Heythrop Zoo, a beloved Cotswolds zoo whose exotic animals featured in countless classic British films and television shows, has closed its doors permanently. The zoo, described as the only one of its kind in the world, shut in March when owner Jim Clubb decided to retire, according to This Is Oxfordshire.
Founder's Legacy and Film Contributions
Clubb established the celebrated TV animal company Amazing Animals in 1977, with Heythrop Zoo later built as a purpose-designed location and film set in 1988. His final contribution to the industry was Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, due for release in July. The zoo acted as a go-to resource for animal requirements across Europe, with its furry and feathered inhabitants gracing productions including the Harry Potter series, Mission: Impossible, The Mummy Returns, Stardust, Nativity, Sweeney Todd, and The Golden Compass, reports Gloucestershire Live.
Closure Decision and Retirement
Now 71, Clubb said the decision to close has not been taken lightly and extended his thanks to everyone who showed support over the years. He originally co-founded the zoo with his late ex-wife Sally. Clubb has also earned widespread praise for bringing his remarkable collection of animals to local care homes, recently embarking on a heartwarming project visiting several hospices with his penguins. He stated: 'It was always my dream to have a private zoo but I had to be able to support it. It has been my entire life. I have enjoyed every moment. The zoo was unique, 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.'
Unique Zoo Design and Animal Welfare
Clubb shared that Heythrop was envisioned as a bold reimagining of a traditional zoo, with modern animal welfare at its heart, making it a perfect setting for film and television productions. It grew into one of the biggest animal training facilities in the audio-visual industry, with major productions such as The Legend of Tarzan and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle shot on its grounds. Clubb said: 'I enjoyed doing the film Fierce Creatures, with John Cleese, and Our Zoo for the BBC.'
Public Engagement and Animal Rehoming
While the zoo never opened its gates to the general public, it welcomed guests for encounters, private parties, and open days. 'The joy it gave residents was enormous. We were inundated with requests, even after we announced the closure,' Clubb stated. Every animal from the zoo has since been rehomed at other zoos or private collections across the UK, with the much-loved penguins, who visited numerous care homes, going to a private collector.
Future Plans for the Site
Clubb revealed he has a number of retirement plans, including caring for his reptiles and tropical fish, as well as continuing to co-write historical books about animals with his son Jamie. He added that the site and its Cotswold stone buildings are set to be transformed into storage units.
