The future of one of Anglesey’s best-loved family attractions has been secured after a local family completed the purchase of Pili Palas Nature World.
The popular visitor attraction, which includes a small zoo, cafés, shop, indoor soft play area and outdoor park, has welcomed families from across North Wales and beyond for the past 40 years.
Its previous owners recently decided to retire, prompting a “once-in-a-lifetime opportunity” for the new owners, Endaf and Sally Ap Ieuan – whose family connection with Pili Palas stretches back many years.
The family were supported by Conwy-based Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors throughout the transaction and Dr Ap Ieuan, a semi-retired GP, said the purchase was driven by both a personal connection to the attraction and a desire to safeguard its future.
“Our daughter started working at Pili Palas as a teenager, and that experience inspired her to go on and study animal conservation and animal studies at university,” he said.
“Four years ago, she was offered the role of zoo manager here, so the business has already been a huge part of our family’s lives for a long time.
“When the previous owners approached us in June last year to ask whether we would be interested in buying the business, it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to continue something very special.”
He said the family hoped to preserve the attraction’s reputation while building for the future.
“Pili Palas means a great deal to local families and visitors to Anglesey, and we wanted to make sure it continued to thrive,” he added.
“We hope this will become something that stays within the family for generations to come, with our daughters and potentially the next generation helping to carry it forward.”
Dr Ap Ieuan praised the professional support received during the transaction from Lanyon Bowdler’s corporate and commercial team in Conwy.
“We were incredibly pleased with the service they provided,” he said. “They were very careful and thorough throughout the process, but also friendly and approachable at what can be quite a stressful time.
“We were pushing hard to complete before April 1 for the financial year-end, at a time when plenty of other businesses were trying to do exactly the same thing, but the team just knuckled down and got it done.”
Edward Nutting, head of Lanyon Bowdler’s Conwy office, said the firm was delighted to support the family with the acquisition.
“Pili Palas is a hugely popular attraction which has been enjoyed by families for many years, so it’s wonderful to see it pass into the hands of people with such a genuine passion and connection to the business,” he said.
“Buying a business is always a significant step, particularly when there is such a strong sense of responsibility for its future, and we were very pleased to help guide the family through the process.
“We wish them every success as they begin this exciting new chapter for Pili Palas.”
