In 1966, Neath builder Idris Hale bought the semi-derelict Penscynor House in Cilfrew.

The 11-acre (4.5 ha) grounds then became home to a large collection of exotic parrots and a number of charity days were held in response to public demand to see the birds.

[2] Success followed and it remained in the family's ownership until 1996 when Mr Hale's grandson, Jonathan Hale-Quant, took it over.

Starting in 1999, the Northern part of the park was developed into 41 residential units, retaining the children's playground from the zoo and area around it as open space.

[7] Many of the enclosures still existed as of 2012, including the chimp houses and penguin pool.