Construction of Heythrop Zoological Gardens began in 1990 at a site close to Heythrop Park in Heythrop, near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.[1] The zoo states it was inspired architecturally by London Zoo, but built to modern animal welfare standards.[2] The zoo planned an expansion in 2017 to add a new lion enclosure and a residential house, these were rejected due to their visual impact on the surrounding countryside.[3] In 2018 the zoo had seven lions, five tigers, six leopards, two brown bears, six wolves, nine camels, four zebras, two pygmy hippos, ten antelope, eight monkeys, four kangaroos, four crocodiles, three alligators, two Cuvier's dwarf caiman, two bearded lizards, two cobras and a gila monster.[1] It is the largest private collection of exotic animals in the country.[4]
The zoo is generally private but since 2007 the zoo has run a limited number of open days where the general public is admitted to view the animals and meet their trainers, currently it is open on three days each year.[1][5] The zoo also runs animal encounter visits, "zookeeper for a day" experiences and animal training courses.[5] The site also hosts parties and sends animals on visits to colleges and care homes.[5][6] On the decision to remain private co-owner Jim Clubb has said "because of the dynamic of Heythrop Zoological Gardens, we chose not to become a public zoo. We are first and foremost an animal training centre".[5]
.jpg)
.jpg)