We are open Friday to Monday 10am - 4pm.  |  01752 837645
Basket  

Category: Blog

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

Dartmoor Zoo has welcomed a new binturong to the DZS family. Not yet named, he’s happy, healthy, and settling into his new home nicely. The binturong was transported to Dartmoor Zoo on Wednesday 5th July from ‘Get to know animals’ at Epping, Essex, London.

Dartmoor Zoo’s Curator Scott commented:

“Binturongs also known as the Bearcat, Malay Civet Cat and are members of Viverridae, they are most closely related to Civets, Genets, and Fossa.

Predominantly found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Philipines, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and some areas of China, the IUCN classifies them as Vulnerable due to the illegal pet trade, deforestation, poaching for furs and being captured to make civet coffee.  Unfortunately, binturongs are also captured and eaten in Laos as it is considered a delicacy.

Our binturong is a Palawan binturong from the island of Palawan in the Philippines and is a very unique subspecies that has been isolated for a while. They are smaller and more nocturnal than other subspecies and much rarer in captivity. There is a huge illegal wildlife trade problem in Palawan where many animals including binturongs are taken from the wild and then sold. Unfortunately, the punishments for this are negligent and do not deter the offenders from repeating the offense.

Our binturong was imported from Asia legally by an unknown source but most likely was taken from the wild due to the issues on Palawan, before leaving the private individual and finding a home at ‘Get to know animals’ where they gave him amazing treatment and helped settle him in and bring him out of his shell.”

Our binturong is a magnificent animal, a symbol of the diversity and beauty of our natural world. But this incredible animal has suffered greatly at the hands of those who did not understand the importance of protecting and respecting all living beings. For far too long, he endured neglect and abuse, living a life of fear and pain.

Here at Dartmoor Zoo, we are incredibly honoured to be able to give him this new lease of life and feel he deserves a new name to reflect this and that’s where you come in!

The keepers have shortlisted five names and with a minimum £1 donation you can pick your favourite. The name with the most votes will be announced on Facebook, with the bonus of one lucky donor who will win a family pass to Dartmoor Zoo, where they can see the binturong in person! The five names are:

  1. Mee-Noi which means little bear in Thai
  2. Malu which means shy in Indonesian
  3. Bao which means treasure in Vietnamese
  4. Mahina which means vulnerable in Filipino
  5. Irawan which is a river in Palawan

To pick your winner and give our binturong a new name for his new life, you can make your charitable donation here.

Join us for our very first ‘Coffee and Conversation’ event. A brand new networking breakfast series we’re launching here at Dartmoor Zoo!

On Tuesday 17th October our topic is ‘Marketing and fundraising’ and we’re welcoming THREE amazing guest speakers to discuss ways in which charities and companies alike have been impacted in the cost-of-living crisis and how we can brainstorm, think outside the box, and come up with new and exciting ways of marketing and fundraising!

We’re being joined by Toby Gorniak MBE, the CEO of Street Factory, Paul Courtney the Director of Fundraising for Children’s Hospice South West, and Phillipa Revest the Head of Marketing and Communications for The Ocean Conservation Trust, all with a huge wealth of knowledge in their respective fields.

Tickets to this event are £10 inclusive of entry to zoo, buffet breakfast and refreshments.

We recommend booking in advance as tickets are limited.

BOOK NOW

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

Book 50 students in for a Zoo visit between 6th January – 31st March and save an incredible £200!

Not only that, but we’ve teamed up with Tamar Coaches who will offer an exclusive, reduced rate of £195 to get your students to and from Dartmoor Zoo. This means that the total cost of your visit is under £400!

T&Cs

  • Visits must be booked for dates between 6th January 2023 – 31st March. Excluding half term and subject to availability.
  • Adult ratios are included. Additional adults above the ratio must pay a discounted entry fee of £9.
  • Additional children above the 50 must pay a discounted entry fee of £7.
  • School groups of 22 and above will be charged a set rate of £150. Groups of 21 or less will be charged at our discounted entry fee of £7.
  • Any additional workshops or extras are to be paid at normal price.
  • This offer can be used a maximum of 2 times per school.
  • We will try and offer a lunch reservation for 45 minutes within our restaurant; however, this is subject to availability. This will be booked prior to your arrival. If no reservation is made, we are unable to guarantee space within our restaurant for lunch to be eaten.
  • This offer is only available for visits between 10am and 4pm.
  • We will try and provide a space for school bags to be left in an allocated space, however this may not be possible, and we may ask that the children take them round with them at all times.
  • School children must be accompanied by an adult at all times during their visit.

Email education@dartmoorzoo.co.uk

Treat someone you love to a Zoo day this Valentines!

Simply use code DZSVAL50 to get 50% off admission on adult tickets, valid from 11th – 14th February.

This code cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

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

Dartmoor Zoo’s brand-new refurbished conference facility ‘The Jaguar Suite’ is open for business! To launch and promote our new facility we are offering clients new and old a FREE HALF DAY conference venue hire. To secure this unique and beautiful venue for free, all you need to do is purchase a catering package! (T&Cs below)

Catering packages

  • Tea / Coffee & Cakes @ £5.00ph
  • Tea / Coffee & Breakfast – Choice of Hot Bacon or Sausage Baps or Continental, Pastries, Muesli, Fruit, Yogurt @ £7.00ph
  • Tea / Coffee & Sandwich Platters & Crisps ‘Light Lunch’ @ £7.00ph
  • Tea / Coffee & Hot Buffet Lunch @ £9.50ph

 

T&Cs

  • Offer open Tuesday – Thursday ONLY from 3rd January until 9th February
  • Minimum group booking 12 people
  • Suggested* half day hire times are 8.30am – 12.30pm or 1pm – 5pm (*Timings can be negotiated when booking through events team, dependant on availability)
  • If you wish to extend your visit, the second half of the day can be booked at a discounted rate. Discounted venue hire pricing starts at £75.00 dependant on group size
  • Additional catering and animal experiences available – enquire for more details
  • Finish or start your conference with a guided Zoo tour for the whole group for only £60.00 (up to 30 people per tour, groups over 30 will need to book 2 or more tours)

 

Facilities include: Projector & White Wall, 70-inch SMART Screen, Bluetooth connective amp & surround speakers, LED lighting (various colours), Tables & Chairs

Conference set up suitable for: 100 x Theatre / 40 x Cabaret / 30 x Boardroom (advised not max)

  • Additional conference amenities including, flip chart, paper, pens, notepads etc. available on request when pre booking, and will incur a charge.

Email events@dartmoorzoo.co.uk

Looking for a way to make a difference in 2023? Why not try some of our Zoo Year’s Resolutions!

#1 Give 3 for 2023
For just £3 a month, you can contribute to the feed, welfare, and enrichment of our incredible animals here at Dartmoor Zoo. Set up your donations: Here

#2 Sign up to Amazon Smile
Every time you shop on Amazon, you can donate to us for FREE. All you need to do is enable Amazon Smile in your app and select us as your chosen charity, or use the smile link: Here

#3 Easy Fundraising
Similarly to Amazon Smile, every time you shop certain places will donate to us for FREE. Download the Easy Fundraising app, shop and raise – it’s really that simple! Find out more: Here

#4 Volunteer
Looking to share some of your time? We are always looking for volunteers to help out across our site and with our amazing animals. If you are interested, why not check out what volunteer options we have available: Here

#5 Save an animal from extinction
By adopting one of our magnificent animals, you can help towards our conservation efforts to literally save them from extinction. Adopt an animal today: Here

Experience more ROAR than EVER this January!

We would like to say the biggest THANK YOU to our amazing members!

As a charity, your continued support through membership purchases and renewals helps feed and care for our animals and fund our vital conservation mission.

To show our appreciation, Dartmoor Zoo Members can take advantage of 50% off admission for up to four guests per visit throughout January 2023. Simply use code ‘MEMBERMONTH50‘ at the checkout!

Book tickets

T&C’s apply:

  • 50% off for four guests throughout the entire month of January
  • Offer can be used from Friday – Monday only starting from 6th January
  • Valid membership cards must be shown at the gate on arrival
  • This promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer
  • Tickets can be purchased online as well as at the gate on arrival
We have teamed up with the Plymouth Electron Microscopy Centre at Plymouth University, and they are bringing their portable Neoscope (microscope) for our visitors to look through. This is a rare opportunity to get an in-depth look at unique animal items under the microscope, including hedgehog spines, snake shed and plenty more!
 
Starting in the afternoon of Wednesday 26th October, the microscope will be on site until the end of the day, Thursday 27th October.
 
Perfect for those budding scientists and zoologists – this is definitely an event you don’t want to miss!

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.

BUY TICKETS

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

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

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.

We’re hosting our first Home Educators Day on Monday 7th March!

This is the perfect opportunity for educators to explore Dartmoor Zoo at a discounted rate, meet other families and discover the animal kingdom. 

Explore our 33-acre site, visit our Reptile and Bug House (open 11am-3pm) and listen to informative daily talks (please check the daily talk schedule on arrival to find out what talks will be hosted that day).

If you choose to purchase our admission with workshop ticket, this will include all the above, plus a fun and interactive workshop with our small, less furry animals (please note there will be no handling of animals during these sessions). All workshops cover the same topics and you will only need to attend one. If you are joining us for our workshop, please meet at the meerkat enclosure 5 minutes before the start time.

Prices:

£12 for adults with workshop and £9 for children with workshop 

£11 for adults without workshop and £8 for children without workshop

Workshops times:

11am–11:45am, 1:30pm-2:15pm and 3pm-3:45pm.  

BOOK NOW

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

BOOK NOW

 

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