Libéma, the company behind Safari Park Beekse Bergen, is crossing the border. Director Dirk Lips takes over two zoos in England. The official takeover is scheduled for January 2, 2026.
This concerns the Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo in County Denvon, in the southwest of England.
Potential in the zoos
This allows Libéma from Rosmalen to expand abroad. Lips says he sees a lot of potential in the zoos. “We are very happy that these two beautiful parks are joining us,” says the director. “We look forward to working with the teams on site to ensure that visitors can continue to enjoy a wonderful day out, with animal welfare, nature conservation and education at the core.”
The plan is to invest in the parks by, among other things, renovating and further developing the animal enclosures.
Rhinos will return to Paignton Zoo and there will be a savannah with giraffes, wildebeest and zebras. This park was founded in 1955 and covers 34 hectares. For the other zoo, Newquay Zoo, there are plans for a new savannah with giraffes. This park has existed since 1950 and covers five hectares.
Financial problems
The Wild Planet Trust Foundation had put the two parks up for sale in September. The foundation had previously announced that it was having financial problems, Libéma writes. “With the sale of the parks, the foundation can fully focus on the nature conservation projects it supports.”
Libéma manages three zoos in Brabant. In addition to Beekse Bergen, also ZooParc Overloon and Eindhoven Zoo. The company is also known for the Brabanthallen in Den Bosch.