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.
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5. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
A new entrance to the zoo, different to the one today, was created in 1993. It included a larger shop which helped to increase customer spending. Steven Stanley was also appointed manager of the zoo during that year having previously managing Cricket St Thomas Zoo. Steven Leonard of BBC TV’s Vets in Practice fame opened the new entrance. Photo: Dave Nelson
6. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
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
7. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
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
8. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
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