19th June 2020 

Animals currently held at Torquay-based Living Coasts will be rehomed, believed to be into other zoos, it has emerged. The Wild Planet Trust, who own Living Coasts as well as Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo, confirmed that it had found other centres able to take in its animals. Although the zoo had previously stated that it 'may need to the make the difficult decision to euthanise' its animals, this is no longer the case.

It is also thought that a significant number of the animals will be transported overseas. Kirsten Pullen, Living Coasts' Director of Conservation & Education, stated that the zoo is looking into "what ‘permits’, ‘passports’ and health certificates they need to cross country borders."

The zoo made a statement on Monday announcing its permanent closure, blaming the situation on 'falling visitor numbers' prior to lockdown as well as the effects of the forced closure of all zoos due to COVID-19.

The coronavirus crisis has clearly brought to light the reasons why animals should not be held captive in zoos and aquariums, amid calls for a phasing out of the industry.