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.
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.
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.
Species We Protect
Over 15% of our species have conservation concern status. 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.
We also actively breed other vulnerable or endangered species including:
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Edwards’s Pheasant (bird)
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Crested Gecko (reptile)
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Axolotl (amphibian)
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Manyara Tilapia (fish)
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.