The park shared the information with a ‘heavy coronary heart’ to ‘devastated’ locals and guests
Wild cats at Axe Valley Wildlife Park (Picture: Jam Press/Axe Valley Wildlife Park)
A household zoo in Devon has been compelled to close down, leaving locals “devastated” after it served as a significant a part of the neighborhood for greater than 17 years.
The cherished attraction was residence to many animals, from meerkats to zebras, flamingos and wild cats, all now relocated all through the nation.
We use your sign-up to offer content material in methods you have consented to and to enhance our understanding of you. This may occasionally embrace adverts from us and third events primarily based on our understanding. You’ll be able to unsubscribe at any time. Learn our Privateness Coverage
Whereas the relocation course of was carried out as “safely and responsibly” as doable, the park confirmed in an announcement, residents have been saddened to witness their departure.
Axe Valley Wildlife Park, located close to Axminster in Devon, was an attraction treasured for a household tour within the area and an entertaining vacation spot the place kids might work together with and uncover animals from throughout the globe.
Past with the ability to discover the zoo, the attraction additionally supplied visitors the chance to get pleasure from some particular person time with their most well-liked animals. Kids aged seven and above might additionally grow to be zookeepers for the day. Nonetheless, it proved inadequate to maintain the park’s survival.
It closed after 17 years (Picture: Jam Press/Axe Valley Wildlife Park)
Following difficulties sustaining the enterprise viable, the park, which initially welcomed guests in 2008, and after 17 “unforgettable” years, introduced its closure in October 2025. Their clarification was attributed to the park being “financially unviable for us to proceed working”.
Their assertion learn: “It’s with a heavy coronary heart that we share some unhappy information. Our much-loved Household Zoo can be closing on Friday, tenth October 2025.
“As a lot of you might have heard within the information, we aren’t the one enterprise dealing with these troublesome occasions. Sadly, it has grow to be financially unviable for us to proceed working.”
After we opened our gates 17 years in the past, we might by no means have imagined the fantastic journey forward, the 1000’s of wonderful guests, college journeys, and constant members who grew to become a part of our zoo household.
There was an enormous number of animals dwelling on the park (Picture: Jam Press/Axe Valley Wildlife Park)
“We’re so pleased with the wide range of animals we have cared for over time, every one holding a particular place in our hearts (we all know a lot of you have got your favourites too!).”
The assertion took care to spotlight the “love, dedication, and fervour” proven by employees members in the direction of the animals, in addition to the nice and cozy welcome they prolonged to guests.
Locals and common guests shortly took to the feedback part of the Fb put up asserting the closure, expressing their dismay on the information, whereas others fondly reminisced about cherished recollections.
One consumer wrote: “Nicely that sucks. That is me re-evaluating any journeys to Axminster then. You guys have been completely wonderful. Actually gutted to listen to this.
“That is completely the form of place that native councils/any native funding teams needs to be seeking to give a money injection to since you guys are such an incredible a part of the local people and effectively price saving.”
One customer stated: “Such a heartbreaking determination so that you can have needed to make. The park’s closure can be an enormous loss to the neighborhood. Like many, I’ve totally loved my visits over the past 17 years. Thanks for the recollections.”
Many guests have stated the Wildlife Park was their sole motive for making the journey to the realm, with many claiming they now have little incentive to return to Axminster following its closure.
The way forward for the land the place the animals as soon as roamed stays unsure, although native residents will undoubtedly be watching developments carefully, hopeful that one thing equally cherished will ultimately take its place inside their neighborhood.
Leave a Reply