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A much-loved Cotswolds zoo, whose exotic animals starred in many classic British films and television productions, has shut its doors for good.

Sadly, the zoo, described as "the only kind in the world," closed in March, according to This Is Oxfordshire, following Jim Clubb's retirement.

Clubb founded the renowned television enterprise, Amazing Animals, in 1977. Heythrop Zoo was subsequently constructed as a purpose-built location and film set in 1988.

The final production he contributed to was Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey, which is scheduled for release in July.

It served as a central hub for all of Europe's animal requirements, with its furry and feathered inhabitants appearing in the Harry Potter series, Mission: Impossible, The Mummy Returns, Stardust, Nativity, Sweeney Todd and The Golden Compass, reports Gloucestershire Live.

Now aged 71, Clubb acknowledged the decision to close "has not been taken lightly" and expressed his gratitude to all those who had offered their support throughout the decades of operation. He co-founded the zoo alongside his late former wife Sally.

Clubb has additionally garnered recognition for bringing his remarkable collection of unusual animals to local care homes, recently undertaking an initiative in which he brought his penguins to visit several hospices.

He said: "It was always my dream to have a private zoo but I had to be able to support it.

"It has been my entire life. I have enjoyed every moment. The zoo was unique, it was the only the only one of its kind in the world. I loved the classic zoo architecture, I designed the giraffe house based on London Zoo's, which is a listed building."

Clubb revealed that Heythrop was conceived as an exaggerated take on a traditional zoo with contemporary animal welfare at its core, making it the ideal setting for film and television productions.

It grew into one of the most significant animal training facilities for the audio-visual industry, with major productions, including The Legend of Tarzan and Mowgli: Legend of the Jungle, filmed on its grounds.

Clubb said: "I enjoyed doing the film Fierce Creatures, with John Cleese, and Our Zoo for the BBC."

The zoo never opened its gates to the general public, yet welcomed visitors for encounters, celebrations and open days.

"The joy it gave residents was enormous. We were inundated with requests, even after we announced the closure," Clubb said.

Every animal from the zoo has been rehomed in alternative zoos or private collections throughout the UK. The penguins, who have paid visits to several care homes, are scheduled to be transferred to a private collector next week.

Clubb revealed he has numerous plans for his retirement, including tending to his reptiles and tropical fish, as well as continuing to co-author historical animal books alongside his son Jamie.

He confirmed the site and its Cotswold stone buildings will be converted into storage units.