Charity registration number: 1187438
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as
Exmoor Zoo
Annual Report and Financial Statements
for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Contents (continued)
| Reference and Administrative Details | 1 |
|---|---|
| Trustees' Report | 2 to 10 |
| Independent Examiner's Report | 11 |
| Statement of Financial Activities | 12 |
| Balance Sheet | 13 |
| Cash Flow Statement | 14 |
| Notes to the Financial Statements | 15 to 25 |
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Reference and Administrative Details
Trustees
Charity Registration Number Principal Office
Independent Examiner
Mr D L Reynolds Mrs L Reynolds Mr A L Blackler MBE FCA Mrs K Homer Mr T L Dalton 1187438
Exmoor Zoo Bratton Fleming Barnstaple Devon EX31 4SG Ward and Co Chartered Accountants West Penhill Farm Fremington Barnstaple Devon EX31 2NG
Page 1
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Trustees' Report
The trustees present the annual report together with the financial statements of the charity for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Objectives and activities
Objects and aims
To promote the conservation of the physical and natural environment by promoting biodiversity;
To advance the education of the public on the conservation of the physical and natural world and the promotion of biodiversity;
To promote the conservation of the physical and natural environment and the maintenance of biological diversity, in particular, but not limited to the provision of public education, scientific study and the maintenance of endangered animals, plants and habitats in both protected and natural environments.
Page 2
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Trustees' Report (continued)
Strategies for achieving the objectives:
Education through the UK national school systemmaking use of the national curriculum and offering the resources of the zoo to schools both on site for educational visits and for education staff to visit schools by request. Thirty nine schools visited us and we were asked to visit another twenty nine during the year.
Public interaction and subliminal education took place through timetable advertised educational scripted feed talks at the zoo. Interactive public animal handling or contact sessions occurred regularly throughout the season.
Conservation was continued in alignment with the UK zoo legislation. The site continues to be managed for local flora and fauna, for instance, the British Ornithological Trust "ringer" continued to trap, record and ring native species on site, in particular, sparrows for the zoo's House Sparrow Project which has continued into its eighth consecutive year. In particular, as part of the zoo's conservation programme for the "soft" release of native wild species, three white storks have been reared bringing the potential release individuals to eight as one existing individual, born in 2024, died of natural causes.
Conservation in terms of breeding and working with endangered and rare species through International and European breeding programmes on exhibit has continued. Twenty three different species have provided forty seven births, thirty four different species - sixty eight animals in total have come into the collection, Seventy one deaths and thirty four dispositions have occurred. (See the notable important breeding program examples in achievements and performance). The decrease in numbers of acquisitions and dispositions compared to 2024 is due to the collection plan rationalisation coming into effect and no covid impact.
Improvement of habitats was continued with the continued development and refurbishment of our intended snow leopard exhibit, the potential hyena enclosure and the site was once again managed for native biodiversity
The charity has continued to provide funds for ex-situ projects for some of the chosen species that it chooses to exhibit. For instance, an annual donation has been established with the Stichting Wild Dog foundation in Holland for the procurement of radio tracking collars for wild dogs annually in Zimbabwe. Also, an annual donation agreement with Cheetah Conservation Foundation has been agreed which will fundamentally be used for their “Cheetah Guardian” project.
The Trustees' have paid due regard to guidance issued by The Charity Commission in deciding what activities the Charity should undertake.
Public benefit
In planning our activities, the trustees have kept in mind the Charity Commission's guidance on public benefit and have folllowed this guidance to demonstrate the charitable aims are for public benefit.
The trustees confirm that they have complied with the requirements of section 17 of the Charities Act 2011 to have due regard to the public benefit guidance published by the Charity Commission for England and Wales.
Page 3
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Trustees' Report (continued)
Use of volunteers
Voluntary support has been fantastic but is limited to only a few enthusiastic and supportive colleagues. The charity would like to name and thank the following people in particular who have provided tremendous help and support in a variety of ways from providing photographic images, specific monetary funds, their time and enthusiasm working on site as volunteers and the donation of free resources for our benefit.
This list is not prohibitive and by necessity excludes those who have requested not to be mentioned:
Mr Keith Spendlove, Miriam Hass, Helen and Katie Horricks, Brian and Shirley Newcombe, Rhiannon Loader, Rick and Tina Haskell Desmond, Patrick Tucker, Stephen Rowtcliff, Brian Lilly, Tarka Home Improvements, Sandra Matthews and Sue Maxfield, Adam Andrews, Joss Leggett and Ria Cook and Riley Kesterton.
Page 4
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Trustees' Report (continued)
Achievements and performance
Notable important breeding program co-operation
Acquisitions:
Stud book movements:
In continued co-operation with the Parrot World Trust at Hayle in Cornwall and the Cornish Chough Project, we exchanged 4:0 individuals previously at our collection for release to the wild and acquired two pairs for future breeding to support this species release to the UK wild. A male Painted dog was transferred to us from Yorkshire Wildlife Park to keep our two-ageing sister’s company. To cooperate with the European breeding Programs for the endangered species; a Black lemur, a female, was imported from Paris Zoo, two Guianan squirrel monkeys were added to our troop from Colchester Zoo, an endangered Victorian crowned pigeon from Colchester Zoo to make breeding trio and a pair of Black chestnut thrushes for the breeding program.
Other animal collection movements:
A pair of rare captive bred fennec foxes were added to the collection, a second pair of equally rare yellow throated martens were taken in from Drusillas in East Sussex for the breeding program, a group of white tailed antsangy were added to the collection (the only native species of rodent to Madagascar in captivity), two pairs of sub-adult African spoonbill and a companion African Civet were also acquired from Axe Valley wildlife Park in Somerset.
Births:
Stud book births:
For the benefit of their respective European Breeding Programs; two red panda were successfully raised, two female Bali were hatched and raised in April and August respectively, three Azara agouti over summer, two female maned wolves in October, sitatunga, swamp and Parma wallabies were also born.
Our collection births:
For our own potential re-release project, three white stork chicks were born in May. Three white tailed antsangy, and numerous other bird species maintained by the collection.
Dispositions:
Stud Book placements:
A female black lemur born here was sent Drusillas, two male bat eared foxes were sent to Africa Alive in Suffolk, a bush dog to Peake Wildlife Park and four UK choughs to Hayle Wildlife Park,
Other animal collection/movements:
This included numerous bird species supported within the collection and especially four Black-crowned night herons for a future potential UK re-release program,
Deaths:
Old age related, included our two “aged” painted dogs from Howletts as arthritis became an issue, the last male sand cat resident in the UK as part of the breeding program due also to old age-related issues, our recently acquired female dingo due to a pyometra, one of our nine year old grey wolves due to asphyxiation and our remaining old endangered white headed wood duck, amongst others.
Page 5
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Trustees' Report (continued)
Other achievements and performance
The zoo has again recorded a similar footfall to the previous year (2023-24) at just over 50,000 visitors. This footfall equates to the second highest +/- (outside of the Covid pandemic year of 2020) and is undoubtedly due to our status as a charity and the goodwill associated with this.
The charity employed twenty-one full time staff in this year and one part time . This represents a 15% increase in cost from the previous year due in principle to the £1.02 UK National Minimum employment rate increase reflected in all employees’ salaries.
Gift Aid declaration by the visiting public enabled £75,752 of additional funds which were available for the running of the zoo charity. This is a decrease from the previous year of 18% which the trustees attribute to the timelier and better claiming of the relevant gift aid as the previous year gift aid reclaims also included values for 2022-2023.
Charity income from experiences and ex-situ work such as roadshows and visits to schools has increased from £67,685 to £97,687. This has been due to the improvement of the zoo website creating a 27% increase in uptake. The improved advertised animal experiences on the new charity website created an 80% increase of annual income.
Significant levels of remedial maintenance will always be required to maintain Health and Safety standards around the zoo. The ephemeral nature of many of the exhibit constructions utilising wood will continue to require constant repair and refurbishment investment annually. However, these works have caught up with the previous Covid back-log and reduced from £31,088 last year to £17,551 this year. In line with this the integral fixture and fittings expenditure has also reduced from £57,336 to £31,506 in the accounts.
Please note the previous massive avian flu protection undertaking, finished at the end of 2023, is no longer accounted for in the charity’s activities.
The drop in cash reserves due to the “Bird Flu outbreak prevention works” in the zoo, saw the monetary level of reserves decrease dramatically in 2023-24. As per the 2023-24-year activities, the non-essential refurbishment works for 2024-25 continued to be placed on hold as the charity attempted to rebuild this monetary reserve in-line with the 2025 government zoo licensing regulations.
Veterinary involvement +/- remained static as an expenditure for this year, just increasing by by 5%
The soft release of white storks into the zoo and immediate surrounds complying with the Natural England requirements for the reintroduction of this native species intended for the winter of 2024 was again placed on hold due to the “local avian flu” unconfirmed outbreaks in and around our vicinity (Barnstaple parks and the Ilfracombe coast line). A full evaluation and risk assessment will be taken in 2025 in conjunction with our veterinarian to assess the continuation of these associated potential problems year after year.
An external professional advisor was hired to aid in remedying and explaining the perceived conditions and requirements of the New Zoo Licence now granted until 2030. The licence with the North Devon District Council is now licensed to the charity with the experienced trustees, Mr D L and Mrs L Reynolds, remaining for a guaranteed further 3 years.
In reference to the future plans outlined in the 2023-2024 report, the following have occurred:
Page 6
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Trustees' Report (continued)
-
The snow leopard and hyena change of enclosures have had a trickle of expenditure to continue the aim of their completion, particularly the snow leopard enclosure for 2025.
-
General site maintenance and repair work has continued but at a decreased level. Cheetah tower and bandstand and the pelican seating have been refurbished for example as they were rotting.
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The commissioned tree survey continues to be acted upon, most of those trees identified as higher risk having had remedial surgery. This will be ongoing.
Financial review
The charity has achieved a surplus of £26,662 during this period compared with a deficit of £101,020 in the previous year. In principle due to the finish of the previous avian flu works and consequent investment and trustee decision to just maintain the zoo during this year and trickle feed capital investment into the programmed new enclosures.
The Trustees have the power to invest in such assets as they feel appropriate to the charity. At present any surplus monies are held on deposit at the bank.
Policy on reserves
It is the agreed policy of the charity that unrestricted funds which have not been designated for a specific use should attempt to be maintained at a level equivalent to six months expenditure. The Trustees consider that reserves at this level will ensure in the event of a significant drop in funding, that the charity will be able to continue current activities while consideration is given to ways in which additional funds may be raised. This remains a target for 2025/26. To enable this due to increased costs, the admission prices have had to increase for visitors in line with inflation and respective attractions in the locale.
Plans for future periods
Aims and key objectives for future periods
Future plans for the Charity include:
The Charity zoological collection plan requires it to attempt to acquire, maintain, exhibit and provide education for endangered breeding species from international controlled programmes. The intention for 2025-26 is to complete the in-progress exhibit for endangered snow leopards and continue to trickle capital into the intended hyena exhibit. This will be entirely subject to finances available at the end of the 2025 summer trading season.
Continued investment is required in maintenance throughout the zoo premises, but in general no significant investment (as previously) is intended for 2025 – 26 in this respect.
The intended change of exhibit for enclosure thirty eight to exhibit flamingo will be delayed until finances allow this consideration. The currently exhibited capybaras are due to be relocated to enclosure forty one as agreed with the Zoo licensing inspection team in 2021, but this is dependent on creating clay lined pools that can withstand incumbent hoof stock and the provision of capital reserves.
Page 7
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Trustees' Report (continued)
Trustees and officers
The trustees and officers serving during the year and since the year end were as follows:
Trustees: Mr D L Reynolds Mrs L Reynolds Mr A L Blackler MBE FCA Mrs K Homer Mr T L Dalton
Structure, governance and management
Nature of governing document
The Charity is a charitable incorporated organisation founded under a constitution dated 8 January 2020 and commenced operating on 4 July 2020.
None of the trustees has any beneficial interest in the Charity. If the Charity is wound up, the members have no liability to contribute to its assets and no personal responsibility for settling its liabilities.
Recruitment and appointment of trustees
The constitution provides for a minimum of three and a maximum of twelve trustees.
The Charity Trustees were contacted and selected by the existing Zoo partnership based on their experience, acquired practical knowledge about UK zoos, running a profitable business and professional acumen.
Three trustees Mr A L Blackler, Mrs L. Reynolds and Mrs K. Homer were re-elected to the trustees on 20 March 2025 at the meeting of the third charity AGM, after serving an initial five year term.
Any future trustees will be selected on similar professional experience related to the zoo industry or as mentioned practices. The lengths of trustee service are varied to enable continuity when and if changes occur.
Arrangements for setting key management personnel remuneration
None of the trustees receive remuneration from the Charity.
Page 8
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Trustees' Report (continued)
Major risks and management of those risks
Zoo legislation
Compliance with zoo legislation
The trustees have assessed the major risks to which the charity is exposed and are satisfied that systems are in place to mitigate exposure to the major risks.
Procedures are in place within the Charity to review the level of risks. Zoo legislation which the Charity has to comply with, determines risks and it is incumbent on particularly the two trustees, Mr D L and Mrs L Reynolds with their previous direct zoo management experience to comply with this legislation on behalf of the Charity. The Chairman and other trustees rely on their ability and discussions to ensure the minimisation of risk on their behalf through management of the zoo. Discussions and records are kept to this in effect of communication.
Page 9
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Trustees' Report (continued)
Statement of Trustees' Responsibilities
The trustees are responsible for preparing the trustees' report and the financial statements in accordance with the United Kingdom Accounting Standards (United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice) and applicable law and regulations.
The law applicable to charities requires the trustees to prepare financial statements for each financial year which give a true and fair view of the state of affairs of the charity and of the incoming resources and application of resources of the charity for that period. In preparing these financial statements, the trustees are required to:
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select suitable accounting policies and then apply them consistently;
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observe the methods and principles in the Charities SORP;
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make judgements and estimates that are reasonable and prudent;
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state whether applicable accounting standards have been followed, subject to any material departures disclosed and explained in the financial statements; and
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prepare the financial statements on the going concern basis unless it is inappropriate to presume that the charity will continue in business.
The trustees are responsible for keeping proper accounting records that disclose with reasonable accuracy at any time the financial position of the charity and enable them to ensure that the financial statements comply with the Charities Act 2011, the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008, and the provisions of the constitution. The trustees are also responsible for safeguarding the assets of the charity and hence for taking reasonable steps for the prevention and detection of fraud and other irregularities.
The trustees are responsible for the maintenance and integrity of the corporate and financial information included on the charitable company's website. Legislation governing the preparation and dissemination of financial statements may differ from legislation in other jurisdictions.
The annual report was approved by the trustees of the charity on 26 August 2025 and signed on its behalf by:
......................................... Mr D L Reynolds Trustee
......................................... Mrs L Reynolds Trustee
Page 10
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Independent Examiner's Report to the trustees of Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
I report to the trustees on my examination of the accounts of Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre for the year ended 31 March 2025.
Responsibilities and basis of report
As the charity trustees of Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre you are responsible for the preparation of the accounts in accordance with the requirements of the Charities Act 2011 (‘the Act’).
I report in respect of my examination of the Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre's accounts carried out under section 145 of the 2011 Act and in carrying out my examination I have followed all the applicable Directions given by the Charity Commission under section 145(5)(b) of the Act.
Independent examiner’s statement
Since Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre's gross income exceeded £250,000 your examiner must be a member of a body listed in section 145 of the 2011 Act. I confirm that I am qualified to undertake the examination because I am a member of , which is one of the listed bodies.
I have completed my examination. I confirm that no material matters have come to my attention in connection with the examination giving me cause to believe that in any material respect:
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accounting records were not kept in respect of Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre as required by section 130 of the Act; or
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the accounts do not accord with those records; or
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the accounts do not comply with the accounting requirements concerning the form and content of accounts set out in the Charities (Accounts and Reports) Regulations 2008 other than any requirement that the accounts give a ‘true and fair view' which is not a matter considered as part of an independent examination.
I have no concerns and have come across no other matters in connection with the examination to which attention should be drawn in this report in order to enable a proper understanding of the accounts to be reached.
...................................... John Ward, FCA. Ward and Co Chartered Accountants
West Penhill Farm Fremington Barnstaple Devon EX31 2NG
27 August 2025
Page 11
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Note Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies Charitable activities Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities Total expenditure Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward 18 |
Unrestricted £ 91,736 895,124 986,860 (960,198) (960,198) 26,662 345,248 371,910 |
Total 2025 £ 91,736 895,124 986,860 (960,198) (960,198) 26,662 345,248 371,910 |
Total 2024 £ 56,976 756,676 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 813,652 | |||
| (914,672) | |||
| (914,672) | |||
| (101,020) 446,268 |
|||
| 345,248 |
All of the charity's activities derive from continuing operations during the above two periods. The funds breakdown for 2024 is shown in note 18.
The notes on pages 15 to 25 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 12
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
(Registration number: 1187438) Balance Sheet as at 31 March 2025
| Note Fixed assets Tangible assets 11 Current assets Stocks 12 Debtors 13 Cash at bank and in hand 14 Creditors: Amounts falling due within one year 15 Net current assets Total assets less current liabilities Creditors: Amounts falling due after more than one year 16 Net assets Funds of the charity: Unrestricted income funds Unrestricted funds Total funds 18 |
2025 £ 282,939 10,689 34,139 101,312 146,140 (39,204) 106,936 389,875 (17,965) 371,910 371,910 371,910 |
2024 £ 286,810 10,251 22,758 78,688 |
|---|---|---|
| 111,697 (34,033) |
||
| 77,664 | ||
| 364,474 (19,226) |
||
| 345,248 | ||
| 345,248 | ||
| 345,248 |
The financial statements on pages 12 to 25 were approved by the trustees, and authorised for issue on 26 August 2025 and signed on their behalf by:
.........................................
Mr D L Reynolds Trustee
.........................................
Mrs L Reynolds Trustee
The notes on pages 15 to 25 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 13
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Cash Flow Statement for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Note Cash flows from operating activities Net cash income/(expenditure) Adjustments to cash flows from non-cash items Depreciation Working capital adjustments Increase in stocks 12 (Increase)/decrease in debtors 13 Increase/(decrease) in creditors 15 Net cash flows from operating activities Cash flows from investing activities Purchase of tangible fixed assets 11 Cash flows from financing activities Repayment of capital element of finance leases and HP contracts 17 Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents Cash and cash equivalents at 1 April Cash and cash equivalents at 31 March |
2025 £ 26,662 52,512 79,174 (438) (11,381) 6,026 73,381 (48,641) (2,116) 22,624 78,688 101,312 |
2024 £ (101,020) 46,919 |
|---|---|---|
| (54,101) (108) 49,794 (30,542) |
||
| (34,957) (105,680) 22,534 |
||
| (118,103) 196,791 |
||
| 78,688 |
All of the cash flows are derived from continuing operations during the above two periods.
The notes on pages 15 to 25 form an integral part of these financial statements. Page 14
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
1 Accounting policies
Statement of compliance
The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the second edition of the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice issued in October 2019, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the United Kingdom and Republic of Ireland (FRS 102) and the Charities Act 2011.
Basis of preparation
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre meets the definition of a public benefit entity under FRS 102. The accounts (financial statements) have been prepared under the historical cost convention with items recognised at cost or transaction value unless otherwise stated in the relevant note(s) to these accounts.
Going concern
The trustees consider that there are no material uncertainties about the charity's ability to continue as a going concern.
Income and endowments
All income is recognised once the charity has entitlement to the income, it is probable that the income will be received and the amount of the income receivable can be measured reliably.
Grants receivable
Government grants are recognised at the fair value of the asset received or receivable. Grants are not recognised until there is a reasonable assurance that the charity will comply with the conditions attaching to them and the grants will be received.
When the grant does not impose specified future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income only when the grant proceeds are received or receivable. Where the grant does impose future performance-related conditions on the recipient, it is recognised in income only when the performance-related conditions have been met. Where grants are received prior to satisfying the revenue recognition criteria, they are recognised as a liability.
Expenditure
All expenditure is recognised once there is a legal or constructive obligation to that expenditure, it is probable settlement is required and the amount can be measured reliably. All costs are allocated to the applicable expenditure heading that aggregate similar costs to that category. Where costs cannot be directly attributed to particular headings they have been allocated on a basis consistent with the use of resources, with central staff costs allocated on the basis of time spent, and depreciation charges allocated on the portion of the asset’s use. Other support costs are allocated based on the spread of staff costs.
Page 15
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
Charitable activities
Charitable expenditure comprises those costs incurred by the charity in the delivery of its activities and services for its beneficiaries. It includes both costs that can be allocated directly to such activities and those costs of an indirect nature necessary to support them.
Governance costs
These include the costs attributable to the charity’s compliance with constitutional and statutory requirements, including audit, strategic management and trustees meetings and reimbursed expenses.
Taxation
The charity is considered to pass the tests set out in Paragraph 1 Schedule 6 of the Finance Act 2010 and therefore it meets the definition of a charitable company for UK corporation tax purposes. Accordingly, the charity is potentially exempt from taxation in respect of income or capital gains received within categories covered by Chapter 3 Part 11 of the Corporation Tax Act 2010 or Section 256 of the Taxation of Chargeable Gains Act 1992, to the extent that such income or gains are applied exclusively to charitable purposes.
Tangible fixed assets
Individual fixed assets are initially recorded at cost, less any subsequent accumulated depreciation and subsequent accumulated impairment losses.
Depreciation and amortisation
Depreciation is provided on tangible fixed assets so as to write off the cost or valuation, less any estimated residual value, over their expected useful economic life as follows:
Asset class Depreciation method and rate Plant and equipment 20% reducing balance Integral fixtures and fittings 10 years straight line Furniture and equipment 3 years straight line
Stock
Stock is valued at the lower of cost and estimated selling price less costs to complete and sell, after due regard for obsolete and slow moving stocks. Cost is determined using the first-in, first-out (FIFO).
Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents comprise cash on hand and call deposits, and other short-term highly liquid investments that are readily convertible to a known amount of cash and are subject to an insignificant risk of change in value.
Fund structure
Unrestricted income funds are general funds that are available for use at the trustees discretion in furtherance of the objectives of the charity.
Page 16
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
Pensions and other post retirement obligations
The charity operates a defined contribution pension scheme which is a pension plan under which fixed contributions are paid into a pension fund and the charity has no legal or constructive obligation to pay further contributions even if the fund does not hold sufficient assets to pay all employees the benefits relating to employee service in the current and prior periods.
Contributions to defined contribution plans are recognised in the Statement of Financial Activities when they are due. If contribution payments exceed the contribution due for service, the excess is recognised as a prepayment.
Financial instruments
Classification
Financial assets and financial liabilities are recognised when the charity becomes a party to the contractual provisions of the instrument.
Financial liabilities and equity instruments are classified according to the substance of the contractual arrangements entered into. An equity instrument is any contract that evidences a residual interest in the assets of the charity after deducting all of its liabilities.
Recognition and measurement
All financial assets and liabilities are initially measured at transaction price (including transaction costs), except for those financial assets classified as at fair value through profit or loss, which are initially measured at fair value (which is normally the transaction price excluding transaction costs), unless the arrangement constitutes a financing transaction. If an arrangement constitutes a financing transaction, the financial asset or financial liability is measured at the present value of the future payments discounted at a market rate of interest for a similar debt instrument.
Financial assets and liabilities are only offset in the statement of financial position when, and only when there exists a legally enforceable right to set off the recognised amounts and the charity intends either to settle on a net basis, or to realise the asset and settle the liability simultaneously.
Financial assets are derecognised when and only when a) the contractual rights to the cash flows from the financial asset expire or are settled, b) the charity transfers to another party substantially all of the risks and rewards of ownership of the financial asset, or c) the charity, despite having retained some, but not all, significant risks and rewards of ownership, has transferred control of the asset to another party.
Financial liabilities are derecognised only when the obligation specified in the contract is discharged, cancelled or expires.
2 Income from donations and legacies
Page 17
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
| Donations and legacies; Donations from individuals Gift aid reclaimed Donations and legacies; Donations from individuals Gift aid reclaimed 3 Income from charitable activities Admissions Admissions 4 Expenditure on charitable activities Admissions and associated zoo activities Total for 2024 |
Activity undertaken directly £ 946,597 903,300 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 6,391 85,345 91,736 Unrestricted funds General £ 6,098 50,878 56,976 Unrestricted funds General £ 895,124 Unrestricted funds General £ 756,676 Activity support costs £ 13,601 11,372 |
Total 2025 £ 6,391 85,345 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91,736 | |||
| Total 2024 £ 6,098 50,878 |
|||
| 56,976 | |||
| Total 2025 £ 895,124 |
|||
| Total 2024 £ 756,676 |
|||
| Total expenditure £ 960,198 |
|||
| 914,672 |
Page 18
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
5 Analysis of governance and support costs
Charitable activities expenditure
| Charitable activities expenditure | ||
|---|---|---|
| Basis of allocation Accountancy Independent Examiner's fee Bank charges Hire purchase interest Total for 2025 Total for 2024 Support costs allocated to charitable activities Basis of allocation Finance costs £ Admissions and associated activities 100% 6,667 Basis of allocation Finance costs £ Admissions and associated activities 100% 3,985 |
Unrestricted funds General £ 5,984 950 5,074 1,593 13,601 11,372 Administration costs £ 6,934 Administration costs £ 7,387 |
Total funds £ 5,984 950 5,074 1,593 |
| 13,601 | ||
| 11,372 | ||
| Total 2025 £ 13,601 Total 2024 £ 11,372 |
Governance costs
| Independent examiner fees Examination of the financial statements |
Unrestricted funds General £ 950 950 |
Total 2025 £ 950 |
|---|---|---|
| 950 |
Page 19
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
| Independent examiner fees Examination of the financial statements 6 Net incoming/outgoing resources Net incoming/(outgoing) resources for the year include: Independent examiner's fees |
Unrestricted funds General £ 900 900 2025 £ 950 |
Total 2024 £ 900 |
|---|---|---|
| 900 | ||
| 2024 £ 900 |
7 Trustees remuneration and expenses
No trustees have received any other benefits from the charity during the year.
8 Staff costs
The aggregate payroll costs were as follows:
| Staff costs during the year were: Wages and salaries Social security costs Pension costs |
2025 £ 504,340 39,898 9,908 554,146 |
2024 £ 469,427 35,288 9,285 |
|---|---|---|
| 514,000 |
The monthly average number of persons (including senior management / leadership team) employed by the charity during the year expressed as full time equivalents was as follows:
| Average number of employees | 2025 No 22 |
2024 No 25 |
|---|---|---|
No employee received emoluments of more than £60,000 during the year
Page 20
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
9 Independent examiner's remuneration
Examination of the financial statements
----- Start of picture text -----
2025 2024
£ £
950 900
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Page 21
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
10 Taxation
The charity is a registered charity and is therefore exempt from taxation.
11 Tangible fixed assets
| Cost At 1 April 2024 Additions At 31 March 2025 Depreciation At 1 April 2024 Charge for the year At 31 March 2025 Net book value At 31 March 2025 At 31 March 2024 12 Stock Stocks 13 Debtors Trade debtors Prepayments Accrued income VAT recoverable |
Furniture and equipment £ 12,528 10,176 22,704 8,439 7,434 15,873 6,831 4,089 |
Plant and machinery £ 109,810 6,958 |
Integral fixtures and fittings £ 247,309 31,507 |
Total £ 369,647 48,641 418,288 82,837 52,512 135,349 282,939 286,810 2024 £ 10,251 |
||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 116,768 | 278,816 | |||||
| 30,783 17,197 |
43,615 27,881 |
|||||
| 47,980 | 71,496 | |||||
| 68,788 | 207,320 | |||||
| 79,027 | 203,694 | |||||
| 2025 £ 10,689 2025 £ 2,267 1,919 24,593 5,360 34,139 |
||||||
| 2024 £ 445 2,312 20,001 - |
||||||
| 22,758 |
Page 22
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
14 Cash and cash equivalents
| 14 Cash and cash equivalents | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cash on hand Cash at bank |
2025 £ 2,333 98,979 101,312 |
2024 £ 1,384 77,304 |
| 78,688 |
15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year
| 15 Creditors: amounts falling due within one year | ||
|---|---|---|
| Trade creditors Hire purchase and finance leases Other taxation and social security Accruals |
2025 £ 412 2,453 8,570 27,769 39,204 |
2024 £ - 3,308 6,194 24,531 |
| 34,033 |
16 Creditors: amounts falling due after one year
| Hire purchase and finance leases | 2025 £ 17,965 |
2024 £ 19,226 |
|---|---|---|
17 Obligations under leases and hire purchase contracts
18 Funds
| 18 Funds | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Unrestricted funds General Unrestricted funds General |
Balance at 1 April 2024 £ 345,248 Balance at 1 April 2023 £ 446,268 |
Incoming resources £ 986,860 Incoming resources £ 813,652 |
Resources expended £ (960,198) Resources expended £ (914,672) |
Balance at 31 March 2025 £ 371,910 |
| Balance at 31 March 2024 £ 345,248 |
Page 23
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
19 Analysis of net assets between funds
| 19 Analysis of net assets between funds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Creditors over 1 year Total net assets Tangible fixed assets Current assets Current liabilities Creditors over 1 year Total net assets |
Unrestricted funds General £ 282,939 146,140 (39,204) (17,965) 371,910 Unrestricted funds General £ 286,810 111,697 (34,033) (19,226) 345,248 |
Total funds at 31 March 2025 £ 282,939 146,140 (39,204) (17,965) |
| 371,910 | ||
| Total funds at 31 March 2024 £ 286,810 111,697 (34,033) (19,226) |
||
| 345,248 |
20 Analysis of net funds
| Cash at bank and in hand Finance leases and hire purchase contracts Net debt Cash at bank and in hand Finance leases and hire purchase contracts Net debt |
At 1 April 2024 £ 78,688 (22,534) 56,154 At 1 April 2023 £ 196,791 - 196,791 |
Financing cash flows £ 22,099 17,464 39,563 Financing cash flows £ (118,103) (22,534) (140,637) |
At 31 March 2025 £ 100,787 (5,070) 95,717 At 31 March 2024 £ 78,688 (22,534) 56,154 |
|---|---|---|---|
21 Related party transactions
Page 24
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Notes to the Financial Statements for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
During the year the charity made the following related party transactions:
Mr D L and Mrs L Reynolds
(Trustees of the charity) Rent was charged at a commercial rate to the Charity amounting to £36,000 (2024: £36,000) which was agreed by the Trustees. The rent was charged by a partnership between the above.
The same partnership owns the zoo animals and has gifted the lease of the animals to the Charity.
Expenses incurred on behalf of the Charity by the partnership are recharged to the Charity on an equitable basis as set out in the Charity's constitution.
. At the balance sheet date the amount due to Mr D L and Mrs L Reynolds was £6,357 (2024 - £19,472).
Page 25
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025
| Income and Endowments from: Donations and legacies (analysed below) Charitable activities (analysed below) Total income Expenditure on: Charitable activities (analysed below) Total expenditure Net income/(expenditure) Net movement in funds Reconciliation of funds Total funds brought forward Total funds carried forward |
Total 2025 £ 91,736 895,124 986,860 (960,198) (960,198) 26,662 26,662 345,248 371,910 |
Total 2024 £ 56,976 756,676 |
|---|---|---|
| 813,652 | ||
| (914,672) | ||
| (914,672) | ||
| (101,020) | ||
| (101,020) 446,268 |
||
| 345,248 |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 26
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
| Donations and legacies Appeals and donations Gift Aid tax reclaimed Charitable activities Membership fees Souvenir guides Admissions Experiences Adoptions Photocard Other income Charitable activities Publicity costs Livestock purchases Veterinary and medicine Souvenir purchases Animal supplies Wages and salaries Staff NIC (Employers) Staff pensions (Defined contribution) Rent Premises expenses Insurance Repairs and maintenance Telephone, internet and computer Printing, postage and stationery Subscriptions and licences Charitable donations Hire of plant and machinery Sundry expenses Motor and transportation Accountancy fees Consultancy and professional fees Bank charges |
Total 2025 £ 6,391 85,345 91,736 13,661 4 786,582 90,646 3,430 723 78 895,124 (28,658) - (39,953) (8) (93,509) (504,340) (39,898) (9,908) (36,000) (55,419) (16,528) (17,551) (9,728) (4,660) (7,785) (7,540) (864) (3,343) (10,106) (5,984) (8,287) (5,074) |
Total 2024 £ 6,098 50,878 |
|---|---|---|
| 56,976 | ||
| 13,107 1,348 676,879 61,024 3,250 1,056 12 |
||
| 756,676 | ||
| (26,596) (2,650) (38,039) - (89,382) (469,427) (35,288) (9,285) (36,000) (53,455) (22,485) (31,088) (8,012) (5,262) (5,839) (7,025) (1,286) (2,322) (12,621) (6,487) (319) (3,918) |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 27
Exmoor Zoological & Conservation Centre
known as Exmoor Zoo
Detailed Statement of Financial Activities for the Year Ended 31 March 2025 (continued)
| Hire purchase interest Depreciation of plant and machinery Depreciation of furniture and equipment Depreciation of integral fixtures and fittings Independent examiner's fee |
Total 2025 £ (1,593) (17,197) (7,434) (27,881) (950) (960,198) |
Total 2024 £ (67) (18,146) (4,042) (24,731) (900) |
|---|---|---|
| (914,672) |
This page does not form part of the statutory financial statements. Page 28