Looking for a family-friendly adventure in Devon? Dartmoor Zoo stands out as a must-visit destination. Nestled on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, this unique zoo offers an unforgettable adventure for families looking to explore the best of Devon’s attractions.
A Unique History
Dartmoor Zoo has a unique history that sets it apart from other attractions in Devon. Created in the 1960s as a private exotic animal collection, it has since transformed into a charitable zoo home to over 80 animal species, including some endangered and critically endangered ones. This rich history adds more intrigue to your visit, making it more than just a day out at the zoo.
After taking on the zoo in 2006 and opening in 2007, the Mee family kindly donated Dartmoor Zoological Park to ‘Dartmoor Zoological Society’ in 2014, a charity specially created for the purpose and registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales under registration number 1158422.
The charity is responsible for the care of the animal collection as well as our conservation, breeding and research projects. Therefore, whilst Dartmoor Zoo are still the beloved home of the, ‘We Bought a Zoo’ story, a new story led by the charity is developing.
Family Activities at Dartmoor Zoo
Dartmoor Zoo offers many family activities, making it a top choice for a family-friendly adventure in Devon. There are various events and experiences throughout the year suitable for the whole family. There’s never a dull moment at Dartmoor Zoo!
One of the highlights of a visit to Dartmoor Zoo is the opportunity to adopt an animal. This unique program allows families to form a special connection with the zoo’s inhabitants and makes for a memorable gift for animal-loving children.
A Commitment to Conservation
Dartmoor Zoo is about more than just fun and entertainment. It’s also deeply committed to conservation and education. The zoo offers educational programs for school groups and a Conservation Academy. These initiatives visit Dartmoor Zoo not just enjoyable but also educational.
A Beautiful Setting
Located on the edge of Dartmoor National Park, one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes, Dartmoor Zoo offers visitors stunning views of the surrounding countryside across its excellent 33-acre site. The zoo’s passion for plants makes it look beautiful and plays a vital role in helping local wildlife thrive. The variety of plants and animals living in a particular area is essential. Enormous biodiversity suggests a healthy ecosystem and, on a larger scale, can help safeguard areas against specific diseases or changes in climate. Dartmoor Zoo wants to provide a home for as many species as possible and have a highly biodiverse site, purposefully leaving some areas of the zoo to grow naturally, as this provides the perfect habitat for many species. This makes Dartmoor Zoo an excellent place for families to connect and surround themselves with nature.
A Charitable Adventure
Dartmoor Zoo is a charitable zoo funded by donations, visitor entry fees, experiences, and educational activities. This means that every visit supports the zoo’s mission and contributes to the conservation of the animals.
What Visitors Say
Visitors to Dartmoor Zoo often praise the zoo for its clean and pleasant enclosures, and the animals are reported to look healthy and happy. The zoo is described as easy to reach from Plymouth city centre, only a 15-minute drive. Families have enjoyed great days out at Dartmoor Zoo, making it the perfect start to the summer holidays. You can read more about visitors’ experiences on Tripadvisor and What’s Good To Do.
In conclusion, Dartmoor Zoo offers a unique blend of fun, education, and conservation, making it a top choice for family activities in Devon. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, a visit to Dartmoor Zoo will surely be a highlight of your time in Devon. So why wait? Plan your visit today and embark on a family-friendly adventure you’ll remember for years.