Blackbrook zoo for sale

Blackbrook Zoological Park in Staffordshire, which houses over 200 species of bird, is up for grabs after entering administration recently.

Following a fall in visitor numbers from 55,000 in 2012 to 8,500 last year due to poor weather and other issues, Barringtons Corporate Recovery has now taken the reins.

Phil Wood, Barringtons’ managing director says he is optimistic that most of the seven staff will retain their positions if a buyer is found.

“If no-one comes forward then ultimately it will have to close, the stock will have to be dispersed and we will sell it as some land,” he told the BBC.

Opened in 1991 at its base in the Staffordshire Moorlands and set in over 30 acres, Blackbrook is home to several rare and endangered species of birds, and includes penguins, storks, emus and cassowaries. Other animals at the zoo include meerkats and ring-tailed lemurs.

The zoo will remain open while a buyer, preferably a wildlife enthusiast, is sought. A group of Blackbrook staff are interested in taking it on, but would need some outside financial backing.

Newcastle estate agent Hinson Parry & Company has been instructed to market the site for sale, thought to be worth between £300,000 and £350,000. Buyers will need to negotiate separately with the owners to keep the animals at Blackbrook.

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