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Author: Abby Morgan

Dartmoor Zoological Society (DZS) is a charity funded by a combination of donations, visitor entry fees, experiences and educational and trading income.

Why support DZS?

Your support will:

  • Ensure the survival of Dartmoor Zoological Society and the animals in its care. By making a donation, you will be a part of this!
  • Assist with wildlife survival – the animals breeding in our care will support the survival of their species and help achieve our aim that no more animals will become extinct on our watch. Become part of the fight against limitation and extinction!
  • Support the wellbeing of those in our community that need help due to disability, mental illness, conditions resulting from service to our country and needing overall wellness support.

There are lots of different ways you can help and every single donation, no matter how big or small, will make a real difference.

Ways you can help:

Co-op 

You can now support Dartmoor Zoo if you’re a Co-op member!

If you aren’t already a Co-op member, join for just £1 and help support our conservation charity.

Choose the Zoo as your cause

Amazon Smile

Every purchase you make on Amazon can raise vital funds for us here at Dartmoor Zoo! By simply using ‘Smile’ when you buy, Amazon will donate to us at no extra cost to you – win win!

You simply log in to your Amazon account, follow the ‘Smile’ link and select Dartmoor Zoo as your chosen charity and you’re good to go! Please note, only purchases via ‘Smile’ will lead to a donation, so anything through the standard link or the app will not count.

Find out more

Lottery

We belong to SeaMoor Lottery, which is a specialist lottery for the South Hams and West Devon area. If you would like to win a prize up to £25,000, and you are over 18 years of age, you can buy tickets for just £1! 50% will go directly to Dartmoor Zoological Society and 10% goes to other good causes locally to us.

Find out more and join here

Nectar Donate 

We’ve signed up to Nectar Donate, a new initiative launched from the team at Nectar and Crowdfunder. This means you can now donate any or all of your Nectar points to us! You will need to link your Nectar card to your Crowdfunder account. Then simply visit our dedicated page and when you get to the ‘payment method’ screen, select ‘Donate with Nectar’.

The best thing about Nectar Donate is that it won’t cost you or us anything. Crowdfunder has generously waived platform fees for anyone donating their points!

Visit Crowdfunder

easyfundraising

If you’re a fan of the apps, then you can check out ‘easyfundraising’.

easyfundraising partners with over 7,000 brands who will donate part of what you spend to a cause of your choice and it won’t cost you any extra as the cost is covered by the brand.

Simply download the app, select Dartmoor Zoo, link to their browser extension where the plug-in pops up automatically when you shop to let you know when a donation is available and watch your donations roll in!

Find out more

Prepare for an unforgettable evening!

Following on from the roaring success of last year’s sell-out Charity Ball, we’re delighted to announce its return on Saturday 7th October 2023 at Boringdon Park Golf Club.

Raising vital funds for Dartmoor Zoological Society, the evening will be hosted by the entertaining BBC South West presenter, David FitzGerald, and includes a red carpet drinks reception, three-course dinner, charity auction and raffle and live music from the fantastic eight piece party band ‘The Harry Peanut Show‘ to dance the night away!

Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment and join us for what is promised to be another wildly entertaining evening.

BOOK NOW

Following on from the huge success last year, this Valentine’s Day you can once again name a cockroach in honour of that un-special (or special) someone in your life!

For a £5 donation to Dartmoor Zoo, name one of our cockroaches after someone who’s been ‘bugging’ you and receive a customisable certificate featuring your chosen name to show your support.

If you have bitterness in your heart or unresolved anger towards an ex, a boss, or whoever has been a thorn in your side, this is the perfect opportunity to channel those feelings and get rid of any negative energy!

All proceeds will help our charity continue the amazing care we provide to our animals, whilst supporting our vital conservation efforts.

Name a cockroach here

We’re offering free entry to Dartmoor Zoo for children during the teacher strikes on Thursday 2nd March!

Join us and learn about our amazing animals, listen to educational talks and enjoy a fun family day out!

Limited tickets are available so don’t miss out.

BOOK NOW

T&CS:

  • Children must be supervised at all times by an accompanying adult
  • Tickets are limited and must be purchased online in advance

Brighten up the grey of winter this February half term (11th – 19th February) and join us for a truly wild adventure!

Let Dartmoor Zoo spark the imagination of your little ones and enjoy a range of FREE activities as part of our ‘Little Paws Pounce & Paint’ event, all included as part of your general admission ticket!

  • Bouncy castle
  • Face painting
  • Craft activities
  • Games
    + MORE!

All activities will be hosted in our newly refurbished, all-weather ‘Jaguar Suite’ and places can be booked online as an add-on when purchasing admission tickets to the Zoo during the February half term. Places are limited so be quick!

We’ve got everything you need for keeping your young cubs entertained!

*** Please note that you will need to purchase a general admission ticket to take advantage of the free activities we have on offer

BOOK NOW

DZS Membership price:
Members can visit the Zoo for free but must book Little Paws Pounce & Paint event tickets for any accompanying children by visiting – https://bit.ly/DZSLittlePaws

We are delighted to announce the birth of three Asian short-clawed otter pups at Dartmoor Zoo!

There are two boys and a girl, all of which have passed their vet checks with flying colours! Our vet conducted a health check and confirmed they are all growing well, developing as they should and receiving the best level of care from their parents, Matty and Jasmine.

Our pups are almost ready to get their explorer badges, and will slowly begin familiarising themselves with the enclosure over the next few weeks, so make sure to pop along and see the cuteness in person.

Buy Zoo admission tickets

We are SO excited to launch our amazing new event – Zooluminate!

A series of beautiful light installations (from JHAV, the incredible team that brought you The Atlantic Project and Illuminate Festival of Light), which bring the zoo to life after dark in the most enchanting way possible.

There are stunning installation spaces the entire way around our site, so you’ll have plenty of opportunities for those selfies, plus – some of our enclosures are going to be illuminated, so you might even get the chance to see our animals all snuggled up for the night.

We can’t guarantee the animals will be outside of their cosy homes, but the lights have been specifically researched and chosen to illuminate without causing any harm or disruption, so if they’re outside, you should be able to capture some wonderful evening photos of our very happy animals.

Our Jaguar Restaurant is open daily until 7.30pm throughout the event, offering a whole host of delicious food, drink and snack options to refuel your Zoo adventure, including some festive specials.

Admission is from 5pm until 8pm, or to take full advantage of the entire zoo experience, purchase a full admission Day & Night ticket (12pm – 8pm)!

BOOK NOW

DZS Membership price:

DZS Member – free (no need to pre-book, simply turn up on the day / night of your choice with your membership card).

BOO at the Zoo is back for 2022!

This Halloween, Dartmoor Zoo is opening its gates after dark to invite you to a truly FANG-tastic night at the Zoo!

Join us on Friday 28th and Saturday 29th October for two FRIGHTfully good evenings, filled with shock horrors, hair-raising delights and nail biting frights..

Listen out for rustling amongst the trees and peeping eyes as you make your way around the Zoo, meeting characters of the strange, unsavoury and nightmarish kind on your travels.

This event is suitable for most families, however some areas will have advisories and will not be suitable for young children. We will provide a map that lets you know where to find the thrills you seek!

Gates open at 5.30pm with staggered entry tickets available. Event closes at 8.30pm.

For Boo at the Zoo 2023 click here

Following on from the roaring success of our first ever, sell-out Charity Ball, we’re delighted to announce its return on Saturday 8th October 2022 at Boringdon Park Golf Club.

Raising vital funds for Dartmoor Zoological Society, the evening will be hosted by the entertaining BBC South West presenter, David FitzGerald, and include a red carpet drinks reception, three-course dinner, charity auction and raffle and live music from the amazing Joey The Lips to dance the night away!

Book your tickets early to avoid disappointment and join us for what is promised to be another wildly entertaining evening.

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Dartmoor Zoo expresses its deep sadness and grief at the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. The Queen was an extraordinary figure and we want to pay our profound and utmost respects at this sad time.

Her Majesty will be remembered fondly as an animal lover and a fantastic advocate for the work of zoos and aquariums to save species and create a better world. She enjoyed a lifetime of visits to zoos, from memorable times as a Princess meeting giant pandas to meeting elephants as Queen.

As a sign of respect, Dartmoor Zoo will be shut tomorrow (Friday 09 September) to the public.

If you have already booked tickets, our team will be in touch with you as soon as possible to reschedule your visit.️

This summer, experience your favourite children’s book brought to life at Dartmoor Zoo!

Celebrating 40 years since the publication of author Rod Campbell’s classic storybook, Dartmoor Zoo is partnering with Macmillan Children’s Books to host the perfect Dear Zoo experience!

The much-loved tale of a child who writes to the zoo to ask for the perfect pet has delighted readers for four decades, Dear Zoo has sold over 13 million copies in the UK and around the world.

At Dartmoor Zoo, children of all ages are invited to celebrate the story and explore which animal is too tall, too big, or too grumpy to join the family.

From 23rd July to 4th September, become immersed in this children’s book as you journey around the zoo. Interact with a giant storybook, listen to the story being told, have fun with your special activity book and of course say hello to some of the animals from the story in real life!

The Dear Zoo experience is included in your Zoo ticket at no extra cost with the option of purchasing a standard (£2.50) and limited edition (£5.00) activity pack when purchasing tickets online or at the gate on arrival.

PRE-BOOK YOUR TICKETS NOW

Can you help us name our capybara babies?

Following on from the birth of four capybara babies (two boys and two girls) at Dartmoor Zoo, we’d like to offer you the amazing opportunity of becoming a ‘capybara champion’!

In return for a £200 donation, you will have the opportunity to:
– Name a baby
– Receive an adoption pack
– Have your name on a sign at the enclosure
– Acknowledgement on our website and social media

Your support is vitally important to our charity and your contribution will go directly towards vital conservation projects, as well as the continued upkeep and wellbeing of the animals in our care.

One baby (girl) has already been named, so if you would like to be involved, please email your name and contact number to zoobase@dartmoorzoo.co.uk.

We’re so pleased to welcome a Lau banded iguana to Dartmoor Zoo!

Found on the Lau Islands of the eastern part of the Fijian archipelago, this species is considered a national treasure by the government of Fiji, and its likeness has been featured on postage stamps and currency.

Populations of these iguanas have been declining over the past century and they’re now sadly listed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List. Threats include habitat destruction from logging and farming, invasive predators and the illegal pet trade.

Come and meet Tonga for yourself this May half term! You can spot him in our Reptile and Bug House.

TICKETS

We’re hosting our first ever Summer Garden Party!

Bring your friends along and join us at Dartmoor Zoo on Saturday 25th June from 5.30pm to 9.30pm for an evening of fun and frolics!

Tickets for this exclusive adults-only event cost £25 per person and include zoo entry, a welcome drink, live concert band, a sumptuous hog roast (vegetarian and vegan option available), dessert, plus the opportunity to see our amazing animals after hours as the sun sets.

As part of the event, there will also be a silent auction with some fantastic ‘one-off’ prizes and a fundraising raffle, as well as animal talks by our presentation and zoo keeper team.

However you wish to celebrate this summer, add some animal magic and have a roaring good time!

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We’re delighted to welcome THREE new bird species to Dartmoor Zoo!

Our first new arrival is a critically endangered Bali myna, also known as a Bali starling, one of the rarest species of bird on the planet.

Found in the tropical forests of Bali, their pure white plumage and blue streak across the eye has made them irresistible to collectors and due to the illegal bird trade, they’re unfortunately incredibly close to becoming extinct in the wild.

We will be working to help safeguard these stunning birds as part of the European Breeding Programme.

Our second new arrivals – a flock of Java sparrows!

The Java sparrow, also known as Java finch, Java rice sparrow or Java rice bird, is a species of finch native to Java and Bali in Indonesia.

They’re highly social and forage in groups in growing vegetation for rice, grass seeds, and small insects.

Listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List, this species has been introduced to other parts of the world, including Hawaii, but is threatened in its native range due to habitat loss and trapping for the illegal pet trade. As a result, their numbers are sadly plummeting.

Finally, two Luzon bleeding-heart doves have been welcomed to the Zoo.

With a distinct red ‘heart’ in the centre of their chest, this bird got its unusual name from the splash of vivid red on their white breasts, which resembles a bleeding wound.

Listed as near threatened on the IUCN Red List, the population of this species has been shrinking in recent years due to habitat loss, as well as hunting and trapping for the pet trade.

Guests may be able to hear the doves calling periodically, making ‘cooing’ noises to stay in contact with each other while they forage for berries, seeds, and grubs to eat.

Come and see these beautiful birds in person! You can spot our new arrivals in our Bird Aviary.

TICKETS

This Father’s Day (Sunday 19th June), we’re offering dads FREE admission to Dartmoor Zoo!

If you’re looking for a memorable day out, bring your troop along for some fun and fresh air, explore our 33-acre site and learn more about our incredible fathers.

To receive free admission into the Zoo on Sunday 19th June, dads must be accompanied by a full paying adult or child.

Limited tickets are available so book in advance to avoid disappointment!

BOOK NOW

It just wouldn’t be Easter without an egg hunt with a ‘wild’ twist like only the Zoo can do!

Can you find the eggs of all our different bird species?

Join us from Saturday 9th – Sunday 24th April for an egg-citing Easter trail around the Zoo featuring our amazing animals, listen to our new animal talks and learn all about our brilliant birds.

This trail is included as part of your general Zoo admission ticket with the option of purchasing a £2 trail pack on arrival, which includes:

  • A trail sheet
  • DZS pencil
  • 30g mini eggs
  • A fluffy chick
  • DZS bird sticker

Tickets are on sale now, so bring your little monkeys and enjoy acres of ‘egg’tastic themed fun!

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Hop on over to Dartmoor Zoo and join us for our Easter EggstravaganZOO event, taking place on Thursday 14th April between 5pm – 8pm!

Celebrate Easter with the whole family and enjoy acres of ‘egg’tastic themed fun in search of treats and treasures.

Activities during the event include:

  • Easter Egg Hunt
  • Easter Games & Prizes
  • Meet the Easter Bunny
  • Face Painting
  • Bake Sale
  • Brilliant Birds Talk

Bring your little monkeys for a fun (and wild) outdoor adventure and celebrate spring with eggs, paws and claws!

Tickets are limited so don’t miss out.

DZS Membership price:
DZS Standard Membership – full price
DZS Premium Membership – 10% off using code ‘DZSPREMIUM10’ (please note that you will need proof of membership on the day of your visit)

BOOK NOW

This offer is sold out. Only pre-booked tickets will be allowed in on the day.

 

This Mother’s Day (Sunday 27th March), we’re offering mums 𝐅𝐑𝐄𝐄 admission to Dartmoor Zoo!

If you’re looking for a memorable day out, bring your troop along for some fun and fresh air, explore our 33-acre site and learn more about our incredible mothers.

To receive free admission into the Zoo on Sunday 27th March, mums must be accompanied by a full paying adult or child.

Limited tickets are available so book in advance to avoid disappointment!

BOOK NOW

We’re very proud to announce that we have been successful in breeding over 75 black beauty stick insects! 

This species is sadly listed as Critically Endangered on the IUCN Red List and their population in the wild is still decreasing, facing threats from livestock farming and habitat loss.  

They’re native to Peru and can now only be found in the wild in the Cordillera del Condor region of Peru in South America. 

Only discovered in 2005, not much is known about these insects, but they’re believed to be most active at night when their deep black coloration keeps them hidden from predators. They’re also armed with a gland at the rear of their heads which, when threatened, can spray a corrosive, strong-smelling substance!

We’re currently rearing these insects in our breeding room but they will soon be on show in our Reptile and Bug House. 

All five capybara babies at Dartmoor Zoo have now been named!

We’d like to officially introduce you to:

– Lady – Named by Jennifer Pierce
– Rowan – Named by Peter and Jane Cowin
– Endeavour – Named by Endeavour Saunders
– Ziggy – Named for Sarah by Mum
– Peachy – Named for Karen by Ian

A huge thank you to our capybara champions for getting involved! We’re incredibly grateful for your support.

Brighten up the grey of winter by visiting Dartmoor Zoo this February half term (Saturday 19th – Sunday 27th February) and discover a wild world of colour!

Join us and follow the trail around the Zoo to complete your colour by numbers picture and along the way, discover the importance of the crazy colours of the animal kingdom.

** This trail is included as part of your general Zoo admission ticket with the option of purchasing colouring pencils at the gate on arrival

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Custard Storm Productions will also be joining us on Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd February to host two performances and entertaining workshops each day (morning and afternoon session), all included as part of your general admission ticket!

Whether you’re an avid juggler or first time novice, a team of highly trained circus artists will be on hand to make sure you have an amazing time and learn some incredible new skills.

To ensure the performances and workshops don’t become overcrowded, please ensure that you book your place in addition to your general admission ticket to the Zoo.

*** Please note that the workshops are suitable for children aged 3+ and can be booked as an add-on when purchasing admission tickets for Tuesday 22nd and Wednesday 23rd February.

BOOK NOW

This Valentine’s Day, name a cockroach in honour of that un-special (or special) someone in your life!

For a £5 donation to Dartmoor Zoo, name one of our cockroaches after someone who’s been ‘bugging’ you and receive a customisable certificate featuring your chosen name to show your support.

If you have bitterness in your heart or unresolved anger towards an ex, a boss, or whoever has been a thorn in your side, this is the perfect opportunity to channel those feelings and get rid of any negative energy!

All proceeds will help our charity continue the amazing care we provide to our animals, whilst supporting our vital conservation efforts.

Show some love for Dartmoor Zoo!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and we’ve got a purr-fect offer for you to mark the occasion.

Treat that special someone to a wild day out on Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th and Monday 14th February and take advantage of our unmissable 2 for 1 offer on adult admission tickets!

Pre-book your tickets and use code ‘DZSVAL50’ at the checkout to claim the offer.

Tickets

Do you want to build a snowman?

A winters storm has swept through the Zoo and poor Mr Snowman has lost all his pieces and needs your help to put him back together!

Whilst on your journey to build your snowman, learn about how our British wildlife survives through our cold winters. Can your snowman help our animals through winter?

If you’re a family who love an adventure, then come and join us between Saturday 18th December until Monday 10th January to take part in our festive trail, explore our 33-acre site and meet the wonderful animals here at Dartmoor Zoo.

Bring your own colouring pencils or upgrade to a trail pack for just £1.50 and receive:

– A trail sheet
– Crayons
– A badge
– Two sweets
– A sticker sheet

** This trail is included as part of your general Zoo admission ticket.

Tickets

Everyone’s favourite furry family has grown! Give a warm welcome to our new capybara babies!

The five babies (four boys and one girl) were born on the 4th November and are settling in well and gaining confidence every day.

Our amazing keeper team have created a nursery for the family, which has a small paddling pool to help the babies get used to the water and a heated house.

Hoodoo, aged five, is a fantastic mum and continues to look after her young very well.

You can spot our adorable new arrivals in our South American paddock.

Tickets

Would you like to send a Christmas gift to your favourite animals at Dartmoor Zoo?

We’re asking you to support our efforts this festive season and consider donating to our charity so we can make this Christmas extra special for our animals!

By supporting our Christmas campaign, your money will buy Christmas food, treats and enrichment.

If you’d like to donate what you’d usually spend on cards, postage or gifts, please visit our JustGiving page.

Donate

Join us from this Saturday 23rd until Sunday 31st October for an interactive trail through the Zoo and discover the enchanting world of myth and folklore.

Learn stories of magical creatures and see how these tales link to our beautiful creatures here at Dartmoor Zoo.

If you’re a family who love an adventure, then come and join us and don’t forget your imaginations!

We’d love to see who’s following the trail and the magical creatures you discover along the way – tag us and use #dzsmythical.

** This trail is included as part of your general Zoo admission ticket.

Tickets

We’re delighted to announce that Dartmoor Zoological Society (DZS) is now an institutional member of the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA).

WAZA is a global community of progressive zoological organisations that are actively engaged in critically important efforts to protect wildlife.

The membership consists of nearly 400 leading institutions and organisations around the world dedicated to providing the highest standards of care and striving to achieve the most in conservation of animals and their habitats.

Becoming a WAZA member presents incredible opportunities for professional development and collaboration on international research and conservation projects.

Coral Jonas, Deputy CEO of Dartmoor Zoological Society, said: “We’re extremely pleased to be part of WAZA. We’ve worked hard to build an incredible home for our animals, where we have the privilege of continuing our mission to protect them whilst also providing a platform to educate our guests and continue to learn about how to conserve them today and in the future.”

Dr Martín Zordan, Chief Executive Officer of WAZA, said: “We’re delighted to expand our global community by welcoming Dartmoor Zoological Society as a new WAZA Institutional member.

“As a global community committed to high standards of animal welfare and conserving biodiversity, we’re able to further increase our impact by having more like-minded organisations like Dartmoor Zoological Society joining us.”

The membership is another step in our ongoing commitment to conservation, research, education, sustainability, and animal care and welfare.

Travel back to a time when prehistoric giants roamed the earth.

Experience the wonder of dinosaurs and walk alongside your favourite prehistoric creatures at Dartmoor Zoo Dinosaurs!

Running from Saturday 24th July until Sunday 5th September, take part in our fully interactive, immersive trail, dig for fossils and learn about our spectacular giants.

Book now and join us for a truly wild adventure!

** This experience is included as part of your general Zoo admission ticket.

Tickets