End of an era for Paignton Zoo's Jungle Express
The miniature railway has closed after more than 80 years
Last updated 21st Jan 2022
After more than eighty years, Paignton Zoo's Jungle Express has reached the end of the line.
The miniature railway, which was installed in 1940 and even appeared on TV with children's TV host Johnny Morris, stopped running during the pandemic.
In a statement, the Zoo said, "The decision to remove a much-loved feature such as the Jungle Express will be a defining moment in our history.
"We’ve made this decision because we want the future for Paignton Zoo to be as bright as possible and because we want to get started with transforming our zoo.
"Over the years we have become more aware of the limitations of our little train – most importantly the lack of accessibility, a value that we hold steadfast at the centre of our organization.
"We believe that our zoo should be accessible to all, but the access and size of the Jungle Express Train meant some of our visitors could not enjoy it.
"We completely understand that for a number of our regular visitors and members, the departure of the train will be sad news.
"A ride on the Jungle Express will have been a lasting memory for many, and we’re sure that lots of the people reading this will have taken at least one lap of the main lake over the last 80 years."
The zoo adds, "We know that she’ll be well looked after in her new home and will continue to draw admiring glances from train aficionados long into the future. "