by their enclosure to catch their antics firsthand—you won’t be disappointed!

Red pandas on the roam

Our Red Pandas, Sundara and Seren, have been fully embracing the crisp winter weather. These fluffy favourites become a little livelier in the cooler months, and visitors have been thrilled to see them climbing trees and munching on their favourite snack—bamboo! With the trees now barer, it’s easier than ever to spot them perched high among the branches.

Native to the forests of the Himalayas, Red Pandas are perfectly adapted to colder climates. Sadly, they are listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and poaching. Having Sundara and Seren at Newquay Zoo helps raise awareness about the challenges their wild relatives face.

Whether curled up in the treetops or playfully exploring their enclosure, these charming creatures are a must-see this winter—don’t forget to look up when you visit!

The lynx embrace the winter sunshine

January may have brought its fair share of stormy skies, but we were also blessed with beautiful sunny days—much to the delight of our Carpathian lynx family. Kicsi, Onyx, and their playful 10-month-old kitten have been soaking up the sunshine, often seen lounging on treetops or the roof of their enclosure.

Our raised viewing platform offers an amazing vantage point to see these majestic cats up close. On rainy days, you can often spot Kicsi and the kitten curled up together in their hammock—a touching reminder that animals, just like us, share strong and loving family connections.

As we look ahead to spring, we’re excited for even more new arrivals and new events for families and our members. Each season at Newquay Zoo is special, but there’s something magical about springtime with even more baby animals and blossoming habitats as our botanical gardens come to life.

We’re open every day from 10am. Take advantage of our reduced winter ticket prices or get an off-peak membership to enjoy seven months of unlimited entry. We can’t wait to welcome you!