The move follows widespread outrage over plans to rehome the park’s 96 animals and close the much-loved facility.
A petition to save the park quickly amassed over 11,000 signatures, demonstrating borough-wide support.
Campaigners gathered outside the council meeting on 29 January to protest the closure plans.
Following discussions, the council announced it would continue to fund and manage Maryon Wilson Animal Park, ensuring it remains open for the community and schools.
Councillor Sandra Bauer, Cabinet Member for Equality, Culture and Communities said: “Over the last week, residents have told us that they understand the difficult decisions we have to make – but it’s been reaffirmed to us quite how cherished Maryon Wilson Animal Park is.
“While we do need to make savings, we’re going to rethink this approach.
“I’ve heard you loud and clear. I’ve met with campaigners, and I’ve listened. I’m pleased to say that we’re going to remove the proposal and explore alternative ways to keep the park open to the public.
“There are councils effectively going bust in this country – and while it’s not us, our priority must be protecting the frontline services that people rely on. But that doesn’t mean that we can’t listen when it matters, and that’s exactly what we’re doing.
“The Council will have to make tough decisions to balance its budget. But, while we lobby for fairer funding and continue to look at how we deliver our services, we’ll make sure we work with you and the park to keep it open.”
The initial plan aimed to save £60,000 annually by 2028, but the cost of rehoming 93 animals would have reduced those savings to just £5,000 over four years.
The council’s proposal sparked immediate backlash, with 250 residents gathering last Sunday to voice their concerns in a meeting with councillors.
Campaigner Gary Dark told the News Shopper: “This movement was designed in the community, mobilised in the community, and is being delivered in the community.
“We had 250 people here on Sunday, and 10,000 people have signed the petition. These wards don’t even have 10,000 residents. That shows how much this matters across the borough.”
Maryon Wilson Animal Park is home to deer, goats, rabbits, ducks, and other animals.
It provides a vital educational resource for 11 local schools, with teachers incorporating visits into their lesson plans.
The park plays a key role in teaching children about ecology, erosion, and transportation, offering hands-on learning experiences that schools rely on.
Jane Laws, a community member, highlighted the park’s importance: “For families struggling financially, this park is an alternative to places like the zoo. One grandmother told me she can’t afford expensive attractions but can bring her grandchildren here.”
The Riding School for the Disabled (RDA), which stables three horses at the site, would have remained under the council’s initial proposal, but the park’s popular petting areas would have been lost.
Councillor Matt Hartley, Leader of the Conservative Opposition on Greenwich Council, said: “I am thrilled that everyone’s hard work in fighting this terrible proposal to close the Animal Park has paid off.
“Greenwich Council’s Labour leadership badly underestimated the affection our borough feels for this vital community asset.
“They need to learn from this episode, and work collaboratively with the community to secure the long-term future of the Animal Park – as they should have done in the first place.
“The Opposition Group of councillors will be making sure they follow through.”
While the council faces significant financial pressures, including the need to find £43.4 million in budget savings this year alone, it has recognised the park’s vital role in the community.
Officials acknowledge that difficult decisions must be made to protect frontline services, but they also recognise the overwhelming public support for preserving the park.
A spokesperson for the council said: “The Royal Borough of Greenwich has a duty to balance its books and provide services that residents rely on day in and day out.
“While everyone accepts that tough choices need to be made for the council to deliver a balance budget and remain financially stable, we understand the weight of public sentiment over the future of Maryon Wilson Animal Park.
“Having engaged with residents, community leaders and those who run the park, we’re going to remove the proposal from this year’s budget and explore ways to make sure the park stays open for years to come. “
