Shaldon Wildlife Trust
Shaldon Wildlife Trust
4.5
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
The small zoo making a big difference! Set in an acre of woodland garden above the attractive coastal village of Shaldon, we look after, and help preserve, some of the rarest and most endangered animals in the world.
Duration: 1-2 hours
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
509 reviews
Excellent
336
Very good
123
Average
30
Poor
12
Terrible
8
Realview Reviews
Plymouth, UK123 contributions
Jan 2023 • Couples
We booked this as got given a voucher for Xmas and this was something we could book for.
Doesn’t seem to say about parking on the website but you will reach a car park by using the sat nav and this is where you need to be, it’s paid public parking and then you walk to the wildlife place which is just next to the carpark.
Upon entry they expected us and were very quick to greet us and tell us what to expect, we had the First Lady which took us to the lemurs and talked to us about their history and what they eat and let us feed them and they were amazing! They went inside as it was cold and she even let us inside the enclosure so we got full time with them! She was very knowledgable and friendly. Then we got passed to a man who was ready and waiting for us to show us the meerkats, again telling us about them and we sat down to feed them and they were so friendly it was so much fun! Walking around the zoo too we spoke to another member of staff that was super friendly and really chatty asking us how our experience went. That was nice.
It’s a really nice place overall, small, won’t take you long to walk around it and not a crazy amount of animals but you can see it’s a really well taken care of place and all the staff care considerably.
Great experience, would recommend anyone to do it
Doesn’t seem to say about parking on the website but you will reach a car park by using the sat nav and this is where you need to be, it’s paid public parking and then you walk to the wildlife place which is just next to the carpark.
Upon entry they expected us and were very quick to greet us and tell us what to expect, we had the First Lady which took us to the lemurs and talked to us about their history and what they eat and let us feed them and they were amazing! They went inside as it was cold and she even let us inside the enclosure so we got full time with them! She was very knowledgable and friendly. Then we got passed to a man who was ready and waiting for us to show us the meerkats, again telling us about them and we sat down to feed them and they were so friendly it was so much fun! Walking around the zoo too we spoke to another member of staff that was super friendly and really chatty asking us how our experience went. That was nice.
It’s a really nice place overall, small, won’t take you long to walk around it and not a crazy amount of animals but you can see it’s a really well taken care of place and all the staff care considerably.
Great experience, would recommend anyone to do it
Written 21 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your kind words and excellent rating. Really glad you enjoyed your time with us and look forward to seeing you again in the near future.
Written 30 January 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Deborahski
69 contributions
July 2020
Small but beautifully formed little zoo. We live fairly locally so our trip to get to this zoo was only 45 minutes. On arrival (and it’s not completely clear which way to turn in...more signage please) we parked (not zoo owned parking) and entered on a timed entrance ticket.
Our two year old was still asleep after 10 minutes but the staff were very kind and didn’t hassle us until the very last moment, as they had to organise numbered arrivals.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and saw many animals, very unusual ones and ones I had never heard the name of, so very exciting. The shop, though small had some lovely items for sale and the parrot that our little Poppy bought is very good quality. (the ball has a lot of bounce too). We would return soon, I would love to go again and revisit the strange (ever heard of a mouse deer?) and different animals we saw a couple of days ago.
Our two year old was still asleep after 10 minutes but the staff were very kind and didn’t hassle us until the very last moment, as they had to organise numbered arrivals.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit and saw many animals, very unusual ones and ones I had never heard the name of, so very exciting. The shop, though small had some lovely items for sale and the parrot that our little Poppy bought is very good quality. (the ball has a lot of bounce too). We would return soon, I would love to go again and revisit the strange (ever heard of a mouse deer?) and different animals we saw a couple of days ago.
Written 13 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for leaving us a review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon.
Written 4 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
kath s
Bristol, UK24 contributions
Oct 2020
Lovely little zoo - very close and interactive - feels like your really in with the animals and they're not just exhibits. The staff obviously love the animals and really enjoy their jobs.
The Sumatran Squirrels have the most amazing run - but you have to be quick to see them.
We had a lovely peaceful and unhurried visit.
We felt very safe as there is a visitor limit per hour and plenty of hand sanitizer around the one way path.
Many thanks for a very unique and informative day.
The Sumatran Squirrels have the most amazing run - but you have to be quick to see them.
We had a lovely peaceful and unhurried visit.
We felt very safe as there is a visitor limit per hour and plenty of hand sanitizer around the one way path.
Many thanks for a very unique and informative day.
Written 10 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for leaving us a review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon.
Written 10 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nomad590791
Eastleigh, UK7 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
We visited Shaldon on the first day of our holiday and it was fantastic. My girlfriend has health conditions which limit her energy and mobility, so this small zoo catered really well to her. The online booking was seamless and upon arrival the staff were welcoming and concise around the covid arrangements in place. The animals were all really active (apart from the nocturnal ones) and very inquisitive. We found ourselves seeing a lot of the animals up close as they came to the edges of the enclosures to get a closer look at you, particular the squirrel monkeys. We really enjoyed our stay and found it very informative. Although this isn't a day trip, it's well worth the visit, and there's a nice pub round the corner. Will be back again
Written 8 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for leaving us a review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon.
Written 9 October 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
ElizabethJWebster
West Midlands, UK82 contributions
Mar 2022 • Family
We arrived early with a small toddler following a recommendation and reading online reviews. We were prepared for a small Zoo and open to embracing the experience, as it was so early in the day we were unable to see a few of the animals as they were hidden from sight but spent time looking at the monkey's and reptile house in particular. The staff were excellent and every single member of the team we encountered engaged with us either to say hello or to offer some insight in to the animals. We were very lucky with some sunshine so decided to go off and explore some more of the area before opting to take advantage of the return same day ticket for another walk around the Zoo. We returned late afternoon for feeding time and the animals had come to life which offered a much more up close experience and we were really able to take advantage of what this little Zoo has to offer. Overall a really lovely experience, a nice walkthrough with a real feel good factor about it. We look forward to coming back on our next visit!
Written 31 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review. It is lovely to hear that you had a fantastic day out with us and our wonderful animals. We hope that you can visit us again soon.
Written 1 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Emmajb15
Winchester, UK29 contributions
July 2020 • Family
Had a bit of time to pass today so took my 6yr old to this zoo. Such a small zoo, I had reservations about going, thinking limited funding would equal poor conditions. What a surprise to find such a lovely attraction. I have no idea what their funding is, but they clearly put it to good use, the animals all appear to be well looked after and the staff were all very helpful and friendly. They took time to chat and explain the animals to my son and made his visit very special. They are a small zoo, so obviously no large animals, but lots of small Tamarins, Lemurs, birds and amphibians. Its definitely worth a visit if your in the area. There are 2 cafes very close by for snacks and ice creams.
Written 16 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for leaving us a review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon.
Written 4 September 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
SammieA
Portsmouth, UK129 contributions
Apr 2022 • Friends
Having read the rave reviews on here about this place, we thought we had to visit when in nearby Teignmouth recently with our children.
We took the little ferry boat over from Teignmouth to Shaldon and then walked for about 10 minutes up the hill to the wildlife centre. The person who we bought our tickets from was delightful and gave both the kids a little booklet to complete as we went round.
It cost about £26 for 2 adults and 2 children and we spent a great 1.5 hours there. We saw lots of different animals and the booklet that they had to complete really helped the kids engage with each area as they wanted to answer all the questions.
Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!
We took the little ferry boat over from Teignmouth to Shaldon and then walked for about 10 minutes up the hill to the wildlife centre. The person who we bought our tickets from was delightful and gave both the kids a little booklet to complete as we went round.
It cost about £26 for 2 adults and 2 children and we spent a great 1.5 hours there. We saw lots of different animals and the booklet that they had to complete really helped the kids engage with each area as they wanted to answer all the questions.
Definitely worth a visit if you’re in the area!
Written 21 April 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, thank you for writing this brilliant review following your visit to the zoo! We're thrilled to hear that you had a great day with us. Thank you for supporting us at this time and we really hope to see you at Shaldon Wildlife Trust again soon. Best wishes and take care.
Written 28 April 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Nadine
1 contribution
Sept 2021
There is no getting away from the fact it is small but it is perfectly formed. All the enclosures are clean and from the amount of creatures that were active I would say they were all very happy (it was about 11.30 am) having saw every creature there except for the Civet Cat. Outside of the zoo there is parking, a loo, and a pub next door, seating opposite on a green space or seats on the pathway overlooking the sea. The staff were very friendly and alll in all we enjoyed the experience.
One point I would make is that the pathways have shallow steps so if taking small children keep on eye on them so they don't trip - not a place for youngsters to go tearing around in but a place for quiet viewing.
One point I would make is that the pathways have shallow steps so if taking small children keep on eye on them so they don't trip - not a place for youngsters to go tearing around in but a place for quiet viewing.
Written 23 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your wonderful review. Our team certainly do love all the animals in the zoo. Thank you for your recommendation, hope to see you all again soon!
Written 24 September 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Julia S
3 contributions
Apr 2021 • Family
We visited 14th April 2021, lots of different species to admire and interact with, beautiful surroundings with interesting plants and wooden walkways, meticulously clean habitats, very friendly, helpful and informative staff. My boys described it as the best ‘zoo’ in the south west and we have visited Paignton, Dartmoor and Newquay Zoos and Longleat so says a lot about this amazing little oasis of wildlife taken care of by staff who truly care about their creatures and visitors too! We went round 3 times during our day at Shaldon where Ness Cove Beach with its famous smugglers tunnel is right next door. A fab day out and highly recommend!
Written 15 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for leaving us a review. We are glad you enjoyed your visit and hope to see you again soon.
Written 10 May 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
katy j
Dawlish, UK8 contributions
Dec 2021 • Couples
Me and my wife went to shaldon zoo today (being a cold, windy winter's day) found ourselves being the only 2 people there 😲 we walked around and were looking at all the amazing monkeys and meerkats etc... And had a lovely time. We were greeted by a volunteer named Geoff who made this visit extra special. He guided us around the animals and gave us some interesting facts about them all and really made us feel special. He was so kind to do this and really made our day. I would recommend this zoo, it's only small but so well kept and is a perfect way to spend an hour or so.
Written 5 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi there, thank you for writing this brilliant review following your recent visit to Shaldon Wildlife Trust. We're thrilled to hear that you and your family had an enjoyable day! Thank you for supporting us at this time and we really hope to see you at Shaldon Wildlife Trust again soon. We will be sure to pass on your comments to Geoff. Best wishes and take care
Written 6 December 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Are you able to take a dog? Thanks
Written 27 May 2021
Hi, congratulations!
We are a very small Zoo, just under an acre so space is a premium so unfortunately we do not have any onsite toilets, however there are public toilets, just yards from the entrance and your ticket allows you re-entry so you can come and go from the Zoo as you please.
Hope this helps, we look forward to seeing you.
Written 9 August 2019
Hello, we do have a gift shop site but unfortunately no cafe. There is, however, a cafe across the road and a pub just down the hill.
Lots of cafes and pubs in Shaldon Village itself.
Look forward to seeing you.
Written 26 July 2019
Is it easy and safe to get to the zoo with 2 small children and a pram from the 22 bus stop by the zoo? Thank you!
Written 20 May 2018
Not sure where the bus stops but it's a very quiet area,not a busy thoroughfare so I would guess it's safe to do this.
Written 20 May 2018
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