Beloved Cotswolds Zoo, Home to Film Stars Like Harry Potter’s Animals, Closes After Nearly 50 Years
Wednesday, May 20, 2026
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After nearly five decades of enchanting animal lovers and film fans alike, the beloved Heythrop Zoo in the Cotswolds has permanently closed its doors. The unique zoo, founded by Jim Clubb and his late ex-wife Sally, was a one-of-a-kind facility that combined classic zoo architecture with modern animal care and a thriving role as a top film and TV animal training center.
Jim Clubb, now 71, announced the closure in March as he officially retired, marking the end of a remarkable era.