Industry Statistics and Trends
Market size and recent performance (2014-2029)
Industry revenue has declined at a CAGR of 0.8 % over the past five years, to reach an estimated £927.0m in 2024.
Trends and Insights
Funding from grants and donations is vital for zoos’ and botanical gardens’ revenue
- Botanical and zoological gardens present a wide range of public goods, including education programmes, conservation work and research into animals and the environment. This draws in both public and private funding.
- Additional trends and insights available with purchase
Source: IBISWorld
Industry outlook (2024-2029)
Market size is projected to grow over the next five years.
Trends and Insights
Growing concern about the environment and conservation continue to drive engagement levels
- Concerns regarding the ethics of removing animals and plants from their natural environment for entertainment are growing ever stronger.
Biggest companies in the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK
| Company | Market Share (%)
2024 | Revenue (£m)
2024 |
|---|---|---|
Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew | 127.0 | |
Zoological Society of London | 80.8 | |
Merlin Entertainments (SEA LIFE) Ltd | 51.0 |
To view the market share and analysis for all 4 top companies in this industry, view purchase options.
Products & Services Segmentation
Source: IBISWorld
Industry revenue is measured across several distinct product and services lines, including Zoological gardens, Aquariums and Botanical gardens. Zoological gardens is the largest segment of the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK.
Trends and Insights
Zoos rebrand themselves as conservationists and educators to counter ethical concerns
- Zoos display collections of wild animals, attracting domestic and international visitors alike.
- More insights available in the full report
Table of Contents
About this industry
Industry definition
Companies in this industry operate and maintain botanical and zoological gardens. This includes children’s zoos, nature reserves and wildlife conservation areas. They also care for the animals and plants that live within these establishments.
What's included in this industry?
Botanical gardensZoological gardensChildren's zoosAquariumsNature reservesConserving wildlife and habitatsCompanies
Royal Botanic Gardens, KewZoological Society of LondonMerlin Entertainments (SEA LIFE) LtdPurchase this report to view all 4 major companies in this industry.
Related Terms
SEED BANKGENERABOTANICAL GARDENIndustry Code
SIC 91.04 - Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK
Performance
Get an indication of the industry's health through historical, current and forward-looking trends in the performance indicators that make or break businesses.
Analyst insights
Welfare concerns put zoos’ visitor numbers at risk. These venues are under more pressure than ever to prove that their animals are well cared for and their operations are ben...
In this chapter (4)
- Current Performance
- Outlook
- Volatility
- Life Cycle
Key metrics
- Annual Revenue, Recent Growth, Forecast, Revenue Volatility
- Number of Employees, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Employee
- Number of Businesses, Recent Growth, Forecast, Employees per Business, Revenue per Business
- Total Profit, Profit Margin, Profit per Business
Charts
- Revenue, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Employees, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Businesses, including historical (2014-2023) and forecast (2024-2029)
- Profit, including historical (2014-2024)
- Industry Volatility vs. Revenue Growth
- Industry Life Cycle
Detailed analysis
- Trends in supply, demand and current events that are driving current industry performance
- Expected trends, economic factors and ongoing events that drive the industry's outlook
- Key success factors for businesses to overcome volatility
- How contribution to GDP, industry saturation, innovation, consolidation, and technology and systems influence the industry's life cycle phase.
Products and Markets
Learn about an industry's products and services, markets and trends in international trade.
Analyst insight
Zoos dominate the industry’s revenue streams. They account for nearly half of the market and are keeping themselves in high demand by rebranding as animal conservation and re...
In this chapter
- Products & Services
- Major Markets
Key metrics
- Largest market segment and value in 2024
- Product innovation level
Charts
- Products & services segmentation in 2024
- Major market segmentation in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Trends impacting the recent performance of the industry's various segments
- Innovations in the industry's product or service offering, specialization or delivery method
- Key factors that successful businesses consider in their offerings
- Buying segments and key trends influencing demand for industry products and services
Geographic Breakdown
Discover where business activity is most concentrated in an industry and the factors driving these trends to find opportunities and conduct regional benchmarking.
Analyst insights
Zoos and botanical gardens need lots of room. That’s why they’re most concentrated in the South East and the East of England – there’s plenty of open space in these regions f...
In this chapter (1)
- Business Locations
Charts
- Share of revenue, establishment, wages and employment in each region
- Share of population compared to establishments in each region in 2024
Tables
- Number and share of establishments in each region in 2024
- Number and share of revenue each region accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of wages each region accounts for in 2024
- Number and share of employees in each region in 2024
Detailed analysis
- Geographic spread of the industry across Europe, and trends associated with changes in the business landscape
- Key success factors for businesses to use location to their advantage
Competitive Forces
Get data and insights on what's driving competition in an industry and the challenges industry operators and new entrants may face, with analysis built around Porter's Five Forces framework.
Analyst insights
Educational value can be key to attracting visitors. Sites offering a fun and informative experience are likely to perform best, especially among schools – school trips are a...
In this chapter (4)
- Concentration
- Barriers to Entry
- Substitutes
- Buyer & Supplier Analysis
Key metrics
- Industry concentration level
- Industry competition level and trend
- Barriers to entry level and trend
- Substitutes level and trend
- Buyer power level and trend
- Supplier power level and trend
Charts
- Market share concentration among the top 4 suppliers from 2019-2024
- Supply chain including upstream supplying industries and downstream buying industries, flow chart
Detailed analysis
- Factors impacting the industry’s level of concentration, such as business distribution, new entrants, or merger and acquisition activity.
- Key success factors for businesses to manage the competitive environment of the industry.
- Challenges that potential industry entrants face such as legal, start-up costs, differentiation, labor/capital intensity and capital expenses.
- Key success factors for potential entrants to overcome barriers to entry.
- Competitive threats from potential substitutes for the industry’s own products and services.
- Key success factors for how successful businesses can compete with substitutes.
- Advantages that buyers have to keep favorable purchasing conditions.
- Advantages that suppliers have to maintain favorable selling conditions.
- Key success factors for how businesses can navigate buyer and supplier power.
Companies
Learn about the performance of the top companies in the industry.
Analyst insights
Kew Gardens draws visitors in with unique events. It hosts art exhibitions that attract visitors from across the globe, as well as offering strong revenue from ticket sales a...
In this chapter
- Market Share Concentration
- Companies
- Company Spotlights
Charts
- Industry market share by company in 2020 through 2024
- Major companies in the industry, including market share, revenue, profit and profit margin in 2024
- Overview of Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Zoological Society of London's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of Merlin Entertainments (SEA LIFE) Ltd's performance by revenue, market share and profit margin from 2018 through 2024
- Overview of revenue, market share and profit margin trend for one additional company
Detailed analysis
- Description and key data for Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Zoological Society of London, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description and key data for Merlin Entertainments (SEA LIFE) Ltd, and factors influencing its performance in the industry
- Description, key data and performance trends for one additional company
External Environment
Understand the demographic, economic and regulatory factors that shape how businesses in an industry perform.
Analyst insights
Funding kept zoos going during COVID-19. At the height of the pandemic, the government’s emergency £100 million Zoo Animals Fund was vital in propping up income.
In this chapter
- External Drivers
- Regulation & Policy
- Assistance
Key metrics
- Regulation & policy level and trend
- Assistance level and trend
Charts
- Regulation & Policy historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
- Assistance historical data and forecast (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Demographic and macroeconomic factors influencing the industry, including Regulation & Policy and Assistance
- Major types of regulations, regulatory bodies, industry standards or specific regulations impacting requirements for industry operators
- Key governmental and non-governmental groups or policies that may provide some relief for industry operators.
Financial Benchmarks
View average costs for industry operators and compare financial data against an industry's financial benchmarks over time.
Analyst insights
Attractions rely on retail revenue for profit. Though many zoos and botanical gardens are not-for-profit, those that are turn to things like merchandise and food and drink to...
In this chapter
- Cost Structure
- Financial Ratios
- Key Ratios
Key metrics
- Profit margin, and how it compares to the sector-wide margin
- Average wages, and how it compares to the sector-wide average wage
- Largest cost component as a percentage of revenue
- Industry average ratios for days' receivables, industry coverage and debt-to-net-worth ratio
Charts
- Average industry operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Average sector operating costs as a share of revenue, including purchases, wages, depreciation, utilities, rent, other costs and profit in 2024
- Investment vs. share of economy
Data tables
- Liquidity Ratios (2018-2022)
- Coverage Ratios (2018-2022)
- Leverage Ratios (2018-2022)
- Operating Ratios (2018-2022)
- Assets (2018-2022)
- Liabilities (2018-2022)
- Cash Flow & Debt Service Ratios (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Employee (2014-2029)
- Revenue per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Employees per Establishment (2014-2029)
- Employees per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- Average Wage (2014-2029)
- Wages/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Establishments per Enterprise (2014-2029)
- IVA/Revenue (2014-2029)
- Imports/Demand (2014-2029)
- Exports/Revenue (2014-2029)
Detailed analysis
- Trends in the cost component for industry operators and their impact on industry costs and profitability
Key Statistics
Industry Data
Data Tables
Including values and annual change:
- Revenue (2014-2029)
- IVA (2014-2029)
- Establishments (2014-2029)
- Enterprises (2014-2029)
- Employment (2014-2029)
- Exports (2014-2029)
- Imports (2014-2029)
- Wages (2014-2029)
Top Questions Answered
Unlock comprehensive answers and precise data upon purchase. View purchase options.
What is the market size of the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry in United Kingdom in 2024?
The market size of the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry in United Kingdom is £927.0m in 2024.
How many businesses are there in the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry in 2024?
There are 393 businesses in the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry in United Kingdom, which has declined at a CAGR of 0.1 % between 2019 and 2024.
Has the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry in United Kingdom grown or declined over the past 5 years?
The market size of the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry in United Kingdom has been declining at a CAGR of 0.8 % between 2019 and 2024.
What is the forecast growth of the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry in United Kingdom over the next 5 years?
Over the next five years, the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry in United Kingdom is expected to grow.
What are the biggest companies in the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK market in United Kingdom?
The biggest companies operating in the Botanical & Zoological Gardens market in United Kingdom are Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Zoological Society of London and Merlin Entertainments (SEA LIFE) Ltd
What does the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK in United Kingdom include?
Botanical gardens and Zoological gardens are part of the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry.
Which companies have the highest market share in the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK in United Kingdom?
The company holding the most market share in United Kingdom is Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
How competitive is the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry in United Kingdom?
The level of competition is moderate and steady in the Botanical & Zoological Gardens in the UK industry in United Kingdom.
Related Industries
Widen your competitive advantage with related industries
Competitors
- Libraries, Museums & Cultural Activities in the UK
- Golf Courses in the UK
- Amusement & Theme Parks in the UK
Complementors
- Veterinary Services in the UK
International industries
- National Parks & Other Nature Institutions
- Zoos & Aquariums in the US
- Zoological and Botanical Gardens in Australia
- Nature Reserves and Conservation Parks in Australia
View all industries in United Kingdom
Methodology
How are IBISWorld reports created?
IBISWorld has been a leading provider of trusted industry research for over 50 years to the most successful companies worldwide. With offices in Australia, the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany and China, we are proud to have local teams of analysts that conduct research, data analysis and forecasting to produce data-driven industry reports.
Our analysts start with official, verified and publicly available sources of data to build the most accurate picture of each industry. Analysts then leverage their expertise and knowledge of the local markets to synthesize trends into digestible content for IBISWorld readers. Finally, each report is reviewed by one of IBISWorld’s editors, who provide quality assurance to ensure accuracy and readability.
IBISWorld relies on human-verified data and human-written analysis to compile each standard industry report. We do not use generative AI tools to write insights, although members can choose to leverage AI-based tools within the platform to generate additional analysis formats.
What data sources do IBISWorld analysts use?
Each industry report incorporates data and research from government databases, industry-specific sources, industry contacts, and our own proprietary database of statistics and analysis to provide balanced, independent and accurate insights.
Key data sources in the UK include:
- Office for National Statistics
- Office for Budget Responsibility
- Bank of England
Analysts also use industry specific sources to complement catch-all sources, although their perspective may focus on a particular organization or representative body, rather than a clear overview of all industry operations. However, when balanced against other perspectives, industry-specific sources provide insights into industry trends.
These sources include:
- Industry and trade associations
- Industry federations or regulators
- Major industry players annual or quarterly filings
Finally, IBISWorld’s global data scientists maintain a proprietary database of macroeconomic and demand drivers, which our analysts use to help inform industry data and trends. They also maintain a database of statistics and analysis on thousands of industries, which has been built over our more than 50-year history and offers comprehensive insights into long-term trends.
How does IBISWorld forecast its data?
IBISWorld’s analysts and data scientists use the sources above to create forecasts for our proprietary datasets and industry statistics. Depending on the dataset, they may use regression analysis, multivariate analysis, time-series analysis or exponential smoothing techniques to project future data for the industry or driver. Additionally, analysts will leverage their local knowledge of industry operating and regulatory conditions to impart their best judgment on the forecast model.
IBISWorld prides itself on being a trusted, independent source of data, with over 50 years of experience building and maintaining rich datasets and forecasting tools. We are proud to be the keystone source of industry information for thousands of companies across the world.
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