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About Us

See how we work

Wild Planet Trust was established in 2019, however our work as a registered education, scientific and conservation charity goes back to 1957, with the formation of the Herbert Whitley Trust (later to become the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust).

Although based in Devon, our work has a truly global impact, as we strive to achieve our vision through our field projects, and by inspiring our guests that visit our zoos and reserves.

Our mission

Here at Wild Planet Trust, we believe that every species is important, that everything is connected and that every action matters. This is why we have one important mission: to help halt species decline.

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Our team

Meet the team behind Wild Planet Trust, and the people helping to halt species decline.

Meet the team

Our history

Our story begins in 1923 with the opening of Torbay Zoological Gardens. The zoo, located in Devon, was founded by Herbert Whitley who was determined that it would be a place of learning. Upon Herbert’s death in 1955, a charitable trust was formed which would later be known as Wild Planet Trust.

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Our trustees

Our trustees come from a wide range of backgrounds, but all share an appreciation for wildlife and the desire to help halt species decline.

Meet our Trustees

Grants

Each year, Wild Planet Trust awards a number of grants to individuals undertaking nature conservation projects.

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Annual reports

View our latest annual reports for Wild Planet Trust, along with our zoos.

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Careers

Find all of the latest vacancies across Wild Planet Trust, including positions at both Paignton and Newquay Zoo.

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Contact us

We are always happy to hear from you, and you can reach us in a variety of ways.

Get in touch