The Park

Paignton Zoo Environmental Park is one of Britain's leading zoos. Founded in 1923, it has evolved into a leading conservation, education and scientific charity. As well as a major visitor attraction with animals from all over the world, Paignton Zoo supports vital research and conservation work at home and abroad.

Visit the 80 acres of Paignton Zoo and you'll see all your favourites such as lion, tiger, elephant and giraffe as well as some more unusual species such as red river hog, binturong and lemur.

Children can look forward to the miniature railway, play areas and close encounters with some amazing creatures (including snakes and parrots). Call in at the Island Restaurant for a meal with a great view of Gibbon Island. Kiosks and snack bars provide takeaway meals and ice creams.

Gardens

Visitors to Paignton Zoo usually come to see the animals - after all, it is a zoo. But the Zoo is also an established botanical garden. The plants are fundamental to the atmosphere and in fact are just as important as the animals.

The gardens of Paignton Zoo consist of both mature shrubberies and new areas developed over the past five years. The new plantings are all designed to re-create the major habitat types from around the world. This transports visitors into the habitat and immerses them in an all-round experience. Native plants are used in some areas whereas in others, exotics create variation within the habitat themes.

The warm climate in the south west allows us to grow tender plants outside as part of the exhibits. Palms, bananas and citrus are amongst the plants that contribute to the tropical feel of the Zoo.

Monkey Heights

Monkey Heights is the new one million-pound mammal centre in the heart of Paignton Zoo.

The new exhibit consists of three large buildings connected by a sweeping, wheelchair friendly wooden causeway. This raised route gives people a tree canopy level, monkey's eye view of the world. Tall climbing frames bring monkeys eye to eye with visitors.

The journey through Monkey Heights starts at the Ranch. The first two buildings are divided into spacious, split-level show dens linked to large outdoor enclosures. Large windows front and rear give panoramic views through to some magnificent London plane trees.

The third building has smaller-scale exhibits for tree shrews and South American primates. The food preparation kitchen features public viewing, so you see exactly what a monkey has for lunch..

This 21st century mammal house is home to monkeys and other species. Abyssinian colobus monkeys, King colobus monkeys, diana monkeys, Sulawesi crested macaques, tree shrews and mouse deer are all to be found here.

The live exhibits are supported by inventive interpretation designed to explain, inform, engage and provoke. The combination of words, pictures, sounds, models and interactives deliver the environmental message in different ways so no one gets bored.

There are games and puzzles to make learning fun. The outdoor play and seating area is the place for children to monkey about, while the fully-equipped researcher's hut gives visitors the chance to read from notebooks and learn about the social groups and physical characteristics of monkeys. Elsewhere you can find out about enrichment, conservation, diet and a day in the life of a zoo keeper.