Great Western Coffee Shop

From Devon Live (https://www.devonlive.com/whats-on/whats-on-news/paignton-zoos-much-loved-miniature-6531274)

I remember riding on that as a child. Sad it's going.

Rode it a few times as a kid too. Before I knew better about zoos.

This Zoo's  miniature railway was for generations always the highlight to many children (and adults) visit to this Zoo.

They may have, in hindsight, made a poor commercial decision to replace it with, to quote them;  ' a transformational scheme etc '

Anyway you can ring Paignton Zoo on 01803 697500 or complete a comments form on their website.

It's not too distant neighbour, the miniature railway running along the creek head by the main Kingsbridge car park was removed, seemingly forever, back in the early 90s after closing in 1989.
Now, the railway has returned in the form of the Kingsbridge and District Light Railway on the other side of the creek running up and down the harbourside from it's Kingsbridge Ria End station to the stop by the engine shed.  It's proven to be very popular.
It's unlikely that similar would happen at Paignton Zoo in but it just goes to show that it can be done.

https://www.paigntonzoo.org.uk/news/the-jungle-express-is-now-departing/?fbclid=IwAR334uH8oZokTyeqxVUpS48BSYRRCS2L9cFdi7Cd8WiebKQg8ZHjhod3VLA  Couldn't see a comments section (unless it's a comment on their faceache page)

https://www.kdlr.co.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/kdlr.co.uk/

I wouldn't know about the quality of the decision, but taking away a much loved facility is something that needs to be done with extreme are, and the hurdle for the "transformational scheme" set will be a vey, very high one.

I recall a company using "Transforming Travel" as their marketing line, but over the years since they brought it in, that "transforming" has included things like withdrawing all their buses from the town in which I live, and replacing many of the well-loved trains with others which have much less comforable and more crammed seating.

Perhaps it's no surprise that a petition has started to save the railway.  Its doubtful that it will change minds but if you want to read more about it or sign, the link is included in this Devon Live article:

https://www.devonlive.com/news/devon-news/petition-launched-save-future-iconic-6533673?fbclid=IwAR1iwoxZWad06dpB219it1rVwEKsPvnbnaR2-9kQLDhIQMJIDb8knR3iInA

Over the years we have become more aware of the limitations of our little train – most importantly the lack of accessibility, a value that we hold steadfast at the centre of our organization. We believe that our zoo should be accessible to all, but the access and size of the Jungle Express Train meant some of our visitors could not enjoy it.

Is it right to assume that although some of the track may have to be moved following the new aviary and entrance plans what killed the railway was the idea that unless everyone is able to fit on to the train then nobody will be allowed on the train? :(

That would be how I read it - building an accessible coach and platform would be a more positive outcome. Their excuse makes me feel very uneasy.