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Meet Devon’s Wild Animals!

21st July 2020

Categories: Visitor News

We all know that businesses were hard hit by the lockdown and the coronavirus pandemic, but one of the hardest hit were our animal attractions. Not only were they closed to the public, but they were still having to care for the animals on their sites without the income generated from visitors. Now that we’re free to move about and enjoy the UK’s top attractions once more, let’s support our zoos, conservation centres and small animals parks where we can.

Devon has several places where you can get up close and personal with wild (and not so wild) animals and while the way we visit may be different for a while, there are plenty of zoos, aquariums and other animal themed attractions that are welcoming visitors once again.

Depending on where in Devon you are, will depending on what kind of animal themed attractions there are for you to enjoy. We’ll start our tour in North Devon, where as well as an award winning aquarium there are a whole host of other places to learn more about animals, even some that are extinct.

One of the more popular places to meet animals in the north of the county is Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park which is planning to reopen its gates in July. Not only is this park home to some of the world’s most endangered species, but there are also dinosaurs to be found too! While there may still be some restrictions in place once they’ve opened, you’ll still get the chance to catch up with wolves, sea lions, parrots, meerkats and more! You can keep up to date with their latest opening information by visiting their website.

Image: Combe Martin Wildlife and Dinosaur Park

Another North Devon animal park opening soon is the Big Sheep, who are also planning to open in July/early August. They have yet to confirm which attractions on site will be open and what other policies they will be implementing, but you can be sure that the farm animals will be excited to see you! The Big Sheep is home to piglets, goats, ducklings, sheep and more who have all missed getting to know the visitors! Keep up to date with all their latest news surrounding their reopening on their website.

If you plan to base yourself in North Devon for your post lockdown trip, many of the attractions, eateries and accommodation providers are planning to start welcoming back visitors from 4^th July. You can find more about what is available in the area here, please do check with the individual establishments for full details of their reopening and what measures are in place.

Moving southwards, let’s take a trip towards East Devon and the Jurassic Coast. Aside from the incredible World Heritage Centre which is the coastline itself, there are plenty of things to see and do here especially if you like finding out more about the natural world. You could take a trip along the coast and see what fossils, crabs and other small marine life you can find, or you can take a trip to the village of Ottery St Mary and visit Wildwood Escot.

This particular attraction reopened in June with a couple of new policies in place, including limiting visitor numbers and changing their opening times, so you will need to prebook your visit. Once you’re there, you can get to know all the animals onsite once again, but remember to follow the signs and guidance that is in place for your safety, including following the one way system. At the moment, they aren’t able to offer animal talks and you won’t be able to visit the inside spaces, but you can still find out more about the range of animals that live there, including otters, boar, wildcats and red squirrels.

Image: Wildwood Escot

Find out more about what to do and where to stay in East Devon here.

Opening on the 6^th July is Paignton Zoo which can be found in the popular English Riviera in South Devon. The zoo has over 2,000 animals across 80 acres, meaning you have plenty of opportunity to make new friends and get reacquainted with old ones! The zoo is home to everything from red pandas to rhinos, so there is something for everyone and while there are a few changes in place to keep everyone safe it is still a great day out for the whole family. Make sure to keep up to date with the latest information regarding ticketing and opening hours by following Paignton Zoo on social media and checking their website.

Another animal themed park hoping to welcome you back in July is Pennywell Farm who are planning a phased reopening of their site from early July. Based in Buckfastleigh, Pennywell Farm has a host of friendly farm animals who are eagerly awaiting your return and we’re sure you want to get back there to see who is going to win the latest pig race! Sign up to their newsletter to be the first to know what is happening and how to get your hands on tickets.

Image: Pennywell Farm

Plymouth’s National Marine Aquarium has announced that they are opening their doors this July too. It is the UK’s largest aquarium and there will be safety restrictions in place to adhere to social distancing while still allowing you to find out all you can about this fascinating ocean conservation charity. Take a look at what availability they have on their website.

Also in south Devon is Woodlands Family Theme Park which can be found in Dartmouth. As well as being an adventure park with rides for all the family, it is also home to a number of animals including meerkats and wildbirds. The park is hoping to reopen on 6^th July with a number of restrictions in place. You can find out more by following them on social media and keeping an eye on their website.

Have you been to visit the animals recently? Let us know and don't forget to tag us in your pictures!