The wildlife park blamed the tough monetary local weather dealing with companies.
A much-loved UK zoo that welcomed guests for nearly 20 years has closed eternally (Picture: Axe Valley Wildlife Park/Fb)
A much-loved UK zoo that welcomed guests for nearly 20 years has closed eternally after changing into financially unviable. Axe Valley Wildlife Park close to Axminster in Devon formally shut its gates for the ultimate time in October 2025 after working for 17 years.
The family-run attraction first opened in 2008 and have become house to greater than 500 animals from all over the world. Positioned at Summerleaze Farm in Kilmington, the zoo was identified for permitting guests to get a lot nearer to animals than at many bigger parks.
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Axe Valley Wildlife Park close to Axminster in Devon formally shut its gates final October (Picture: Axe Valley Wildlife Park/Fb)
Over time, folks visiting the zoo may see animals together with meerkats, zebras, flamingos, lemurs, otters, wallabies, antelopes, mongooses and wild cats.
The park additionally cared for a spread of reptiles and bugs together with snakes, tortoises, tarantulas and large cockroaches.
Alongside the unique animals, there have been additionally livestock together with goats, sheep and pigs.
The smaller measurement of the park made it particularly well-liked with households and youthful youngsters. Guests may participate in interactive animal experiences together with dealing with snakes, tarantulas and large cockroaches, whereas there have been additionally alternatives to feed birds and get near animals corresponding to lemurs and flamingos.
The zoo additionally provided “Keeper for a Day” experiences for guests aged seven and above. These periods allowed folks to shadow zookeepers whereas serving to put together meals, clear enclosures and study caring for the animals.
The family-run attraction first opened in 2008 and have become house to greater than 500 animals (Picture: Axe Valley Wildlife Park/Fb)
Each day academic talks have been additionally held across the zoo to show guests about animal habitats, behaviours and conservation work.
There have been out of doors play areas for kids, a café and a lined picnic barn for households bringing their very own meals.
Nevertheless, regardless of its recognition, the zoo introduced in October 2025 that it might completely shut. The wildlife park blamed the tough monetary local weather dealing with companies.
In an announcement asserting the closure, the zoo stated: “We aren’t the one enterprise dealing with these tough occasions. Sadly, it has turn out to be financially unviable for us to proceed working.”
The assertion continued: “After we opened our gates 17 years in the past, we may by no means have imagined the fantastic journey forward, the 1000’s of wonderful guests, faculty journeys, and dependable members who grew to become a part of our zoo household.
The smaller measurement of the park made it particularly well-liked with households and youthful youngsters (Picture: Axe Valley Wildlife Park/Fb)
“We’re so pleased with the wide range of animals we have cared for through the years, each holding a particular place in our hearts.”
The house owners additionally thanked employees and volunteers for his or her “love, dedication, and keenness to look after our animals and welcome our guests”.
“We actually could not have completed it with out you,” the assertion added.
The closure got here throughout a tough interval for a number of UK zoos and wildlife sights, with rising prices and monetary pressures affecting many companies throughout the sector.
Luckily, all the animals from Axe Valley Wildlife Park have been safely rehomed following the closure.
The zoo confirmed the animals can be moved “safely and responsibly, in full compliance with animal welfare guidelines and procedures”.
The animals have been relocated to different licensed zoos and sanctuaries, working alongside welfare organisations to make sure they continued receiving correct care.
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