Inside abandoned zoo where urban explorer finds snake skins and breeding tanks

An urban explorer has shared photos and footage of an abandoned zoo, where he discovered breeding tanks, snake skins and other animal moults.

Daniel Sims, known online Bearded Reality, took a look around the former Rutland Sanctuary Zoo in Oakham, East Midlands.

The zoo closed down in late 2022 due to rising energy costs and, according to Daniel, is still in ‘amazing condition’.

Daniel, who shared the footage on TikTok and YouTube after visiting earlier this month, said: ‘The whole site has everything left behind – apart from the animals, of course.

‘It is still in amazing condition, so it’s surprising it just sat left and wasted.

‘The site itself in areas looks a little run-down but has suffered very little damage, so it could easily re-open as another mini zoo or attraction with very little effort.

‘You can tell the previous owners put a lot of their heart and soul into this project, so it’s a shame to see it like this.

Daniel Sims visited the former Rutland Sanctuary Zoo earlier this month (Picture: Jam Press/Bearded Reality)

The urban explorer inside one of the enclosures (Picture: Jam Press/Bearded Reality)

The zoo closed in 2022 due to rising costs (Pictures: Jam Press/Bearded Reality)

‘The rooms in the back were very interesting with all the incubators and breeding tanks left untouched from when the place closed, as well as notes of what animals were held here.

‘I was super surprised and pleased that all the tanks remained intact and not smashed, as I have been to similar places and seen this and reckon this is because of the place’s location and the fact the area has a groundskeeper, which is good.’

Daniel found various cages and tanks that once housed creatures, but now stand empty, plus a long snakeskin, which he touched.

The closure of the zoo was announced on social media back in October 2022 by owners, Joanna and Jeremy.

A list of snake skins, preserved insects and more (Picture: Jam Press/Bearded Reality)

Daniel believes the zoo could easily reopen with little work (Picture: Jam Press/Bearded Reality)

Daniel and friends at the zoo (Picture: Jam Press/Bearded Reality)

The post reads: ‘We are heartbroken to announce that we are having to close our doors at this time due to the energy increase crisis that has affected us in such a detrimental way.

‘We are forever grateful for all the support and love from all our friends, family and visitors towards each of ourselves and our charges.

‘Most importantly, to reassure everyone, all our animals are safe and still our highest priority to ensure they have a secure and safe full life ahead of them.’

The owners of Rutland said in 2022 they were ‘heartbroken’ to announce the closure (Picture: Jam Press/Bearded Reality)

There are no living animals left at the zoo (Picture: Jam Press/Bearded Reality)

There is apparently still a groundskeeper looking after the site (Picture: Jam Press/Bearded Reality)

Daniel said he felt lucky to discover the zoo when it’s still in good condition.

‘I was super pleased to explore this place and get some photos before inevitably nature takes its course and the place starts to decay fully.’

Last month we shared the work of council worker-turned-photographer Simon Sugden, who takes striking photos of abandoned places across in England and Wales, from theme parks to places of worship.

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