Bring Back the Swamp Grand Draw Entry

Help us to #BringBackTheSwamp and win the chance to cut the ribbon as we re-open the doors to one of Paignton Zoo’s most loved exhibits!

The Prize
One lucky winner will win the chance to reopen the Swamp exhibit, cutting the ribbon as we officially re-open the doors! As a memento of this special prize, they’ll also win a HUGE crocodile toy donated by one of our generous suppliers. There’s also a host of other prizes up for grabs, including animal adoptions, experiences, cuddly toys and more!

Bring Back the Swamp!
Wild Planet Trust, the Charity behind Paignton Zoo, was sadly forced to close the doors to Croc Swamp in 2022 due to issues both inside and outside of the building. This unique and immersive space was home to threatened crocodiles, mesmerising snakes, and a host of other fascinating creatures to inspire and engage our visitors. Now, we’re ready to bring it back to life.

Why is Crocodile Swamp so important?
Crocodile Swamp was built in 2008 and on opening, rapidly became one of Paignton Zoo’s most popular attractions. Home to a host of incredible animals and plants, the Swamp brought visitors up close and personal with crocodiles, snakes, lizards, and more in a steamy, tropical environment that perfectly replicated some of the threatened areas of the world that Paignton Zoo works to protect.

Although some of the Swamp’s original inhabitants have moved to zoos elsewhere (our Komodo dragon Khaleesi is now at London Zoo for example) it is still home to Cuban crocodile ‘Spice’ and Sunda gharial ‘Lima’ who now have access to a choice of pools and resting spaces. As work progresses to reopen the Swamp, we will announce the other species that will be joining Spice and Lima in readiness for the return of our visitors.

Our dedicated team have been working hard since 2022 to fix some of the underlying challenges that lead to its closure. Some of these have now been resolved and our appeal now, is to seek help in raising the funds to enable the remaining work to be completed. Some of this is to do with the interior of the building, but the main task is to construct a replacement entrance ramp to allow safe visitor entry to the exhibit.

How you can help
We are appealing to our community to help us Bring Back the Swamp! We’re determined to reopen the swamp and give it the revitalisation it deserves. With your support, we can rebuild the entrance, restore the interior, and introduce some new fascinating animals to inspire the next generation.

Your support will make a real difference
Whether you are able to buy one draw entry or 100, you’ll be helping us get one step closer to reopening the doors to this hugely popular exhibit, providing an enchanting educational space for visitors throughout the year, and will be supporting our ultimate aim of helping halt species decline.