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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13. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
Another favourite of the visitors made a welcome return in 2009 - the penguins. The first phase of the Active Oceans area was completed with a raised pool with underwater viewing of the much-loved and very entertaining birds. The species which took up residency was Magellanic penguins, native to South America and the only ones of their kind in the UK. A sad and significant loss in 2009 was the zoo’s Amur tiger, Jagasar. In his mid-twenties, he was thought to be the oldest Amur tiger in captivity in Europe. A young male, Zambar, was brought in from Marwell Zoo. Lion cubs also arrived in 2009. Photo: submit
14. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
Active Oceans was completed in 2010 with the refurbishment of the sea lion pool, already the largest pool in the UK. The surround was naturalised and a 400-seater grandstand added. Huge glass windows allow superb viewing of the training routines performed several times a day. A new breeding male called Max arrived from Madrid and settled in very well. Wallaby Walkabout opened and the animal department of the Children’s Zoo was being completely rebuilt. The zoo also welcomed the safe arrival of its first Western Lowland gorilla baby, Meisie. Photo: submit
15. 2012
Pupils from Stanley Infants School in Marton, which in 1973 became the first school to take part in an educational visit, attended a special birthday party to mark the Zoo's 40th anniversary in 2012 and were entertained by Mooky and Mr Boo from the Tower Circus Photo: submit
16. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
The results of what was then the biggest animal investment in the zoo’s history are unveiled. Orangutan Outlook, with its split level viewing complete with huge windows, was home to one male and three female Bornean orangutans. The orangutans settle into the new enclosure Photo: submit