Paignton Zoo, Paignton, Devon

It would of been a much better day out if the sun wasn't shining so much because we would of actually seen some of the animals! Some of the animals actually are inside like monkeys, etc, but the animals like the giraffes only came out for about 2 minutes because of the hot weather! It was very busy because we went in school holiday time and it was hot. It's a long walk around the zoo, very spacious but a long trek around!

Paignton Zoo is another long established venue located near the ring road at Paignton, Devon. Sitting on the side of a hill, the zoo is very accessible with plenty of parking and good walks to view the animals. Paignton is very much a one-off for a Zoo, having its own particular feel and a quite relaxing location to walk around. Even with a lot of visitors present, it is large enough for the paths not to become crowded. The entire collection is housed in very well thought-out compounds, Gorilla Island and the Orang-Utan Island being superbly situated for both the animals and for observation. The Gorillas are especially entertaining when they are in a playful mood and do seem to enjoy the onlooking visitor's presence.

The lake has a Gibbon island with pelicans and many other species living on or near it.

We particularly enjoyed the desert environment with free flying Hoopoes and Cut-Throat finches, wild Guinea Pigs and other desert animals.

A new crocodile swamp environment is due to open in Easter, 2008.

Photographer Friendly with easy viewing.

There are a large number of refreshment cabins in the grounds where hot drinks and snacks can be bought for a fraction of the restaurant prices. You can also eat at the Morrisons supermarket which is adjacent to the zoo, for a reasonable cost.

You won't be short of things to see at Paignton!