Following the announcement by its operator Wild Planet Trust that Living Coasts in Torquay will not reopen following the recent COVID-19 shutdown, Torbay Council and English Riviera BID are issuing the following statement.

Councillor Swithin Long, Cabinet Member for Housing, Regeneration and Tourism for Torbay Council, said: “We are very saddened by the news that Living Coasts is to close. This is obviously a blow for the area, and our thoughts go out to the 44 employees whose jobs are at risk. We can’t directly attribute this to the COVID-19 crisis, however it does emphasise the acute challenge that our economy is facing.

“It is important to reiterate that while Living Coasts is closing, Paignton Zoo is continuing as a local attraction and as soon as it is able to reopen, with the appropriate social distancing measures in place, we would encourage people to support this visitor attraction.”

Carolyn Custerson, Chief Executive of the English Riviera BID Company, said:  “As the UK’s only Coastal Zoo dedicated to protecting our unique Marine Environment and contributing so much to a number of world class Marine Conservation projects, it is very sad to hear that Living Coasts will not be re-opening.”

For up to date information on Paignton Zoo visit their website 

Donations to Paignton Zoo can also be made online.