Inside Swansea’s deadly new zoo exhibit where venom could help cure cancer
Plantasia Tropical Zoo has unveiled its latest exhibit, Vital Venoms and Practical Poisons, bringing some of the animal kingdom’s most feared creatures face-to-face with the public.
But behind the fangs, stings and toxins lies something far more surprising — scientists are now studying these species in the fight against cancer, diabetes and chronic pain.
From fear to frontline science
The new exhibit features eight venomous and poisonous species — each with a story that goes far beyond their bite.
Among them is Lucy the beaded lizard, one of only two venomous lizards in the world. Her venom is already being explored in research into type 2 diabetes.
Brightly coloured poison dart frogs — famous for their toxic skin — are helping inspire powerful new painkillers, while fire-bellied toads are being studied for compounds linked to breast and prostate cancer treatments.
Visitors can also come face-to-face with:
‘Look closer and be amazed’
Zoo bosses say the aim is to turn fear into fascination — and show how nature’s most dangerous creatures could hold the key to future medicine.
Paul Sheppard, Attraction Manager at Plantasia, said the exhibit is designed to get people thinking differently.
He said: “We’ve taken a familiar part of the zoo and turned it into something completely different.
“This new area invites visitors to look closer, ask questions and discover just how clever nature can be.”
A bold new chapter for the city centre attraction
The exhibit is part of a wider expansion at Plantasia, which has been growing its offering with immersive experiences including its dinosaur-themed Giants of the Past and large-scale escape room challenges.
Cllr Elliott King, Swansea Council cabinet member, said the latest addition is another boost for the popular attraction.
He said: “It’s great that Plantasia has this fantastic new exhibit… I highly recommend a visit.”
More than just a day out
As well as giving visitors a close-up look at some of the world’s most misunderstood animals, the zoo says the exhibit plays a key role in its conservation and education work.
The long-term plan even includes adding a critically endangered species and contributing to international breeding programmes.
And while the creatures inside may look intimidating, the message is clear — they could be helping to save lives.
#animalConservation #CancerResearch #education #familyDaysOut #ParcTawe #Plantasia #PlantasiaTropicalZoo #scienceNews #Swansea #SwanseaAttractions #thingsToDoSwansea #WalesNews #wildlife #zooNews
Plantasia Tropical Zoo named “Best Day Out” at national awards ceremony
Plantasia Tropical Zoo has been named Best Day Out 2025 at the 7th Welsh Hospitality Awards.
The popular indoor rainforest attraction was also recognised with a special award for Excellence in the overall Hospitality Champion of the Year category – celebrating its outstanding contribution to Wales’ tourism and
leisure sector.
The awards ceremony brought together leading businesses from across the country
– from attractions and accommodation providers to restaurants and event organisers
– to honour creativity, innovation, and passion within Welsh hospitality.
For Plantasia Tropical Zoo, the accolade is a reflection of the team’s dedication to providing memorable experiences that inspire families, students, and school groups to connect with nature.
Paul Sheppard, Attraction Manager at Plantasia Tropical Zoo, said:
“Winning Best Day Out is a real honour for the team. Every day, our entire team, zookeepers, gardeners, and front of-house staff go above and beyond to make Plantasia a welcoming, inspiring place to visit.
“To be recognised not just within our category, but also across the entire hospitality sector, is something we’re very proud of.”
Earlier in 2025, Plantasia Tropical Zoo was Highly Commended at the Swansea Bay Business Awards in both the Innovative Business of the Year and Tourism & Leisure Business of the Year categories, as well as being named a finalist in the ClubHub Awards – Attraction or Venue of the Year.
Kathryn Bulson, Marketing Manager, added:
“This award highlights the exciting journey we’re on. Plantasia Tropical Zoo is more than an indoor rainforest – it’s a place where people of all ages can explore, learn, and spark their imaginations. Recognition like this helps us continue to build our reputation as one of Wales’ must-visit attractions.”
Anthony Williams, Assistant Regional Director (Wales & the South West) for Parkwood Leisure, commented:
“Enhancing our venues, and driving excellence in customer experience, is key to success in the sector. Our colleagues and teams deliver this excellence, and these awards are testament to the hard work they put into delivering a great guest journey for our visitors. Recognition like this confirms that we are on the right path to delivering great days out across Wales, and we will continue to develop our venues to achieve this year after year.”
The Welsh Hospitality Awards, now in their seventh year, shine a spotlight on the businesses and individuals that make Wales a warm and welcoming destination.
For more information: [email protected] Visit: https://www.plantasiaswansea.co.uk | https://www.parkwoodleisure.co.uk/
[Lead image: Plantasia Swansea]
Charismatic Monkey and colourful Chameleon among latest arrivals at Plantasia Tropical Zoo
Meep, born on 23 November 2017, arrived from a wildlife park in Hertfordshire in April and completed a standard quarantine period before joining the zoo’s Geoffroy’s marmoset, Marmalade, in a shared habitat.
Although the team initially hoped to find another Geoffroy’s marmoset, it was important to act quickly following the loss of Marmalade’s previous companions. Monkeys are highly social animals and need companionship, so it was important to find Marmalade a new companion as soon as possible for her wellbeing. Meep was an ideal match and provided that much-needed social connection.
Cotton-top tamarins (Saguinus oedipus) are listed as Critically Endangered by the IUCN, with fewer than 7,500 believed to remain in the wild due to habitat loss and illegal wildlife trade. Plantasia Tropical Zoo’s role in housing and educating visitors about endangered species like Meep helps raise public awareness of global conservation issues.
Meep quickly made an impression on her keepers, earning her name during the journey to Swansea thanks to her energetic and expressive vocalisations. She bonded almost instantly with Marmalade, and the two now share their lush mixed-species habitat with white-cheeked turacos Kiwi and Lime, and Big Momma the red-eared slider.
“Their bond was a joy to witness,” said Zoo & Education Manager Lucy, who travelled with Zookeeper Amy to collect Meep.
“It’s wonderful to see how well they’ve adapted to one another. Meep is full of character and Marmalade is thriving with her new companion.”
Barry the Sambava panther chameleon (Furcifer pardalis) joined the zoo from Chester Zoo and, following quarantine, moved into a spacious new enclosure built specially for him in the zoo’s underground zone.
Born on 27 November 2023, Barry is significantly larger than his predecessor Mittens, and required a taller and more complex habitat to match his needs. Swansea Glass generously donated the bespoke glass for the build, with construction carried out by JMBuilding and internal planting by the zoo’s expert keepers.
“Barry is an incredibly striking individual, and his new environment gives him everything he needs to grow and display his vivid colours,” said Paul Sheppard, Attraction Manager.
Also joining the team is a White’s tree frog (Ranoidea caerulea), who arrived from Combe Martin Wildlife & Dinosaur Park. This calm and charismatic amphibian will not be on public display but will appear regularly in the zoo’s VIP animal experiences and educational workshops.
White’s tree frogs are known for their engaging personalities and are ideal for helping children connect with nature through hands-on learning.
These recent arrivals reflect Plantasia Tropical Zoo’s mission to inspire, educate and connect people with wildlife – both exotic and endangered.
Plantasia Tropical Zoo is run by Parkwood Leisure on behalf of Swansea Council.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis Davies said:
“It’s fantastic that there are more exciting new reasons to visit Plantasia. These three fantastic new residents will bring new charm and exciting educational opportunities to Swansea’s indoor rainforest.”
To learn more or plan your visit, go to www.plantasiaswansea.co.uk
[Lead image: Plantasia Swansea]
Stop the Poachers: Plantasia launches new Jungle Escape Game
Plantasia Tropical Zoo has partnered with ‘The Escape Game’ Swansea, an in-real-life escape
room company based in Llansamlet, to develop its Jungle Escape series.
Since launching in early 2023, Jungle Escape: Rainforest Run has proven to be a hit, with
sessions running every Friday. With three game slots running each Friday evening, over 196
bookings have been made to date, with total attendance now exceeding 1,100 visitors.
The game continues to generate strong interest, with bookings remaining consistently high.
Over the past two years, the booking success rate stands at 60%, generating a total revenue of
over £22,000.
The Jungle Escape series was introduced to broaden the zoo’s appeal, engaging students,
adults, and corporate groups alongside families. With its immersive setting and thrilling puzzles, the game has firmly established itself as a must-try activity.
Plantasia say that by combining puzzle-solving with adventure, it is continuing to develop innovative, educational experiences for all visitors.
Jungle Escape – Poachers’ Lair:
In the secluded zoo’s rainforest, poachers have set up camp to conduct illegal activity. Players
have 60 minutes to navigate through the rainforest, solving puzzles, uncovering clues and
completing challenges to stop the poachers’ illegal activity.
The game is suitable for ages 12 and up and can be played in groups of 2–8 participants.
Plantasia’s Poachers Lair Escape Room gamePlantasia’s Poachers Lair Escape Room gamePlantasia’s Poachers Lair Escape Room gamePaul Sheppard, Attraction Manager at Plantasia said: “We’re excited to expand our Jungle Escape experience with the launch of Poachers’ Lair. This new adventure offers even more choice for our visitors, especially those who’ve already tackled Rainforest Run. Held during the day on weekends, in a part of the zoo not usually open to the public, it’s a fantastic opportunity for families and visitors of all abilities to join in the fun. It’s an immersive, action-packed experience that brings conservation to life while offering a fresh reason to return to Plantasia Tropical Zoo.”
Sessions will run on Saturday and Sunday from the 5th April 2025 at 11:30am and 12:45pm.
Additional sessions will be introduced in the near future. Visitors are encouraged to check
availability and book in advance through the Plantasia website.
Plantasia Tropical Zoo is run by Parkwood Leisure on behalf of Swansea Council.
Council cabinet member Robert Francis Davies said: “It’s fantastic that there’s an exciting new reason to visit Plantasia. Jungle Escape: Poachers’ Lair will be another attraction to enjoy in our fast-transforming city.”
Carys Abraham, owner of The Escape Game, Swansea said: “After the incredible success of Rainforest Run, we’re excited to return to Plantasia with our thrilling new escape room, Poacher’s Lair. The positive feedback from players during our first collaboration exceeded all expectations, and we’re eager to bring a fresh set of challenges and adventures to our guests. At The Escape Game, we’re dedicated to crafting unique, immersive experiences, and working with Plantasia has been a perfect partnership in making this vision come to life. We can’t wait for players to step into Poacher’s Lair and embark on this exciting new journey!”
(Lead image: Plantasia)
WELCOME TO THE ESCAPE GAME BOOK NOW The Escape Game is a live 60 minute adventure! Start off by picking your theme.Choose from a 1960’s Alcatraz prison to the Wild West, a serial killer’s lair from which you have to escape or evena real life prison van themed to a zombie apocalypse. Experience some of the […]
35 Years of Fun & Learning: Plantasia Tropical Zoo Celebrates a Milestone Anniversary
Since opening its doors in 1990, the zoo has become a well-established attraction in Swansea, providing fun and educational experiences for schools, families, and tourists alike.
Over the past three and a half decades, it has evolved from a tropical hothouse into a thriving educational and conservation centre.
A Look Back: The History of Plantasia
Plantasia first opened as a tropical hothouse, launched by Swansea Council as part of the Parc Tawe development. The striking glass pyramid quickly became known as Swansea’s own rainforest, offering visitors a glimpse into a world of exotic plants and wildlife.
By the mid-2010s, financial challenges placed Plantasia at risk of closure. However, strong public support, including a petition with over 1,600 signatures, led Swansea Council to invest £1.1 million into the attraction.
In 2018-2019, the zoo underwent significant renovations, introducing a layout that mirrors the layers of the rainforest and creating an interactive, multi-sensory experience. Around this time, Parkwood Leisure took over operations, bringing further improvements and rebranding the site as Plantasia Tropical Zoo in 2021.
Present Day: Growth and Innovation
Today, Plantasia Tropical Zoo continues to flourish, welcoming 115,000 visitors in 2023. Home to over 40 animal species and more than 700 tropical plants, the zoo remains committed to conservation, participating in the European Endangered Species Programme for Egyptian tortoises.
In July 2024, the zoo introduced its Giants of the Past installation, offering visitors an innovative way to learn about prehistoric creatures. Featuring five life-sized replicas of ancient species placed next to their modern relatives, the exhibition is enhanced with state-of-the-art Augmented Reality (AR) technology provided by Magic Memories.
Paul Sheppard, Attraction Manager at Plantasia, commented on the impact of the installation:
“By combining history and technology, we’ve created an immersive learning experience that brings the past to life.
“Augmented Reality allows visitors to engage with these creatures in a unique way, deepening their understanding of history and conservation.
“Our goal is to inspire future generations to protect wildlife—‘Bring the past to life. Protect the future.’”
The zoo also continues to expand its activities, offering experiences such as Wales’ only crocodile feeding experience, VIP zookeeper experiences, and interactive animal encounters. Private bookings for community groups, schools, and corporate groups add to the variety of tailored experiences available.
Additionally, Plantasia will launch Poacher’s Lair, the second game for its Jungle Escape experience, debuting this March. Jungle Escape is the world’s largest sixty-minute escape game, providing an engaging challenge for visitors, and introducing a new audience to the zoo.
Commemorating 35 Years
To mark this special milestone, Plantasia Tropical Zoo has introduced a bespoke 35-year anniversary logo, incorporating elements of its original branding. This commemorative design features across the zoo’s website and advertising, celebrating its rich history while embracing the future.
As part of its 35th-anniversary celebrations, Plantasia Tropical Zoo will host a special half-term event from Saturday 22nd to Friday 28th February.
Visitors can take part in themed activities at no extra cost, including birthday card crafts, a jungle trail competition with exciting prizes, and a free gift for children (subject to availability). This milestone celebration reflects the zoo’s long-standing commitment to engaging and educating visitors about wildlife conservation.
Awards & Recognition
Plantasia Tropical Zoo’s commitment to conservation and innovation has earned it multiple accolades, including:
● Full BIAZA membership (2022): Recognising its excellence in zoo management and conservation efforts.
● Attraction of the Year (Club Hub UK Awards 2024): Honoured for its creativity and family-friendly environment.
● 3rd Place – Blooloop Innovation Awards 2024 (‘Guest Journey’ category): Recognising the impact of the Giants of the Past installation.
● Highly Commended – Swansea Bay Business Awards 2025: Recognised in the ‘Tourism and Leisure Business of the Year’ and ‘Innovative Business of the Year’ categories.
As Plantasia Tropical Zoo looks to the future, it remains dedicated to delivering engaging, educational experiences that inspire a love for nature.
For more information on upcoming events and anniversary celebrations, visit plantasiaswansea.co.uk
Plantasia Tropical Zoo, operated by Parkwood Leisure has announced today the launch of its newest exciting attraction, 'Giants of the Past,' an augmented immersive experience which brings the past to present through scanning a QR code on a mobile phone.
盡量看螢幕半小時就看五分鐘樓下花園順便運動。前段時間看到一個很適合的歌單，但是找不到了，只記得背景是植物。以此爲關鍵詞搜出了這張！給 #植物 聼的專輯！果然很適合我這種像植物一樣好動的人！
#Plantasia -- Mort Garson (1976)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l0vrsO3_HpU
If you like #Plantasia you'll love this (amazing cover art by Robert Beatty 🌱):
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=OLAK5uy_nUa_hP6UiD9BSbSphC6lvB3wiLv_eV-oA
#RightyAlmighty | #TheBoys are #Dressed and #Today will be a day in #TheOutside; I've #Decided
There are #Trees to #Trim; #Hedges to #Hedge and #Floofs to #Fluff | #StuffToDo
🧙⚔️🤖🐺🤖⚔️🧙 | 
🦹
🦄🦹
#Plantasia But It's All Images Of Plants (Music By: #MortGarson)
Tonight, I attended #Plantasia, a concert at #GreenwoodCemetery. It featured several artists paying tribute to the "Plantasia" album by Mort Garson. The 1976 album was recorded for plants. (Think stoner Moog music.)
I met a man who was visiting his father's grave just before the cemetery closed for the concert. He was lost in the cemetery and came across the concert. He was like, "What is going on? People are partying on graves?!" I had to talk him down and explain it really wasn't a party.
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Simone Knowles Green
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