Originally commissioned in the late 1920’s, and completed in 1933, the main building was one of three radio transmitting stations built by the BBC at the time.
This historic building once played an important role in broadcasting radio across the region and is now a Grade II listed building, making Tropiquaria one of the few zoos in the UK housed within such a distinctive historic landmark.
Today the building forms the heart of the zoo and is home to wonders from all across the globe. The original Transmitter Hall now houses the Reptile House, the service basement houses the Aquarium, and the battery rooms are now home to the Nocturnal House. The original garage is now home to the Gift Shop, the audio rooms now house the offices, and the original staff canteen, where station engineers would have had their lunch with a view across the Quantocks nearly 100 years ago, now function as veterinary and quarantine facilities.
