Family-run Northumberland Zoo begins its next chapter as a registered charity

After more than a decade of growth, Northumberland Zoo is taking its biggest step yet by becoming a registered charity, creating new opportunities to build on the values and long-standing commitment to animal husbandry, conservation and education on which the zoo was established.

Northumberland Zoo is celebrating the start of an exciting new chapter as it officially becomes a registered charity. Established by the Bradley family in 2015, the zoo's transition marks the next stage in its journey after more than a decade of growth, creating new opportunities to build on its long-standing mission and secure its long-term future. While the legal structure behind the organisation is changing, its founding values will remain central to the charity, with an independent Board of Trustees steering the charity and carrying forward the vision developed by the Bradley family.

What began as a small family-run zoo has grown into an accredited conservation zoo with an international reputation for its work with endangered species. Operating as a non-profit organisation since 2018, the zoo has continually reinvested in its mission to connect visitors and the wider community with wildlife, educate people about the environment and sustainability, and support conservation projects at home and abroad. Its long-term vision is to change perceptions towards wildlife and habitats, encouraging people to make better decisions for the environment and helping to create a more sustainable future.

Charitable status will create greater opportunities to expand the zoo's conservation and education work, build partnerships with organisations working towards shared goals, and work more closely with local communities to connect people with wildlife and inspire conservation action. The zoo's core values have been embedded within its charitable governing documents, helping to safeguard the vision developed by the Bradley family as the charity develops.

Maxine Bradley, Zoo Manager at Northumberland Zoo, said:

“Becoming a registered charity represents the next natural step in the Zoo's development and provides exciting opportunities for growth and future species. This isn't about changing who we are; it's about giving us the opportunity to do even more of what we've always believed in. From the very beginning, our priority has been providing the very best animal husbandry while inspiring people about wildlife. We can now think even bigger about the future — for our animals, our team, our visitors and the wildlife we are working to protect — while staying true to the values that have shaped Northumberland Zoo since day one.”

The move to charitable status comes after more than two years of work to complete the transition, alongside significant progress in the zoo's professional development and conservation work. Over the last 24 months, Northumberland Zoo has achieved full accreditation with the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), while continuing its membership of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). EAZA accreditation reflects the zoo's commitment to meeting rigorous standards across animal welfare, conservation, education and professional zoo management, while opening opportunities to contribute to international conservation and breeding programmes. The zoo is also committed to increasing its support for native species conservation in Northumberland, building on established partnerships and projects including work with Northumberland Wildlife Trust to support harvest mouse conservation and with partners including the Environment Agency and Northumberland Rivers Trust on white-clawed crayfish conservation.

Animal welfare will continue to guide the zoo’s decisions, with the team striving for high standards of husbandry and environments that allow animals to express natural behaviours. Future development will be carefully considered against these priorities, including expanding habitats and welcoming flagship species that are suited to Northumberland's climate and environment, as well as the zoo's sustainability ambitions.

Visitors can continue to expect the same warm welcome, passionate team and family atmosphere they have enjoyed since the zoo first opened its gates. Memberships will continue as normal and, once the charity transition is complete, visitors will also be able to support the zoo through Gift Aid.