After nearly five decades as a hidden gem of British cinema and television, Heythrop Zoological Gardens is set to close its gates for the final time. The private zoo, which has provided animal stars for blockbuster films like Harry Potter and iconic TV series including Doctor Who, will shut at the end of this month following the retirement of its founder.
A Showbiz Legacy Comes to an End
Located near Chipping Norton in the picturesque Oxfordshire countryside, Heythrop Zoological Gardens was established in 1977 by Jim Clubb and his late ex-wife Sally. What began as a private passion project evolved into one of the most significant animal training centres for the entertainment industry worldwide.
"It was always my dream to have a private zoo, but I had to be able to support it," Mr Clubb, now 71, told the BBC. "It has been my entire life. I have enjoyed every moment."
The Birth of Amazing Animals
In 1988, Mr Clubb launched the zoo's commercial arm, Amazing Animals, and began constructing dedicated facilities specifically designed for film and television production. This strategic move transformed Heythrop from a private collection into a professional studio operation that would eventually work on major Hollywood productions.
"The zoo was unique," Mr Clubb reflected. "It was the only one of its kind in the world. I loved the classic zoo architecture—I designed the giraffe house based on London Zoo's, which is a listed building."
Silver Screen to Small Screen Success
Heythrop's distinctive combination of modern animal care facilities and exaggerated classic zoo architecture created the perfect backdrop for filmmakers. The zoo's credits read like a who's who of British and international entertainment.
Beyond its most famous appearances in the Harry Potter franchise and Doctor Who episodes, Heythrop provided locations and animals for numerous other productions. The zoo hosted filming for the comedy Fierce Creatures starring John Cleese, and served as a setting for ITV's long-running detective series A Touch of Frost, featuring David Jason as Inspector Jack Frost.
Hollywood Comes to Oxfordshire
As Heythrop's reputation grew, so did the scale of productions it attracted. The zoo's staff and animals worked on major Hollywood films including The Legend of Tarzan, Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, Stardust, Jurassic World, and even the Mission Impossible franchise.
Mr Clubb particularly enjoyed working on the BBC series Our Zoo and collaborating with John Cleese on Fierce Creatures. The final film project completed at Heythrop was Christopher Nolan's upcoming epic The Odyssey, scheduled for release in July.
Beyond the Camera: Community Connections
While Heythrop Zoological Gardens was never regularly open to the general public, it developed a strong community presence through special events and outreach programmes. The zoo hosted animal encounters, private parties, and occasional open days for visitors.
In recent years, Heythrop became particularly known for its outreach to care homes and hospices. Zoo staff regularly transported animals, including penguins, to visit residents across the region.
"The joy it gave residents was enormous," Mr Clubb said. "We were inundated with requests, even after we announced the closure."
A Carefully Managed Transition
The decision to close Heythrop "has not been taken lightly," according to Mr Clubb, who expressed gratitude for the support received over the zoo's 49-year history. Considerable planning has gone into ensuring the welfare of the animals following the closure.
All of Heythrop's animals—which represented the largest private collection of exotic animals in the United Kingdom—have now been found new homes at other zoological institutions or private collections throughout Britain. The penguins will be transported to private collectors this week as part of this carefully coordinated relocation effort.
Looking to the Future
As for the site itself, the distinctive Cotswold stone buildings that housed Heythrop's operations will be repurposed for storage purposes. Meanwhile, Jim Clubb has planned a retirement that maintains his connection to the animal world.
The zoo founder intends to care for his personal collection of reptiles and tropical fish, and will continue writing historical animal books in collaboration with his son, Jamie. This literary pursuit represents a continuation of the passion for animals that has defined his entire professional life.
Heythrop Zoological Gardens leaves behind a remarkable legacy—not just as a training ground for animal actors, but as a unique institution that bridged the worlds of conservation, entertainment, and community service. Its closure marks the end of an era for British film production and animal husbandry alike.
