THE owner of Newquay Zoo says there has been interest from potential investors from the UK and Europe.

The Wild Planet Trust, which also owns Paignton Zoo, is exploring investment options designed to strengthen both sites, including potential sale to operators committed to keeping both as working zoos.

The charity, which has a long lease on the site at Trenance Leisure Park owned by Cornwall Council, is seeking investment due to the financial pressures it is facing.

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, which has included redundancies. The trustees disclosed the operational costs for both zoos amount to a “staggering” £1-million per month.

Newquay Zoo and Paignton Zoo remain fully open and welcoming visitors throughout the process.

Stephen Kings, Interim chief executive at Wild Planet Trust, said the process was about finding the right solution to secure both zoos as thriving institutions. He said: "We're exploring all avenues to secure the future of both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo for the next century and beyond.

“Like many charities, we've faced rising costs and global challenges, and we've already made difficult but necessary internal changes. Now we're looking at every option to ensure we don't just survive, but flourish."

Any option would need to preserve both sites as working zoos dedicated to conservation, education, and animal welfare, while securing jobs and modernising facilities.

The trust has received expressions of interest from across the UK and Europe, though discussions remain at a very early stage.

Stephen Kings continued: "There have been conversations with potential investors and interested parties, which is very encouraging. We are cautiously optimistic. But I have to emphasise that these are very, very early days."

He said the community response has been “strong,” with visitor numbers holding steady since the announcement and support coming from local residents, businesses, and authority leaders, including local councils.

Mr Kings said people have demonstrated their backing through visits, membership renewals, and messages from across the region.

He said: “This show of community support will be crucial in demonstrating to potential partners the enduring value and importance of both zoos.

"These zoos belong to the community. They always have. People are proud of both zoos, and the response we've received this past week has been truly humbling. It has only strengthened our resolve to find the right solution for the future."

Both zoos remain fully open and operational. Zoo staff continue caring for hundreds of species, many involved in international breeding programmes for endangered animals. The trust's priority remains animal welfare, ensuring all physical, emotional and environmental needs are met. Halloween events are planned, with Christmas festivities to follow.

The trust has been encouraging supporters to demonstrate their backing through visits, animal experiences such as feeding the giraffes, animal adoptions from £3 per month, and annual memberships.