NEWQUAY Zoo could be sold due to the financial pressures its owners are facing.

Wild Planet Trust, which also owns Paignton Zoo, says it is exploring investment, which “may or may not involve the sale of our zoos.”

The site at Trenance Leisure Park is owned by Cornwall Council and the education, scientific and conservation charity has a long lease.

The trust announced in July of last year that a series of “crippling” challenges had forced the trustees to prepare a special rescue package to ensure the future viability of Newquay Zoo and Paignton Zoo. The trustees disclosed the operational costs for both zoos amount to a “staggering” £1 million per month.

They added at the time that the trust still owes over £1 million to the government for a loan taken during the Covid-19 pandemic forced close down. Additionally, avian influenza resulted in over £1 million in lost revenue in 2022, and the cost-of-living crisis has further decreased visitor numbers and income.

Wild Planet Trust has since taken steps to address its financial challenges by introducing cost-cutting measures, which has included staff redundancies.

A spokesperson for Wild Planet Trust said: “Following recent media reports regarding Wild Planet Trust seeking potential investors, we would like to take this opportunity to clarify a few key points.

“It is correct that we are exploring the possibility of securing investment, and if secured, may or may not involve the sale of our zoos. Both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo are owned and operated by Wild Planet Trust, and any investment discussions relate to both sites.

“Our primary focus remains the long-term protection, sustainability, and development of both zoos. We are committed to securing a future where both sites can continue their important work in conservation, education, and animal care.

“Due to the confidential nature of this process, we are unable to share further details at this time. However, we want to reassure our communities, supporters, and partners that both zoos continue to operate as normal and remain open to visitors.

“Our unwavering priority is the welfare of our animals. We are committed to delivering the highest standards of care — ensuring all physical, emotional, and environmental needs are met.

“We will share further updates when we are in a position to do so.”

Stephen Kings, interim executive chair of the trust, in July of last year: “Unfortunately, the combination of Covid-19, avian influenza, and the cost-of-living crisis has resulted in fewer visitors to our zoos over the past few years. It is often forgotten that we are a charity purely funded by our supporters, members and visitors.

“Therefore this has forced the trust to cut costs, which inevitably means redundancies. This decision has not been taken lightly. We consider ourselves a family at the zoo, but we have no option but to review our staff and operating costs.

“We are working specifically to raise capital funding to extend old buildings to provide better accommodation for animals, develop the penguin pool, and remove the overgrown maze at Newquay.”