I've got a funky gibbon (Paignton Zoo)

Name: ~*pink-pilgrim*~

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Product:	Paignton Zoo
Date:	02/01/08 (69 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: animals well looked after, good value for money

Disadvantages: partner apparently had a few problems with the adoption and the paths are slightly slippery

My fiancé bought be a gibbon for Christmas...well when I say that he sponsored a gibbon. I was so pleased when I read the letter as love monkeys and gorillas. Last time I visited the zoo ages ago on a college trip I went home really wanting a monkey.

I am always a bit funny about zoos. I hate the thought of these creatures being locked away for entertainment. I feel quite guilty about pointing and laughing at the funny things they do, however Paignton Zoo really care for the animals well and they are happy. I am pleased that the money from my fiancés sponsorship for my gibbon will go towards conservation work at the zoo. Many of the creatures are endangered in their own countries and by preserving their species in zoos they are being protected.

I couldn't wait to visit my gibbon like a child so I nagged my partner day and night about going so we did.

GETTING THERE AND PARKING
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The zoo is very easy to find situated close to the town centre of Paignton. The zoo is situated on Totnes Road (A3022) and is well signposted by brown signs with an elephant and 'zoological gardens'. I will say now that obviously children will have as much fun looking out for these signs as my partner and I had.

There are ample car parking spaces for cars and enough places for coaches, which is ideal if you plan a group visit. If you want to avoid that car parking nightmare there is a bus that goes from Paignton town centre direct to the zoo. The Stagecoach (service 200) runs a regular and reliable service.

There is another service, the 66 that runs from Brixham (popular with tourists) and Torquay (also popular with the tourists) to the zoo. I did notice signs there that if arriving by bus you can save 10% on the entrance to the zoo, which is good to know. This is probably something to do with the environment and the fact they are 'hot' on car sharing and public transport in Devon.

OPENING TIMES AND COST
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The zoo is open everyday from 10am to 5pm (maybe later during the peak season). The zoo is closed on Christmas day, so you can imagine my disappointment when I couldn't go straight away!

I have always been led to think that going to the zoo is expensive, as I have only been as part of a group deal, or a special offer for local residents. On my visit this time I had a quick look at the prices and was pleasantly surprised. The prices are confusing as the zoo is claiming 'gift aid' to prevent being taxed. So you can either choose to not donate an extra 10% on your admission and pay less or help pay towards 'conservation' and pay a little extra.

Adults - £11.35 without gift aid - £10.30
Children (3-15 years old) £9.60 or without gift aid - £7.60
Concessions (e.g. students OAP's) - £9.35 without gift aid - £8.50
Family - £34.10 witjout gift aid - £31.00
Children under 3 go free

Disabled visitors can save extra money on the above prices also, or if you plan to have more than 15 people in your group you can also save money on entry.

After paying the entrance fee you go through a corridor with a shop on the right hand side. Out through the corridor is a small information booth where you can purchase guidebooks and collect leaflets about show times, feeding times and special events in the zoo.

I was fortunate enough to have a free ticket with the adoption but my partner had to pay.

HISTORY
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The zoo was first opened to the public in 1923 by Herbert Whitley and was known as 'Primley Zoological Gardens'. Not long after the opening of the zoo he has an argument over 'entertainment tax' claiming that the zoo is a place of conservation and learning not entertainment.

During World War 2 the zoo took in evacuees from London and rescued animals and zoo keepers from Chessington Zoo in London. Not long after the War the Zoo changes its name to 'Paignton Zoological and Botanical Gardens'
When Herbert Whitley died in a conservation trust is set up in his name 'The Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust'. Not long after this is Paignton zoo declared a 'registered charity'.

ANIMALS
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WOW... there are so many animals to see and I learned so much about each one. They are separated into areas or 'habitats'. The habitats reflect each animal's natural environment. I was quite disappointed that the animals are not 'grouped' into these areas and at one end of the park you can see animals from one habitat and then at the other end completely a different animal from that same habitat.

WETLANDS
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On entrance to the park you pass through the flamingo and Duck enclosure (as part of the Wetlands. Next to this part is a small 'jungle railway' which circulates the 'wetlands' including animals such as storks, pelicans, geese and swans. The train also passes some of the 'forest' creatures. Over the wetlands is a 'dodgy' suspension bridge. It is quite an adventure getting from end to the other without falling off - but very funny to rock and bounce on. Some of the bird enclosures are protected by nets and the birds fly free which can be a slight shock when walking through.

THE FOREST
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The forest area contains many animals such as lions, tigers, owls, gorillas, monkeys and orang-utans, mandrills and gibbons as well as a wide selection of forest birds. My favourite part was sseing my gibbon abd my plaque I also liked the lion and tiger enclosures and as they were positioned next to each other so we didn't have to walk far to see them.

The monkeys were really funny, I am always fascinated at how 'human' these creatures really are. I loved seeing them eat and interact with each other. One lovely monkey decided to pick his nose and eat it; they reminded me so much of some of the kids I teach. Unfortunately the gorillas were a little inactive today they didn't want to come out from behind the trees which was a disappointment.

THE SAVANNAH
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This section includes all the big animals such as rhinos, ostriches, cheetahs, bison elephants and giraffes. These creatures are very interesting, I love too see animals like this as they are a little 'different' to your average animal. It's not everyday you can say you have seen an elephant or giraffe.

THE TROPICAL FOREST
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The tropical forest has creatures such as birds, snakes and lizards. It was interesting to see the basilisk as it reminded me of Harry Potter. The Tropical Forest is in a 'green house' type building and is very hot. I was a little squeamish in this part as I am a little funny with lizards and snakes. Plants such as bamboo and cacti are in the tropical forest, showing that they need hot weather to grow. I was slightly creeped out by the free roaming shelled insects.

THE DESERT
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Ah I loved this section as I love camels. I am used to seeing camels against a volcanic backdrop and this made a real change, but it was nice one. I loved the desert birds and the tortoises. Again some of these animals lived in a 'green house' type building where it was very hot and sweaty, which was Ok on such a cold day but the jump between very hot and very cold was rather unpleasant. The birds roam free and can fly very close so be warned.

PRIMLEY
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This section contained all of the animals such as parrots, owls, prairie dogs, tortoises, monkeys, giant tortoises, kangaroos, tapirs (those creatures with the weird noses) and bats. These animals take up most of the zoo and are the sort of animals you would expect to see in a zoo. The owls live up in the trees and parrots in huge aviaries. There is a lovely little picnic area near to the Primley habitat where you can sit and eat near the animals. There is also a lovely little ice cream shack nearby although the ice creams are really expensive. I loved the Brown Spider Monkeys as they were so entertaining to watch.

Also in Primley there is an area for children and adults to 'get up close' to the animals. We did notice one family having a few problems with their push chair the goat wanted to climb in. the other was more interested in the child's packet of crisps. It may be best to leave food outside this enclosure.

The baboons were rather cute. They were highly amusing to watch as they interacted and played with each other. One cheeky baboon tried covering his bottom from the crowd, there was a large uproar of laughter.


BOTANICAL GARDENS
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I think the funniest sign I spotted on my way around the zoo was the sign asking visitors to 'adopt a plant'. On reflection however I suppose it is just as important to conserve and protect our plants some of which are becoming rare in the countryside. The plants are arranged as part of an 'accurate' landscape for the animals to feel 'at home'. I personally didn't really appreciate the plants as much as my other half did. On the way around the zoo I had "oh aren't they beautiful" or "oh they would look great in our garden".

He proceeded to walk around the zoo reading every bit of information on every plant "oh they have over 5,000 specimens in the zoo", "look at that one it originates from Brazil" we had this for almost every plant. In fact it started to sound more like a biology lesson but hey he got me a gibbon I couldn't really complain!

The hotter climate of English Riviera means that local people can grow banana plants, palm trees and exotic varieties such as cacti. A trip down the road to the town centre yields many examples of 'exotic plants'. The zoo is not different in anyway, the warm South West climate means that these plants can be placed in enclosures to make animals feel 'at home'.

THE KEEPERS AND VETS
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You can pay to be a 'keeper of the day' or 'vet of the day'. This involves a days work (yes that you have to pay for) similar to a keepers/vets day. I saw these amazing experiences on sale in the shop and thought it would make a great present for someone who dreams of working in a zoo. The day involves a memento (probably a photo) and a 'deserved' lunch. If I had £150 spare I may spend the day as a keeper/vet.

I am sure this experience will enable visitors to see what a tough day the keepers have. Come rain or shine they are out in the enclosures feeding, cleaning and tidying. In the searing heat or pelting rain the work has to be done. The early start and late finish is quite an admirable job and they all seem so jolly and happy.

The veterinary department is responsible for all the animals in the zoo. They are not only responsible for making sick animals better but ensuring that they are fed, cleaned and exercised appropriately. They advise on health care and disease prevention. They basically keep the animals in the zoo healthy and happy supported by the keepers.

EDUCATION
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There is a great little education centre build on the site of the zoo and in here trained educators give talks and impart their own knowledge. The education centre is aimed at education for children from 5 all the way up to those in further and higher education. Therefore for local schools this is an excellent resource. The zoo also have residential courses for schools and colleges. This is quite useful these days when many schools chose to take pupils on residential trips.

I briefly remember attending the centre for a quick A2 level biology session. Not long after this we all went off to get our faces painted and didn't do a lot of research. I am sure however that for most people attending for educational purposes the centre is very useful.

On my way through the zoo I found little A4 activity sheets with questions, observation tasks and word-search /crossword puzzles. It is just as educational for adults as every enclosure has a bit about the animal such as habitat, diet and behaviour. I also had a new video camera for Christmas so really enjoyed filming the animals then the information plaque to make a video of the day.

FOOD AND DRINK
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There are a few food outlets dotted over the park. Compared to other tourist attractions the prices are 'average'. Near the aviary there is a selection of food outlets including a restaurant, play area and picnic area. This is a lovely place to sit if you have brought a picnic.

If you do fancy stopping off for a nice hot meal the restaurant sells a wide selection of meals. They are well priced in comparison to other 'touristy' places. The food from the 'tree tops' café (a hut) looked good but theer were long queues. The food was reasonably priced with Chicken Nuggets and Chips for £2.60, pasty and chips for £3.00. The prices were reasonable with a portion of chips costing £1.30. Drinks started at 95p for tea, coffee and water. A small cola was £1 a large £2. We ate in the restaurant where the prices were slightly higher but in the freezing weather it was nice to sit and eat a hot meal.

The play area is a place to keep the kids occupied whilst you have a quiet sit down with a snack and drink. You may also be pleased to know that there are public conveniences (toilets) available for you also. If you plan the route of the zoo before hand you should be able to time everything correctly to stop here at lunchtime and then go off on your way without missing anything out.


SHOPPING
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The shop is great place to go with affordable souvenirs. You can adopt animals at the zoo here for a gift for someone. I have always wanted to adopt a lion or a monkey. The shop sells great novelty items such as nuggets of Devon clotted cream fudge but marketed as 'monkey poo' or chocolate covered raisins as 'bird poo'.

I bought a novelty mug with a lion on; its tail formed the handle of the cup. There are many great things in here to remind you of your day at the zoo without breaking the bank. Postcards of the animals you have just seen are quite reasonable and great to pop in a scrapbook/ photo album. There are reasonably priced t-shirts, hats, jumpers and cuddly toys that are excellent for that little treat for someone. You can also buy Ice creams and ice lollies in the shop.

SUMMARY
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What a fabulous day out...I would recommend Paignton zoo for a great family day out. It is great for kids, teens and adults alike. If you plan to visit the English Riviera in the near future Paignton Zoo is a must for a great day out. The price is very reasonable for all the things you get to see and do. I will certainly be going back when it's a little warmer to revisit my gibbon!

Summary: A great day out in Devon!