Living Coasts, a cherished family zoo in Torquay, Devon, was forced to close permanently in 2020 after COVID lockdowns ended its 17-year run as a popular attraction housing over 50 species, including penguins, seals, and otters.
Closure and Aftermath
The coastal zoo, once home to more than 50 species of aquatic animals, now stands frozen in time, awaiting a new chapter. The penguins, seals, otters, and countless other sea creatures were rescued and rehomed elsewhere. The pools were drained, and the gates were firmly locked shut.
By 2022, the site required additional security after trespassers were discovered drinking alcohol in the former children's soft play area. The venue also featured lower levels containing a subterranean retail space and stone archways constructed in the mid-19th century to accommodate the Torquay Marine Spa.
Some staff members reported witnessing ghostly apparitions or unexplained occurrences in this area, including objects mysteriously vanishing.
Zoo Zones and Attractions
Living Coasts was divided into three distinct zones: Mangroves, Discovery, and Under the Pier. It was home to everything from penguins and seahorses to crabs and starfish. The collection boasted an octopus, macaroni penguins, fur seals, Australian big-bellied seahorses, rays, jellyfish, and four-eyed fish. At its height, the zoo attracted 100,000 visitors annually.
Since its closure in 2020, local businesses have reported a notable drop in footfall to the Torquay area. Some have suggested temporarily reopening Living Coasts' restaurant, which offered breathtaking views across the coastline, as a way of bringing in much-needed revenue.
Overhead, netting still hangs from the ceiling, a remnant from when it housed a diverse collection of creatures, including South American fur seals, African penguins, and sea ducks.
Future Redevelopment
In 2025, an agreement was struck with a marine habitat restoration firm, ARC Marine, to take control of the site and transform it into a state-of-the-art marine restoration centre, Wild Planet Trust confirmed.
Tom Birbeck, founder and CEO of ARC Marine, said: "We are glad to work alongside Torbay Council and the Wild Planet Trust to bring this vision to life."
Wild Planet Trust revealed the company had secured significant investment to redevelop the site, which will function as its operational headquarters and a centre for ocean conservation and habitat restoration.
Councillor Chris Lewis, deputy leader at Torbay Council, said: "The location lends itself perfectly to be a world class marine research and development hub. What makes this even more special is ARC Marine is a local company who already has a base in the area."
Local businesses are thrilled at the prospect of the site being brought back into use. Sara Bond, from Birchell Marine, pointed out that "nothing's been happening" there for five years, according to the BBC. "It's a jewel in the crown of Torbay and Torquay. Anything that goes in there is a positive if it's marine related. I'm not sure at this stage if there is a leisure offering but that would be very much welcomed by people down here."
Kevin Shadbolt from Below Decks restaurant expressed his wish for it to become a "public place again". "It's been empty so long you've got to do something with it or it's just going to fall down."
