History
Exmoor Zoo took over the run down “Bird Gardens”, which had been operating since 1982, in April 1993. Danny and Lynn Reynolds and the family have achieved great things in the intervening years by renovating existing enclosures and building new exhibits of mammals, birds and reptiles on a year to year basis. This makes it, the very different and unique attraction that it is today. All of this, despite the heartbreaking setback in May 1993 (after only one month of moving in) of a gang of 6 thieves stealing 25 marmosets and tamarins and 4 pairs of parrots, representing nearly 10 years of preparatory work .
Exmoor Zoo began back in 1993 with 2 staff and 10,000 visitors and has consistently grown every year since. Trees and shrubs growing today were planted back in 1994 and 95, using the central naturally fed spring lake as a focal point. Today 40,000 people visit annually, enjoying the friendly relaxed and natural atmosphere of the zoo. Over 14 staff, a head keeper and education officer all endeavour to instil the importance of looking after the environment and respect for the habitat of native and exotic animals. This is obvious as you explore the zoo as there are now over 35 breeding programs to maintain the captive population of endangered species! This breeding and encouraging respect for the animals is now a very important part of the work.
The “African Café” seating over 75 diners, the Reptile House and souvenir sales area were built in 2003. The Howler monkey exhibit and tortoise house were constructed in 2006, while Cheetah and Maned Wolf enclosures were developed in the winter of 2004. This year 2007, hopefully will see the development of the “Exmoor Beast” exhibit.
Regular visitor over the years will have seen incredible changes and additions to the zoo, some of which have come from feedback given either verbally or in writing but most from the combined vision of all the staff and volunteers, past and present. Come and see.
