the classic guide

A guide to the West Country from the people that know…

Dartmoor Zoological Park

Perhaps better known as 'Ben's Zoo' from the BBC TV series which followed British columnist Benjamin Mee and his family's journey to rehabilitate and successfully re-open what had been a small, fading zoo. Dartmoor Zoological Park is now home to over 200 animals, from tiny stick insects to Ben the Brown Bear and Soloman the Lion. Set in 30 acres of beautiful parkland, with picnic areas, a shop, and a restaurant with fabulous views across the South Hams.

Dartmoor Zoological Park
SPARKWELL
Devon
PL7 5DG

Telephone

01752 837645

2 Stars

Oct 2013

For a small zoo, there is plenty to see, and a wide variety of animals. The car-park gives a good indication of the standard though, as throughout it is a little bit 'shabby-chic' at best, though I understand they are working on a small budget. It is quite hard to find, on tiny country lanes (I don't know how coaches manage it) and the signposting could be improved.

I haven't been to many zoos recently, only a large safari park. I found the cages here to appear ridiculously small for the size and type of animals, and some seemed to be exhibiting signs of boredom (the Iberian wolf running constantly on a 10 metre track between the fence and a tree was disturbing). Three enormous tigers kept in an enclosure the size of a large domestic garden was also a bit shocking. I know they must be adhering to some guidelines or they couldn't operate, I was just surprised at how little space that allows for.

The whole place was overrun with staff, volunteers and badged 'students' during our visit, yet we found the place to be a a bit unkempt and many of the indoor areas to be untidy or flat-out dirty. I would have thought volunteers could have been better used cleaning than standing around the cafeteria giggling. The park has installed lots of hand gel dispensers at every point where you might come into contact with animals, but apart from two, we found every one to be empty, most importantly at the gate leaving the goat-petting enclosure.

On the whole, I found the variety of animals to be surprising, and there were lots to see as we made our way round slowly due to the lack of a defined trail, and hidden cages. I just found the size of the cages disconcerting, and the slightly decrepit state of the place was a bit depressing. Children would enjoy it more I think, as they would focus on the animals.

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3 Stars

Feb 2009

A friendly, family run zoo that has been transformed since the family bought it in October 2006, and re-opened it in July 2007. Take a picnic and make a day of it.
- P Stuchfield

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