Zoo wins gold in first try at bloom awards

The zoo's head gardener is Damian King

Newquay Zoo has won a gold award with its first entry into the South West in Bloom contest despite it being put up for sale earlier this month.

The zoo is home to 850 animals, including 49 endangered species, and is based in Trenance Gardens.

A spokesperson said it was awarded a gold medal in the contest, hosted this year at the English Riviera Centre in Torquay, for its "vibrant planting schemes".

Newquay Zoo was put on the market and its owner the charity Wild Planet Trust blamed financial difficulties.

South West in Bloom is one of 18 regional and national competitions which make up Britain in Bloom.

The zoo's head gardener Damian King said: "To receive gold in our very first attempt is beyond what we could have hoped for.

"We've worked incredibly hard this year to create spaces that not only look beautiful for our visitors but also provide enriching, natural environments for the animals in our care."

Gardeners aim to create year-round interest for visitors

He said judges admired the zoo's landscapes which were designed for seasonal interest throughout the year.

The Wild Planet Trust also owns Paignton Zoo, which was put up for sale alongside Newquay this month.

A spokesperson for the charity said the zoos "remain fully open" despite the sale and interest was "already emerging from across the UK and Europe".

Newquay Zoo won gold

The charity said: "The Gold award reinforces Newquay Zoo's position as a well-loved, community-focused destination with exciting potential for future development."

Paington Zoo also received a gold medal in the competition, its second.