Timeline
1982 - 1992 :: The beginning
A small farm comprising of 7 acres and a cottage was developed initially as a bird garden in 1982.
Further land was acquired in 1985 and the core of the zoo, 12 acres in all came into being.
The “Bird Gardens” was sold in 1987 at the peak of the property market and with the subsequent collapse (Black Monday), suffered from re-investment problems until 1992 when it was placed in receivership.
1993 - 1995 :: Current new ownership begins
1993 witnessed new owners and the re-opening of the “Gardens”, along with the subsequent robbery.
1995 saw in a change of purpose. No longer content with the old tired image, the zoo was renamed “Exmoor Animal & Bird Gardens and became a member of The Federation of British and Irish Zoos www.biaza.org.uk. A change of purpose and intent had occurred. After 2 years trading under this name came the realisation that the modern British zoo's were no longer the Victorian image of the past and a decision made to accept the fact that Exmoor zoo was just that - a modern British zoo!
1995 - 1997 :: Gradual development and planting
1997 was the year the collection became known as “Exmoor Zoological Park”, shortened today to just “Exmoor Zoo”.
1999 - 2001 :: Initial commercial development
1999 saw the extension of the commercial block, tripling the size of the existing cafeteria to 36 seats and the creation of the outside patio picnic area.
2001 added accompanying fields (managed for native wildlife) to the zoo for future expansion
2003 - 2005 :: Reconstruction of entire zoo entrance, café and reptile house
2003-4 had major upheaval! The entire entrance of the zoo was re-designed and built. This included the Reptile House, African Café, Reception and souvenirs.
2004-5 introduced Cheetah and Maned Wolves to the collection, which has begun a move in emphasis towards exhibiting slightly larger animals.
2006 :: Tortoise and Howler monkey exhibits
2006 had the Tortoise House completed and unfortunately a second robbery, targeting the small primates and parrots again. This has again enforced the emphasis in the zoo towards larger animals and Howler monkeys were displayed in the zoo for the first time!
2007 :: Building the “Exmoor Beast” enclosure
2007 will see the “Return of the Exmoor Beast” to North Devon (due for completion by late Autumn 2007) albeit as an exhibit; see our news section for update
