Iconic British Zoo, Famous for Hollywood Blockbusters, to Shut Doors as Owner Retires
A beloved private zoological garden, a familiar sight on the sets of blockbuster films and popular television series, is set to close its gates for good at the end of this month. Heythrop Zoological Gardens, nestled near Chipping Norton in Oxfordshire, has been a cornerstone of the British film and television industry for nearly five decades. Its closure marks the end of an era for its dedicated owner, Jim Clubb, who is retiring after a life spent immersed in the fascinating world of animals and entertainment.
Founded in 1977 by Jim Clubb and his late ex-wife Sally, Heythrop Zoological Gardens quickly evolved from a private passion project into a highly sought-after hub for animal talent in the entertainment industry. By 1988, Jim had established a dedicated arm for film and TV work, aptly named Amazing Animals, and the site was buzzing with activity.
Beyond its star-studded appearances, the zoo also carved out a significant niche in providing unique animal encounters for the public and, in recent years, bringing the joy of animal visits to residents in care homes and hospices.
A Life Dedicated to Animals and the Silver Screen
For 71-year-old Jim Clubb, the decision to close Heythrop Zoological Gardens has been a deeply considered one. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has supported the zoo over its impressive 49-year history. “It was always my dream to have a private zoo,” Mr Clubb shared, “but I had to be able to support it. It has been my entire life. I have enjoyed every moment.”
From its very beginnings, modern animal care principles were central to the ethos of Heythrop Zoo. This commitment to welfare was artfully combined with a distinctive, almost theatrical take on classic zoo architecture. This unique blend of animal expertise and visually appealing design proved to be an irresistible combination for filmmakers, making the zoo an ideal location for shoots.
Over the years, Heythrop rose to prominence as one of the leading animal training centres for the entertainment world. It served as the filming location for major productions such as The Legend of Tarzan and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, where its purpose-built studios provided the perfect backdrop for bringing wild stories to life.
“The zoo was unique; it was the only one of its kind in the world,” Mr Clubb reflected. “I loved the classic zoo architecture. I designed the giraffe house based on London Zoo’s, which is a listed building.”
The zoo’s impressive animal residents and skilled trainers were also featured in numerous television dramas, including the popular series A Touch of Frost. Furthermore, the zoo’s staff lent their expertise to ambitious Hollywood blockbusters like Stardust, Jurassic World, and the Mission Impossible franchise. Mr Clubb fondly recalled his experiences filming the comedy Fierce Creatures with John Cleese and working on the BBC series Our Zoo. His most recent involvement was with Christopher Nolan’s epic film The Odyssey, slated for release in July.
More Than Just a Film Set: Community and Compassion
While Heythrop Zoo was not generally open to the public in the traditional sense, it provided memorable experiences through animal encounters, private parties, and special open days. In a heartwarming initiative in recent years, the zoo extended its reach by taking its animals to visit residents in care homes and hospices.
“The joy it gave residents was enormous,” Mr Clubb stated, highlighting the profound impact of these visits. “We were inundated with requests, even after we announced the closure.”
A New Chapter for Animals and the Owner
Ensuring the well-being of its animal inhabitants has been paramount throughout the closure process. All of the zoo’s animals have been successfully rehomed, finding new sanctuaries in other zoos or private, accredited collections across the United Kingdom. The penguins, a particular favourite, are scheduled to be transported to their new private collectors this week.
As for Jim Clubb, retirement promises a different, yet equally fulfilling, pace of life. He plans to dedicate his time to caring for his personal collection of reptiles and tropical fish. Alongside his son Jamie, he will also continue his passion for writing, focusing on historical books about animals. The future of the Heythrop site itself will see its distinctive Cotswold stone buildings repurposed for storage, marking a new chapter for the land that has played host to so much cinematic magic and animal wonder.
