Zoo now charging toddlers in bid to offset rising costs

NEWQUAY Zoo's owner has confirmed it has introduced a new admission charge for toddlers to offset rising costs.

- by PAUL GREAVES

The Wild Planet Trust, which also owns Paignton Zoo in Devon and has brought in the charge there too, insists the new pricing structure is reasonable when viewed against a backdrop of higher operating costs.

One visitor, who asked not to be named, said she was shocked to see the changes: "There were no warnings and no advertising about it. I only found out at the ticket gate, when last week under-threes were free."

However, the new charge wouldn’t stop her visiting, she said, as it was only a small amount.

"We try not to be cheeky as obviously it costs a lot of money to look after the animals and we like to try and support it, but as a single mum every penny counts when you're already on a budget."