Plantasia Tropical Zoo has stood in the heart of Swansea since 1989. Originally created to showcase a unique tropical plant collection, it now houses over 40 animal species, many of which are threatened or vulnerable in the wild. Set within a glass pyramid covering just half an acre—an area equivalent to the tropical rainforest lost every second at peak deforestation—Plantasia offers a powerful, immersive experience that inspires a lifelong connection to nature.
Plantasia Tropical Zoo
“Helping to prevent animal extinction by providing joyful and educational experiences”
Conservation Policy
As a member of The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) we are committed to contribute to conservation in our own unique way. As a small Zoo we have restrictions on the scale of the operation but we are committed to maximising the output of our efforts. Ethical responsibility at the core, Zoos have a moral duty to prevent suffering and to safeguard species facing decline in the wild. Taking proactive steps to conserve wildlife reflects core humane values and aligns with public expectations that animals in human care are part of a broader mission to protect life on Earth.
A strong conservation remit helps ensure humane care, welfare science, and enrichment programs that improve quality of life for animals in captivity while contributing to species survival.
Global wildlife populations are in decline due to habitat loss, overexploitation, invasive species, pollution, and climate change. Zoos can contribute by maintaining viable captive populations, supporting field conservation, and acting as knowledge hubs for best practices.
-By linking to international agendas (e.g., IUCN Red List priorities, global species recovery plans), UK zoos can play a visible part in reversing extinction trends.
Conservation Strategy
Captive populations act as a living insurance policy against wild declines and can preserve genetic material and techniques that aid field work.
Strong field partnerships enable translocation planning, habitat restoration, anti-poaching efforts, and community-based conservation, with zoo expertise informing on-the-ground actions.
Genetic management and long-term viability
Coordinated breeding programs, studbooks, and genetic vitality monitoring help maintain healthy, viable populations over decades.
This is essential for species with low reproductive rates, small founder populations, or high inbreeding risks.
Modern genetics and reproductive science allow for strategic pairing, assisted reproduction, and genetic diversity management that improve future reintroduction prospects and population resilience.
Our strategy is focused in 3 main areas. Education, Conservation and Sustainability.
Education
We are committed to reaching audiences from all backgrounds and stages of learning. Our education programme is designed to nurture curiosity, foster environmental responsibility, and support ethically informed decision-making.
Education strategy
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Driving the understanding of the importance of conservation through educational workshops delivered on site and out in the community.
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Workshops
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Silver safari & garden adventure tours for the Over 50’s
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Display of education material on all animal and some plant species, through conventional methods and via our own “Top Trumps” card game.
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Educational material distributed to every visitor in the form of an educational trail to follow and engage with.
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Major exhibition- Augmented reality system highlighting 5 top extinct animals and links to modern day equivalents.
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Major exhibition on Alfred Russel Wallace – Highlighting his contribution to the theory of evolution.
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What We Offer
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Over 800 workshops delivered since 2019
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More than 2,800 learners welcomed for tours and experiences
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100+ outreach sessions through ‘Plantasia on the Road’ – proudly supported by Admiral since 2020
Workshops are curriculum-linked and regularly reviewed, with core topics including:
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Rainforest ecosystems and biodiversity
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Species adaptations and habitats
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Human impact on the environment and conservation
Tailored ‘one-off’ sessions and seasonal workshops are available on request. We also deliver community-focused sessions including the successful Silver Safari & Botanical Adventures for individuals aged 50+, combining education with social wellbeing.
Active Developments (2024/2025)
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Expansion into virtual learning
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Stronger links with Further Education institutions
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New evening talks and public workshops
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Development of GCSE-level and short-course content
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Launch of a formal Education Committee to ensure relevance and quality
Passive Learning
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New education trails
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Signage to highlight partnerships with Rainforest Concern, ARC UK and others
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Resource packs for schools and home educators
“Plantasia offers so much in terms of the New Curriculum for Wales… supporting the pupils in becoming Ethical Informed Citizens and Healthy Confident Individuals.”
— Joanna Lowe, Deputy Headteacher, St Helen’s Primary School
Conservation
Our work includes both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, alongside engaging the public in the global effort to protect biodiversity.
Conservation strategy
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Over 25% of our species have conservation concern status and we will look to expand this through our 5 year species plan.
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Participation in the Breeding of Egyptian tortoise EEP
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Support of Rainforest concern and their activities across the world in conservation and education.
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Staff members in BIAZA working groups and workshops
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Conservation
Our work includes both in-situ and ex-situ conservation, alongside engaging the public in the global effort to protect biodiversity.
Species We Protect
Over 25% of our species have conservation concern status of “Near Threatened” though to “Critically Endangered”. We are proud participants in the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for the Egyptian Tortoise (Testudo kleinmanni)—a species once common in North Africa, now critically endangered due to habitat loss and illegal trade. Plantasia contributes through responsible breeding and collaboration with global partners.
Local Conservation
Working with schools and community groups, we help build pollinator highways across Swansea. In one recent project, over 1,000 children helped sow thousands of flowering seeds—creating habitat corridors for bees and other pollinators.
“The team at Plantasia are always very adaptable… having this resource so close at hand has helped our school enormously.”
— Steve Brown, Headteacher, Clwyd Community Primary School
Sustainability
Plantasia Tropical Zoo is committed to operating responsibly. We have developed an ambitious Sustainability Strategy and are tracking our carbon footprint across Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions.
Carbon Footprint 2024
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Total emissions: 224.63 tCO₂e
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Scope 1 (direct): 102.12 tCO₂e
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Scope 2 (indirect): 80.29 tCO₂e
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Scope 3 (supply chain): 42.21 tCO₂e
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Offset to date: 1.00 tCO₂e
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Target: Net Zero by 2050
Current Actions
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Full waste recycling aligned to Welsh legislation
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LED lighting upgrades and smart meters
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Training through Welsh Circular Economy initiatives
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Collaborations with:
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Swansea University – exploring sustainable building solutions
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Cardiff University – studying Plantasia’s carbon sink potential
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Rainwater harvesting and greywater system development
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Evaluation of building management systems to optimise energy efficiency
Action Plan (Key Milestones)
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Q1 2025: Waste and power audits, staff engagement
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Q2 2025: Complete LED upgrades and install smart meters
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By 2026: Implement at least one major sustainability innovation
Plantasia Tropical Zoo is proud to be an accessible, enriching space where conservation, sustainability, and education go hand in hand. Whether you’re a young learner, a teacher, a researcher, or a curious explorer, there is something here for everyone.