Wild Planet Trust has confirmed that Newquay Zoo is on the market alongside Paignton Zoo, citing "rising costs and global challenges".
The trust, which revealed earlier this month that Paignton Zoo in Devon was on the market, said in a statement dated 9 October that it was "seeking investment for its zoos".
Wild Planet Trust added that it "has been encouraged by an outpouring of community support and interest from potential investors".
Stephen Kings, interim chief executive at Wild Planet Trust, said: "We're exploring all avenues to secure the future of both Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo for the next century and beyond.
"Like many charities, we’ve faced rising costs and global challenges, and we’ve already made difficult but necessary internal changes.
"Now we’re looking at every option to ensure we don’t just survive, but flourish.”
Newquay Zoo and Paignton Zoo on the market
Despite being on the market, Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo remain fully open and will be welcoming visitors throughout the process, Wild Planet Trust said.
Halloween events will continue as planned, and Christmas celebrations at both zoos will follow.
The trust also said that in the future, both sites would be preserved "as working zoos dedicated to conservation, education, and animal welfare, while securing jobs and modernising facilities".
The trust has received expressions of interest from across the UK and Europe. However, discussions are in the early stages.
“There have been conversations with potential investors and interested parties, which is very encouraging. We are cautiously optimistic," Kings said.
"But I have to emphasise that these are very, very early days.”
Trust receives interest from potential investors
He added, "These zoos belong to the community – they always have.
"People are proud of both zoos, and the response we've received this past week has been truly humbling.
"It has only strengthened our resolve to find the right solution for the future."
Last year, the Wild Planet Trust made a number of redundancies at Paignton Zoo and Newquay Zoo due to lower attendance and a series of crippling challenges in recent years.
Images courtesy of Wild Planet Trust
