Struggling zoo must be protected, say campaigners

Endangered Sumatran tigers are among the animals at the zoo

Politicians and campaigners have united to call for the protection of struggling Paignton Zoo and its conservation work.

It follows confirmation of the sale of the 85-acre (34-hectare) zoo site - home to more than 2,000 animals - by owner Wild Planet Trust.

The charity said "securing investment" was now being explored to "protect the long-term future of our conservation charity and continuing to help halt species decline".

Visit Devon said the zoo was one of the country's "most iconic attractions", while Liberal Democrat MP for Torbay Steve Darling said the sale was "very sad news" and he was seeking a summit of ministers to help support Paignton and other zoos.

Giraffes are among the hundreds of species calling Paignton Zoo their home

From giraffes to critically endangered Sumatran tigers, hundreds of species of animal call Paignton Zoo their home.

Of these animals, at least 180 species have been classified on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature Red List, which classifies species at high risk of extinction.

Among the zoo's residents are red pandas, of which there are fewer than 10,000 mature animals in the wild.

Mr Darling said he had requested "a summit for ministers to meet with zoos and aquariums across the UK to explore how the government can do more to support them".

"It's some very sad news that we've heard recently about it being on the market," he said. "I've been aware for some time of the financial challenges Paignton Zoo has faced.

"I will continue to push hard to make sure we're doing everything we can to back the zoo."

Former Conservative MP Kevin Foster said: "The conservation work here is a vital part of the UK's approach to preserving species.

"I'll be looking at what can be done to ensure this site is not seen as a potential development. It's a special place, and we need to keep it that way."

Endangered species red pandas are among the animals at the zoo

Sally Everton, of Visit Devon, said the zoo, which opened in 1923, was "one of the most iconic attractions we have here in Devon".

"It attracts so many visitors to south Devon and wider Devon," she said. "It would be very, very sad to lose something as beautiful and as iconic as Paignton Zoo."

A spokesperson from Dartmoor Zoo: "You can't just turn these places off.

"We've got animals to feed, veterinary costs, staff costs, it's a merry-go-round, 365 days a year."

Paignton Zoo was developed from the private menagerie of eccentric millionaire Herbert Whitley who "strongly believed that the zoo should be a place of learning, not just recreation", the attraction said on its website.

More than 70 species of animal at the zoo are currently involved in breeding programmes to help boost vulnerable populations, says the zoo.

Wild Planet said in a statement: "Our unwavering commitment remains on providing our animals with the highest levels of welfare and husbandry, ensuring all of their physical, emotional and environmental needs are met.