Newquay Zoo

Newquay Zoo is Cornwall’s only zoological garden, set within the leafy Trenance Gardens in the heart of Newquay. Home to over 1,000 animals from more than 130 species, the zoo focuses on conservation, education and the welfare of its residents, participating in international breeding programmes for endangered species.

The collection includes red pandas, Humboldt penguins, African lions, meerkats, lemurs, tropical birds and a variety of reptiles and invertebrates. Enclosures are designed to reflect natural habitats, and the zoo’s relatively compact size means it can be explored thoroughly in a few hours without the exhaustion of larger parks. The Tropical House provides a warm, humid environment for free-flying tropical birds, while the Penguin Pool offers underwater viewing windows.

Daily keeper talks and feeding sessions give visitors the chance to learn about individual species and the conservation challenges they face in the wild. The zoo runs encounter experiences where visitors can meet certain animals up close, and seasonal events — including the popular Zoo Nights and festive programmes — extend the appeal beyond standard daytime visits. A lakeside cafe, adventure playground and the miniature Newquay Dragon Maze round out the facilities. As a charity, all income goes directly towards animal care and conservation projects both at the zoo and in the field. It is a rewarding day out that manages to entertain while contributing meaningfully to wildlife protection.