Shaldon Wildlife Trust Zoo
A charming woodland zoo dedicated to rare and endangered species, offering intimate encounters and vital conservation efforts.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Shaldon Wildlife Trust Zoo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more animal activity
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming woodland zoo dedicated to rare and endangered species, offering intimate encounters and vital conservation efforts.
"A delightful little gem with friendly staff and well-cared-for animals in a beautiful setting."
🎟️ Re-entry Welcome
Your ticket allows re-entry throughout the day, perfect for a leisurely visit with lunch breaks.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The zoo is set in a woodland garden, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the natural paths.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Rare & Endangered Species
Various enclosures
Witness unique and critically endangered animals, with a focus on primate conservation.
Woodland Garden Ambiance
Throughout the zoo
Explore a charming zoo set within a lush, shaded woodland garden.
Interactive Keeper Talks
Designated talk areas
Engage with knowledgeable keepers and learn about the animals' lives and conservation efforts.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Peaceful Visit
Embrace the Woodland Setting
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Good South devon walks for family?
🎟️ Re-entry Welcome
Your ticket allows re-entry throughout the day, perfect for a leisurely visit with lunch breaks.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The zoo is set in a woodland garden, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the natural paths.
Where do you go on holiday but doesn't involve leaving the UK?
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are happy to share insights; don't hesitate to ask questions about the animals.
🌳 Shaded & Peaceful
Enjoy the cool, shaded environment of the woodland setting, ideal for a warm day.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Re-entry Welcome
Your ticket allows re-entry throughout the day, perfect for a leisurely visit with lunch breaks.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
The zoo is set in a woodland garden, so wear comfy shoes for exploring the natural paths.
🤝 Friendly & Knowledgeable Staff
Staff are happy to share insights; don't hesitate to ask questions about the animals.
🌳 Shaded & Peaceful
Enjoy the cool, shaded environment of the woodland setting, ideal for a warm day.
💰 Affordable Entry
The zoo offers very affordable charges for a delightful experience.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Shaldon Wildlife Trust Zoo for its intimate atmosphere, well-cared-for animals, and exceptionally friendly and knowledgeable staff. The woodland setting is a highlight, offering a peaceful escape. While small, it provides significant conservation value and a rewarding experience, especially for families.
"This is such a wonderful little zoo. The staff were all friendly and helpful from the ladies on the front desk to the keepers and especially the owner who went out of his way to inform and ensure we got the very best from our day. It was a full day for us because we took our time, went for a lovely lunch at The Ness Pub and then went around again, staying for the afternoon feeding. The animals are well looked after and are often highly endangered in the wild - making this "sanctuary" zoo's breeding programs an important conservation effort. Thank you for a fabulous day."
Gem Tulasi
"Lovely little zoo. Spent about an hour here. Lots of little animals mainly monkeys. Zoo itself is easy to walk around. Well kept and maintained. Staff very friendly and gift shop well stocked. Would recommend if in area. You can go in as many times as you like during the day with your ticket.
Good connections with other businesses in area as provided discounts in the local pub with a ticket."
Karen Heap
"We were looked after very well. The team here went over and above to ensure my daughter could see the animals. My daughter uses a wheelchair when required, her FND means that it has to come everywhere with us when we are out and about. She is triggered by people too close to her, noise, small groups of people amongst other things. Trying to enjoy a day out of the house isn't always easy for us and it takes a lot of preparation for our days out.
The team at Shaldon Wildlife Trust were brilliant from the moment we arrived. Towards the end of our visit the team could tell she was struggling as we waited to see the blue frogs. They ensured she was able to have the same experience as everyone else visiting.
The baby monkeys were amazing to watch with the others all caring for it and so tiny.
We left feeling happy and wanting to return due to the kindness and observation skills of the staff.
Thank you Shaldon Wildlife Trust, we will be back 🙌💃"
Amanda Peet
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The zoo is located in Shaldon, South Devon. It's accessible by car, with parking available nearby. Public transport options include local bus routes. Many visitors combine a trip with a walk from the Ness car park and a ferry ride across to Teignmouth.
While the zoo itself is small, there are parking options in the vicinity, such as the Ness car park, which is a short walk away.
Yes, the zoo is part of the charming village of Shaldon. Visitors often enjoy walks around the area, including along the coast.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check their official website or social media for the most up-to-date information before your visit.
Admission is very affordable, making it a great value for a family day out. Check their website for current ticket prices.
Yes, your ticket allows you to re-enter the zoo multiple times throughout the day, so you can take a break for lunch or explore the surrounding area.
Some local businesses, like The Ness Pub, offer discounts with your zoo ticket receipt, so it's worth checking for local partnerships.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The zoo focuses on rare and endangered species, with a notable collection of primates, including monkeys and lemurs. You'll also find other small mammals and reptiles.
Absolutely! It's a wonderful place for children to learn about animals in a safe and engaging environment. The intimate size makes it manageable for little legs.
Most visitors spend around 1-2 hours exploring the zoo, but you can easily spend longer if you take your time, attend keeper talks, or enjoy a picnic.
Yes, the zoo often hosts keeper talks where you can learn fascinating facts about the animals and their conservation. Check the schedule upon arrival.
The zoo staff are known for their exceptional care and willingness to accommodate visitors with specific needs, ensuring everyone can enjoy the experience.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The zoo is quite small and doesn't have extensive food facilities. However, there's usually a gift shop that might offer some snacks. Many visitors opt to bring their own picnics or dine at nearby establishments.
The village of Shaldon offers several charming pubs and cafes. The Ness Pub is a popular choice, and some offer discounts with your zoo ticket.
Yes, bringing a picnic is a great option. There are often designated areas where you can enjoy your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
The natural woodland setting provides beautiful backdrops. Focus on capturing the animals in their enclosures, especially the playful primates. Early morning or late afternoon light can be ideal.
It's always best to check the zoo's specific photography policy, but given the intimate size, smaller, handheld setups are usually fine.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan your visit around feeding times or keeper talks to maximize engagement. Bringing a picnic is a great way to keep costs down and enjoy a relaxed lunch amidst the woodland setting. The zoo's accessibility efforts also mean that families with children who have specific needs can have a comfortable and enjoyable day out.
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Consider packing your own lunch and snacks to save on dining costs. Many visitors also take advantage of discounts offered at local pubs with their zoo ticket receipt, further stretching your budget. Combining your zoo visit with a scenic walk and a ferry trip can create a full day of activities without significant expense.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Conservation at Shaldon Wildlife Trust
Many of the animals housed here are part of international breeding programs designed to safeguard species from extinction. The zoo's commitment extends beyond just housing animals; they actively work to educate the public about the challenges these species face and how conservation efforts can make a difference. This educational aspect is a key part of their mission, turning a visit into a learning experience about the importance of biodiversity.
The Shaldon Experience: Beyond the Zoo
The proximity to the beach and local amenities means you can easily extend your visit. Consider a leisurely stroll along the coast, enjoy lunch at one of the village's pubs like The Ness, or explore the smugglers' tunnel. The zoo's ticket often provides discounts at local establishments, further enhancing the value of your visit and encouraging support for the local community.
Social
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