Dartmoor Zoological Park
Have you ever thought about a place where wildlife and human heart meet, a spot where every creature, big or small, has a story, and the very ground whispers tales of incredible dedication? Well, there's a truly special place in Devon, England, that fits this description perfectly, a spot that has captured imaginations and been the focus of a very well-known film. This is a place where you can get up close with amazing animals, all while supporting a really good cause.
This particular wildlife park, you know, has a rather captivating past, a bit like a phoenix rising from the ashes. It's the kind of spot that shows what sheer determination and a whole lot of love can achieve, even when things seem nearly impossible. You might have even heard about its incredible story, perhaps through a book or a movie that shared its remarkable transformation. It’s a real testament to how much good can come from a difficult situation, actually.
So, if you're looking for a day out that's more than just seeing animals, a place where you can feel a genuine connection to nature and a powerful tale of resilience, then this park is definitely worth a look. It’s located in a beautiful part of the country, offering stunning views and a chance to truly unwind among some truly wonderful creatures. It's pretty much a visit that stays with you, in a way.
Table of Contents
- The Man Who Reopened Dartmoor Zoological Park
- Benjamin Mee - Personal Details
- What Makes Dartmoor Zoological Park So Special?
- What Animals Can You See at Dartmoor Zoological Park?
- How Does Dartmoor Zoological Park Help Animals?
- Planning Your Visit to Dartmoor Zoological Park
- What Kind of Experiences Await You at Dartmoor Zoological Park?
- Why Support Dartmoor Zoological Park?
The Man Who Reopened Dartmoor Zoological Park
The tale of this animal park is, in many ways, the story of one person's incredible resolve. You see, a person named Benjamin Mee took on the rather enormous challenge of acquiring and bringing back to life a wildlife center that was almost completely shut down in Devon. This was not just a simple business deal; it was, in fact, a deeply personal undertaking for him. He faced a lot of personal sorrow during this period, yet he managed to keep the place going, literally building it back up. It’s really quite something, you know, to face such difficulties and still push forward with such a huge project.
His experiences during this time were so profound that he put them all down in a book, sharing the ups and downs, the laughter and the tears, that came with owning and operating a place full of wild creatures. This book, in turn, inspired a very popular movie, which brought the story of this animal park to a much wider audience across the globe. It's pretty amazing how one person's life can inspire so many, and how that inspiration can then reach so many others. He became, in a way, a symbol of perseverance, and his efforts truly shaped the future of this unique location. Basically, his personal story is deeply intertwined with the park's own rebirth.
Benjamin Mee - Personal Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Role | Owner and Reopener of Dartmoor Zoological Park |
| Location | Devon, England |
| Noted For | His memoir and the inspiration for the film "We Bought a Zoo" |
| Key Achievement | Bringing a nearly abandoned zoo back to life |
What Makes Dartmoor Zoological Park So Special?
So, what exactly sets this particular animal park apart from others you might visit? Well, for starters, it's not just a collection of animal enclosures; it’s a place with a very big heart and a very compelling history. It's tucked away, almost hidden, right on the edge of the vast Dartmoor National Park. This location gives it a rather unique feel, almost like a secret world waiting to be discovered. The park itself spans a good 33 acres, which is a lot of space, filled with beautiful woodlands that just add to the natural feel of the whole place. It’s really quite lovely, actually, to walk through.
This large area allows the park to celebrate a truly wide array of animals, both those from far-off lands and creatures native to this very region. They have, in fact, one of the biggest selections of certain animal types, which is pretty impressive. It’s a place where the focus isn't just on displaying animals, but on providing them with good homes and contributing to their well-being. That, you know, makes a significant difference to the overall atmosphere. You can genuinely feel the care that goes into everything there, which is a bit different from some other places.
What Animals Can You See at Dartmoor Zoological Park?
When you come to this animal park, you'll find a really diverse population of creatures living there. We're talking about over 200 different animals from all corners of the globe, spread out across those 30-plus acres of parkland. It's quite a collection, really. You can see everything from the tiniest stick insects, which are just so fascinating to observe, all the way up to truly enormous brown bears. And, of course, there are many, many more in between, so you're bound to find something that sparks your interest. You know, it’s quite a range.
For those who love the bigger, more powerful creatures, this Dartmoor zoological park is home to some truly magnificent examples. You'll find majestic tigers, powerful lions, and even a group of wolves, whose calls can be heard echoing through the trees. There are also bears, of course, and a whole host of other wild felines, including leopards. What’s really cool, too, is that this park is one of only four places in the entire country that is allowed to keep cheetahs, which is a pretty big deal given how few of them there are left in the world. Their numbers have, sadly, dipped below 10,000 globally, so seeing them here is a special treat, in a way.
How Does Dartmoor Zoological Park Help Animals?
It’s really important to remember that this animal park isn't just a place for people to visit and enjoy; it's actually a charity. This means that its main purpose is to look after animals and run important projects aimed at protecting wildlife. They work very hard to make sure the creatures living there are well cared for, providing them with comfortable homes and all the things they need to live good lives. This focus on welfare is, you know, a very big part of what they do every single day.
Beyond the care for the animals on site, the park is also very much involved in conservation work. This means they are contributing to efforts that help protect animal populations out in the wild, which is a truly important mission. For example, they have a beautiful potoroo named Sydney. These little creatures are, as a matter of fact, considered "near threatened" in their natural habitats, so having them at the park helps with breeding programs and raises awareness about their situation. It’s pretty clear that their commitment goes beyond just their fences, reaching out to help animals everywhere, which is really commendable.
Planning Your Visit to Dartmoor Zoological Park
If you're thinking about coming to see this wonderful animal park, planning your trip is pretty straightforward. The park is very easy to get to, located just about 15 minutes away from Plymouth, which makes it a convenient spot for a day out. They are open and ready to welcome visitors, so you don't need to worry about checking complex schedules; they're pretty much always eager to see new faces. You can find all the practical information you need, like ticket prices, opening hours, and directions, easily online or by checking out reviews from other people who have been there. It’s all very accessible, you know.
To help you get the most out of your day, the park provides lots of helpful resources. You can get maps to help you find your way around the 33 acres of beautiful woodland and parkland, making sure you don't miss any of the creatures or stunning views. There's also information about all the different animals, the gardens, and the facilities available, so you can plan your day to suit your interests. And, very importantly, you can also learn about how you can support their work, which helps them continue their vital care and conservation projects. It’s pretty much all laid out for you, so you can have a really good time.
What Kind of Experiences Await You at Dartmoor Zoological Park?
Visiting this animal park is much more than just walking around and looking at animals; it’s about having a full, engaging experience. Throughout the day, you can catch various talks given by the keepers, where you can learn fascinating facts about the creatures and their habits. These talks are, in a way, a real highlight, giving you insights you wouldn't get just by observing. You can also watch feeding times, which are often very active and exciting moments for the animals, and for you, too, as a spectator. It’s honestly quite captivating to see them interact with their food.
Beyond the animal interactions, the park offers other forms of entertainment and amenities. They have falconry displays, where you can see magnificent birds of prey in action, which is always a crowd-pleaser. And when you get hungry, there's a restaurant on site where you can grab a bite to eat and relax. The whole setting, with its 33 acres of lovely woodland and some truly wonderful views of the surrounding countryside, makes for a truly unique family outing. It’s basically a full day of activities and natural beauty, right there in the South Hams of Devon. You know, it’s a very complete experience.
Why Support Dartmoor Zoological Park?
Supporting this animal park means you're helping a place that truly cares for its residents and contributes to something bigger than itself. It's a charity that dedicates itself to animal welfare and important conservation efforts, trying to make a real difference for creatures both inside and outside its boundaries. When you visit, or even if you just learn about them, you're becoming part of that story, part of that effort. It’s pretty much a direct way to contribute to the well-being of animals and the planet, which is a good feeling, in a way.
The park is, you know, famous for its inspiring story, having been the basis for a book and a film that touched many hearts. This history gives it a special character, reminding everyone of the power of hope and hard work. By choosing to spend your day here, you're not just enjoying a fun outing; you're also helping to keep this incredible place going, allowing them to continue their work with over 200 creatures, from the smallest insects to the biggest brown bears and lions. It’s a place that really embodies dedication, and your visit helps keep that spirit alive. It’s a pretty meaningful way to spend your time, actually.
Welcome to Dartmoor National Park - Visit Dartmoor
Visit Dartmoor - Official Tourism Website for Dartmoor
Dartmoor Preservation Association - Fighting to keep Dartmoor wild and
