Whilst every single one is special in its own way - from the giant elephants to the small reptiles - some are more remembered than others. As Blackpool Zoo celebrates its 50th anniversary this week, these photos capture the magic of the zoo, the animals who have made their mark over the years, zoo keepers and visitors who have shared the journey.
In case you missed them: From entertainment to environmental champion: Blackpool Zoo looks back on 50 years of exotic animals
1. Zoo heroes
The pride of the Zoo - Henry was one of the first lions in 1972 Photo: submit
2. Zoo heroes
Keeper Jon Chaston keeping Darwin the giant tortoise's shell in tip-top condition, 1998. Darwin died just recently, in April this year, at the grand age of 105 Photo: Bill Johnson
3. Zoo Heroes
Kukee the gorilla having fun in the snow with his keeper. Kukee was a character in the early days. He sadly died in 1981 Photo: Submit
4. Zoo heroes
Orangutan Vicky, undoubtedly on of the Zoo's biggest characters, nursing her baby Photo: Submit
5. Zoo heroes
Harry was a three week-old penguin chick, whose mother died as a result of eating something a visitor to Blackpool Zoo threw into the enclosure. He was being hand-reared by penguin keeper Maria Cadman in 1997 Photo: Rob Lock
6. Zoo heroes
At the age of 53, Kate the elephant is one of the zoo's original animals. The matriarch is now under a tailored care programme, which involves weekly pedicures from specialist zoo staff in the zoo’s new elephant facility - Project Elephant Base Camp Photo: submit