WELCOME TO COMBE MARTIN WILDLIFE & DINOSAUR PARK

As we approach the end of our 40th year, we find ourselves facing a situation we never imagined we’d be in.

Sunday 1st November could be the very last day that Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park opens its gates to the public.

We want to make it clear from the outset that this is not a definite goodbye. We’re still working incredibly hard behind the scenes to find a way forward, and we certainly haven’t given up hope.

Like many businesses, we’ve faced enormous financial pressures over recent years. Despite our best efforts, and several potential rescue deals coming very close, we’ve reached a point where continuing beyond this season may simply not be possible without new investment or a change of ownership.

We’ve had some extremely encouraging discussions with potential buyers, investors and financial backers, but unfortunately, as things stand today, we haven’t yet been able to secure the future of the park.

For almost 40 years, the park has remained in our family’s hands, and to us, it’s never just been a business. It’s been our way of life. Our children have worked alongside us, and many of the wonderful people who’ve worked here over the years have become part of our extended family.

During that time, we’ve welcomed generations of your families. We’ve watched children arrive holding their parents’ hands, only to return years later with children of their own. We’ve made so many friends and got to know so many familiar faces along the way.

In many ways, it’s been our family welcoming your family, year after year, and that’s something that’s always meant a great deal to us.

The thought that we may be approaching our final days is incredibly difficult, but we feel it’s only right to share the situation with the people who have supported us for so long.

WE ARE OPEN THIS WEEKEND, SATURDAY 31ST OCTOBER AND SUNDAY 1ST NOVEMBER

To all our wonderful loyal local families, friends and regular visitors, if there’s ever been a time to come and see us again, it’s now.

The weather is looking good, our animals are still here, and our wonderful team is ready to welcome you. We’d absolutely love to see the park full of happy faces, familiar faces and families making memories.

This weekend could be your last opportunity to experience the park as you’ve always known it. Whether it’s visiting your favourite animals, enjoying a walk around the grounds or simply spending a lovely day out with family and friends, please don’t put it off.

Come and join us this weekend, enjoy the animals, make a few more special memories and help us finish our 40th season with smiles and happy families. Every visit and every bit of support genuinely makes a difference, and we’re enormously grateful to everyone who continues to support us.

In the meantime, we’ll keep doing everything we possibly can to find a solution that allows the park to continue into the future. We’re still talking to interested parties, and the door remains very much open to anyone who may be in a position to help secure the park’s future.

This isn’t us saying goodbye. It’s us being honest about where we are, while still hoping there’s another chapter ahead.

WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO THE ANIMALS?

We completely understand that one of the first questions people will have is what will happen to the animals in our care if the park is unable to reopen.

Please be reassured that their welfare remains, as it always has been, our absolute priority.

Whilst we continue working hard to secure the future of the park, we’re also making arrangements for the possibility that we may have to close permanently.

Over recent weeks, we’ve been in contact with zoos, wildlife parks and other suitable animal collections throughout the UK, exploring opportunities to relocate the animals in our care should that become necessary.

Our experienced animal care team is working closely with us to ensure that every animal’s individual needs are considered and that any potential new home is suitable for its long-term care and welfare.

This is not a process we’re taking lightly. Many of these animals have been with us for years, and our keepers have formed incredibly close bonds with them.

Our hope remains that a solution can be found to secure the future of the park, but we have a responsibility to plan for every eventuality, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.

Whatever happens to the park, the welfare of the animals will always come first.

Thank you to everyone who has been part of our story so far.

From all of us at Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park

We’re currently in very positive discussions with a potential investor who could help secure the future of the park.

Nothing is finalised yet, but there’s genuine hope that our story isn’t over just yet.

BUT OUR ANIMALS STILL URGENTLY NEED YOUR HELP!

Even with our gates closed, the costs of caring for our animals don’t stop.

Between animal food, medication, keeper wages, heating, water and electricity, our essential costs are currently running at approximately £9,000 EVERY WEEK!

Whether we manage to secure the park’s future or need to find new homes for our animals, they still need feeding, looking after and caring for every single day.

Every penny donated goes towards our animals and their immediate care, NOT the park’s historic debts.

OUR PLAY ZONE IS OPEN THIS WEEKEND

Come along Saturday or Sunday, bring the kids, have some fun and help support us at the same time!

The Play zone is open 10:30am – 4:00pm

➩ £7 for one child | £12 for two children (pay on arrival)

➩ Adults – free

WE HAVEN’T GIVEN UP – AND WE’RE NOT GOING TO!

There is real hope for the future, but right now our animals are depending on us, and we’re depending on your kindness and generosity.

PLEASE KEEP DONATING, SHARING AND SPREADING THE WORD

Every pound really does make a difference.

➩ Our GoFundMe page: https://gofund.me/0b246561

Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts.

Alan, Dawn and all the team

After 40 years of hard work, sacrifice and dedication, watching everything we’ve built slowly slip away is almost impossible to put into words.

We haven’t given up, but we desperately need someone to step forward before it’s too late. Whether through investment, partnership or a purchase, there is still a chance to save the park.

In the meantime, the animals still here need feeding, keeping warm and caring for. The bills don’t stop, and we desperately need your continued support.

To everyone who has donated, helped or simply sent a kind message, thank you. Your support means more to us than you could ever imagine.

Please look out for tomorrow’s update, when we’ll share news of the animals that left us today and where their new lives will begin.