The Zoo Crocodiles of the World began as a dream of one man to make the world a better, more compassionate place for crocodiles that are threatened in the wild. The zoo was founded in 2011 by crocodile conservationist Shaun Foggett on a small property in Witney, Oxfordshire, and was only open on weekends. As interest expanded, so did the hours of operation, which included school visits and birthday celebrations. With rising visitor numbers and a growing crocodile population, the zoo needed to relocate quickly, and in February 2014, the zoo and all of its occupants moved to a new location in Brize Norton.

Crocodiles of the World is the UK’s only crocodile zoo, with more than 150 crocodiles representing 19 of the 24 different species, as well as other reptiles. The zoo, which has one of the world’s largest crocodile collections, is now able to contribute to critical conservation and research efforts to help ensure the survival of these amazing animals. The Zoo is also celebrating its tenth anniversary this year!

Crocodiles of the World Foundation

The Charity Commission, which regulates charities in England and Wales, confirmed the Foundation’s charitable status in 2013. This allows the zoo to stay true to its mission of enhancing crocodile conservation and raising awareness of crocodile-related environmental challenges.

The Journey of ‘the Croc Man’

Following a one-off documentary on the Discovery Channel, Shaun was dubbed “The Croc Man,” and later that year, Channel 5 aired a mini-series on his journey to open Crocodiles of the World.

Shaun studied and learned about crocodiles through his own personal collection before launching the zoo; by 2009, his collection had grown to 21, and he realised he needed to relocate them! Personal sacrifices were made to establish the zoo, including leaving the family construction business and selling his family home.

The risk was well worth it. Shaun’s experience as a crocodile conservationist and excellent crocodile handler means he frequently consults and assists other zoos, as well as the zoo’s numerous research and conservation programmes.

Shaun is a Crocodile Specialist Group (CSG) member of the IUCN SSC.

A new incredible journey is still only just beginning…

The zoo has continued to expand and has welcomed numerous new animals, including the breeding of critically endangered Siamese crocodiles and the entrance of a Komodo Dragon.

Here are a few highlights and accomplishments in the zoo’s history:

American alligators (parents – Albert and Daisy) were successfully bred in 2013.
In 2014, the zoo became the first in the United Kingdom to breed the critically endangered Siamese crocodile (from parents Hugo and Rebecca)
Meerkats, Otters, Cotton-top tamarins, and Kookaburras were among the animals featured in a new Mammal and Education area that debuted in 2015.
In 2016, the EAZA EEP for Komodo dragons was granted, making it one of only five zoos in the UK to participate. Batu is a welcome addition to the Komodo Survival Program, which is situated in Indonesia, because the species is classed as ‘Vulnerable’ in the wild.
Freddie, their ‘Vulnerable Fishing Cat’, arrived at the zoo in 2017.
We became the first zoo in the UK to breed ‘Vulnerable’ animals in 2017. Tomistoma
Their ‘vulnerable’ huge Galapagos Tortoises display, which includes Dirk, the UK’s largest gigantic tortoise at 73 years old, opened in 2018.
To protect the survival of this Critically Endangered species, a unique Chinese alligator breeding facility was created in 2019.