Dartmoor Zoological Park England: Your Guide To A Wild Devon Adventure

Have you ever thought about a place where a powerful story meets the wonder of wildlife, all tucked away in a truly stunning part of England? That, in a way, is what you find at Dartmoor Zoological Park. This isn't just any animal haven; it's a place with a big heart, located just a short drive, perhaps 15 minutes, from Plymouth. It offers a unique chance to connect with many creatures, from the very small to the very large, and it's all set in a landscape that simply takes your breath away.

For anyone looking to visit Dartmoor Zoo, you'll find information about tickets and prices easily available. It's good to know, too, that how you buy your tickets, and whether you use Gift Aid, actually helps support the important work they do there. This place is, arguably, more than just a day out; it's a contribution to something bigger, something for the animals and their future.

This particular zoo holds a special place in many people's hearts, especially those who have seen the 2011 drama film by Cameron Crowe, ‘We Bought a Zoo’. That movie, you know, chronicles Benjamin Mee’s determined efforts to reopen what was then called Dartmoor Wildlife Park. It was, apparently, a nearly abandoned animal place in the English county of Devon, and the film really captured the spirit of bringing it back to life. It’s quite a tale, actually, and it sets the scene for what the zoo is like today.

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Table of Contents

• The Story Behind the Zoo
• A Place of Natural Beauty
• Meet the Animals
• Conservation and Community
• Planning Your Visit to Dartmoor Zoo
• Exploring the Wider Dartmoor Area
• Frequently Asked Questions

The Story Behind the Zoo

The story of Dartmoor Zoological Park is, you know, quite a remarkable one. It began its life, originally, as Dartmoor Wildlife Park. It was a place that, at one point, faced a lot of challenges. The film ‘We Bought a Zoo’ really brought this part of its past to the attention of people all over the world. It showed how Benjamin Mee, along with his family, took on the huge task of transforming a place that was, in a way, on the brink of closure.

Their efforts, as portrayed in the film, were truly inspiring. They worked to bring the park back to life, giving it a new purpose and a new chance. This transformation was a huge undertaking, involving a lot of passion and dedication. It really highlights the idea of connecting people and wildlife, which is something the zoo still focuses on very much today.

Then, in 2014, the Mee family did something truly generous. They kindly donated Dartmoor Zoological Park to a charity. This charity, called ‘Dartmoor Zoological Society’, was specially created just for this purpose and is registered. So, what you see today is a place run by a dedicated group, working for the good of the animals and the public. It’s a zoo in transition, to be sure, with a long way to go, but the heart of it is very much in the right place.

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A Place of Natural Beauty

Dartmoor Zoological Park is, in a way, quite special because of where it sits. It’s hidden on the borders of Dartmoor National Park, which is one of the UK’s most beautiful landscapes. The zoo itself covers around 30 acres, or perhaps 33 acres, of beautiful woodland. This setting means you get some truly stunning views of the surrounding countryside, which is a real bonus when you're there.

The fact that it’s on the edge of Dartmoor gives it a very unique feel. You’re surrounded by nature, with the sounds and sights of the park itself, but also the vastness of the moorland just beyond. It’s a very tranquil spot, offering a calm atmosphere for both the animals and the people visiting. This natural environment is, arguably, a big part of its charm.

This beautiful woodland setting isn't just for show, either. It provides a natural home for the fantastic collection of animals that live there. The space allows for varied habitats, and the views really add to the overall experience. It makes for a unique family day out, especially since it’s located in the beautiful South Hams area of Devon, which is, you know, quite lovely.

Meet the Animals

When you visit Dartmoor Zoological Park, you’ll discover a truly fantastic collection of animals. There are, apparently, over 200 animals living there, representing more than 70 different kinds of creatures. It’s quite a diverse group, offering something interesting for everyone who comes through the gates. You really get a sense of the variety of life on our planet.

The range of animals is, you know, quite broad. You can find tiny stick insects, which are fascinating in their own way, all the way up to very large and impressive creatures. For example, there’s Ben, a brown bear, and Solomon, a lion. These larger animals are, of course, always a highlight for many visitors, offering a glimpse into the wild world.

From tigers to meerkats, you can experience a truly wild adventure. Each animal, big or small, plays a part in the zoo’s collection. This variety makes for a fun-packed, animal-filled day. You get to see different species from various parts of the world, all in a setting that tries to mimic their natural homes as much as possible. It’s a chance to indulge in your love for animals, which is pretty cool.

Conservation and Community

Dartmoor Zoo is very much about connecting people and wildlife, and a big part of that connection involves conservation. They are, you know, quite dedicated to helping support the animals, not just those living at the zoo, but also wider efforts to protect species. This focus on conservation is a core part of what the Dartmoor Zoological Society does.

The zoo aims to offer a great day out, but it also has a deeper purpose related to wellbeing. This means thinking about the welfare of the animals in their care, and also how the experience can be good for the people who visit. It’s about creating a positive environment for everyone, which is, arguably, a very important aspect of a modern zoo.

When you visit, you’re actually helping to support these efforts. The money from tickets and any donations goes towards the care of the animals and the various conservation projects they undertake. It’s a way for visitors to contribute directly to the future of wildlife, which is, you know, a very rewarding feeling. This place really embodies the idea of a community working together for a good cause.

Planning Your Visit to Dartmoor Zoo

If you’re looking to visit Dartmoor Zoo, it’s actually quite easy to get to. It’s located just 15 minutes from Plymouth, making it a convenient spot for a day trip from the city. The drive itself is, apparently, very pleasant, leading you into the beautiful South Hams area of Devon. You’ll find it hidden on the borders of Dartmoor National Park, which means the journey there is part of the experience.

Before you go, it’s always a good idea to take a look at their ticket prices and any offers they might have. They also explain how Gift Aid supports them, which is a nice way to contribute a little extra if you’re able. Knowing these things beforehand can help you plan your budget and make the most of your day. It's all about making your visit as smooth as possible, really.

The zoo is set in 33 acres of beautiful woodland, so there's plenty of space to explore. You should plan for a fun-packed, animal-filled day. There’s a lot to see, from the smaller creatures to the larger ones like the brown bear and the lion. It’s a perfect place for the whole family to enjoy, with something that, you know, captures everyone’s interest. For more details on what to expect, you might want to learn more about our site, which offers additional insights into planning your visit.

Exploring the Wider Dartmoor Area

Dartmoor Zoological Park is, of course, a fantastic destination on its own, but it’s also perfectly placed for exploring the wider Dartmoor area. Dartmoor is an upland area in southern Devon, in southwest England. It’s a truly vast moorland, covering about 350 square miles, or 954 square kilometers, and it’s been protected as a national park since 1951. This means there’s a huge amount of natural beauty to discover right on the zoo’s doorstep.

The landscape of Dartmoor is quite distinctive, defined by forests, rivers, wetlands, and its famous granite tors. These tors are, apparently, craggy rock formations created about 280 million years ago, and they give the moor a very ancient and dramatic feel. You might even spot Dartmoor ponies roaming freely across this wild and beautiful place, which is, you know, a very iconic sight.

If you’re looking for a beautiful Devonian getaway, exploring the national park is a must. You can plan your perfect Dartmoor adventure, whether it’s walking along scenic trails, visiting ancient sites, or just taking in the moody moorlands. There are also many beautiful Dartmoor towns and villages that you might want to visit next time you're in the national park, which are, you know, full of charm. To truly understand the area, you could also look at this page for more insights into the region's unique appeal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Dartmoor Zoo the same as We Bought a Zoo?

Yes, it is. Dartmoor Zoological Park was originally named Dartmoor Wildlife Park, and its story of being brought back from near abandonment by Benjamin Mee and his family is what inspired Cameron Crowe’s 2011 drama film, ‘We Bought a Zoo’. So, when you visit, you're stepping into the real-life place from the movie, which is, you know, pretty cool.

How many animals are at Dartmoor Zoo?

There are, apparently, over 200 animals at Dartmoor Zoological Park. This collection includes more than 70 different kinds of species, ranging from very tiny stick insects all the way up to large animals like Ben, their brown bear, and Solomon, their lion. It’s quite a diverse group, offering a wide range of creatures to see and learn about.

Where is Dartmoor Zoo located?

Dartmoor Zoological Park is located near the Sparkwell village, in the English county of Devon. It’s hidden on the borders of Dartmoor National Park, offering some stunning views of the surrounding countryside. It’s also very convenient to get to, being just about 15 minutes from Plymouth, making it an easy trip for many visitors.

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