We are open daily 10:00 - 16:00  |  01752 837645

Ways to get involved

Join us on a mission of compassion and conservation at Dartmoor Zoo!

Our cherished Zoo, home to some of the world’s most endangered species, thrives on the generosity of people like you. Every visit, every experience booked, and every educational endeavour contributes to our cause, but it’s the heart-warming support through donations that truly sustains us. 

Imagine being a lifeline for majestic creatures whose survival hangs in the balance. The Zoo is more than just an attraction; it’s a sanctuary, a research hub, and an educational oasis. Yet, the reality is stark – the cost of nurturing these animals and maintaining this sanctuary far exceeds what we earn from entry fees and educational programs. 

Our goal? To raise vital funds through fundraising. This is key to feeding, sheltering, and caring for our animals. It’s the lifeline for developing innovative enclosures and advancing our conservation research. Beyond the weekly needs, your contributions will help us embark on ambitious projects, like constructing state-of-the-art homes for our animals, and ensuring they live in environments that mirror their natural habitats. 

The time to act is now. Your donation, big or small, can make a monumental difference. It’s an opportunity to be part of a story of survival and hope. Let’s stand together for these magnificent animals and the future generations who will learn from and cherish them. Support Dartmoor Zoo today and be a hero in the lives of the animals we all love and admire. 


Give us an hour

Many people are finding the cost-of-living crisis hard, and unfortunately many charities, including ourselves are feeling it too. Last year alone, it cost over £60,000 to feed the animals in our care, and electricity costs surpassed £72,000 to ensure they stay warm and safe.

In these challenging times, your continued support means more than ever. You can really make a difference through our “Give Us an Hour” campaign.

  1. The Hourly Wage Contribution: Time constraints can make volunteering challenging, but you can still make a difference. By donating the equivalent of an hour’s wage — either as a one-time gift or a monthly contribution — you directly support our vital projects. This aid helps protect endangered species and preserve their habitats.
  2. The Hour of Fundraising: Put the FUN back in FUNdraising and raise vital funds for our Zoo. Whether you’re a Great British Bake Off champ in the making, or you fancy putting some wild in your stride and taking on a Half Marathon, there are plenty of other ways to get involved! See more below!

You can also text to support this cause by following the details below:

To donate £1, text ZOO10 to 70201
To donate £3, text ZOO10 to 70331
To donate £5, text ZOO10 to 70970
To donate £10, text ZOO10 to 70191


Bake Sale

Are you a fan of The Great British Bake Off?
Why not put those culinary skills to the test and sell off some tasty treats in order to raise vital funds for Dartmoor Zoo!

Put on those aprons, get creative and download our poster below to promote your efforts!

Bake Sale Poster


Plymouth Half Marathon

If baking isn’t your style but you’ve got some wild in your stride, why not sign up for the Plymouth Half Marathon and raise funds as well as your heartbeat!

If you can raise £150 or more, we will cover the cost of your entrance fee, plus you get a free, branded DZS T-shirt! With limited spaces available, don’t miss out. Email us today to secure your space! If you’re not quite at the Marathon distance yet, don’t panic – we’ve got some 5K spaces too!

For tips and tricks on how to fundraise and shout about your efforts, download our guide below!

Tips and Tricks

Date: 28.04.24
Start Time: approx. 8.15am
Start & Finish: Plymouth Hoe Promenade
Minimum age: 17 years old


Donate

If time isn’t a luxury you can afford, but you still want to help support our Zoo and get involved, don’t worry – you can donate!

We understand that it is a difficult time for everyone with the increases in the cost of living and we’re extremely grateful for the fantastic support we’ve received from everyone.
Donations are invaluable during these tough times!

Dartmoor Zoo’s energy and animal care costs have risen dramatically which impacts financially on our charity.

We desperately need to keep fundraising to pay for the costs of feeding and caring for our animals, so any donation you’re able to make will really make a huge difference.

Whether you’re able to make a regular monthly or a one-off donation, you can be assured that your contribution will go towards helping us look after our wonderful animals.

Donate Here


Need advice?

If you need further advice, want to let us know about an event you have planned, or are looking for marketing materials not displayed above, please get in touch with us. 

Email us or call 01752 837645.