Blackpool Zoo at 50: The defining moments which have shaped five decades of a resort treasure
Blackpool Zoo has so many reasons to celebrate 50 golden years.
By Claire Lark
Published 5th Jul 2022, 15:45 BST
Updated 6th Jul 2022, 13:54 BST
July 6 1972 was when, in the pouring rain, the zoo was officially opened – and what a half century it has been.
The zoo actually stands on the site of an airport and it was where the Royal Lancashire Show was held. It has evolved unimaginably since then and as the resort’s fabulous Zoo marks the occasion with a day of celebrations, we look back at it’s varied past and the key moments which have shaped the last 50 years.
Also in 1993, the giraffes followed the white rhinos and left Blackpool Zoo to allow greater facilities for the elephants. It was decided to completely redevelop their once shared enclosure, solely for the elephants. This photo shows a vet treating one of the giraffes for a sore throat. The giraffes did return eventually... Photo: National World
In 1999 the Zoo acquired two more Asian elephants making a total of four. They came from the Berlin State Circus, which was going into liquidation. This photo shows Pete Morris, one of the Zoo's longest serving members of staff, with two of the elephants in the 1980s Photo: submit
Also in 1999 Lemur Wood was built on the site of the old Giant tortoise enclosure. This facility houses three species of lemur; Ring-Tailed, Black and Red Ruffed (pictured) Photo: UGC
In 2003 operations and development of the zoo was taken over by Grant Leisure Ltd, part of the MICE Group, and pledged to invest millions of pounds into the attraction. As part of the agreed investment a second hangar was fully redeveloped to house offices, admissions, retail areas and a Costa coffee shop. The old entrance became the Education Department and the unique Dinosaur Safari opened. This walk round time trail with its 32 lifesize dinosaurs, volcano and prehistoric gardens was an instant success. Photo: submit