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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7. 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
8. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
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
9. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
By 2006 a day nursery - with a zoo in its backyard - opened, as did the Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy attraction. Amazonia was also launched this year - developed in the water gardens which closed several years earlier - visitors could sample life in the rainforest, amidst animals including Squirrel monkeys, Marmosets, Ted Titi monkeys, agouti, toco toucans and numerous species of parrot and water fowl. The Mayor of Blackpool Councillor Allan Matthews and Mayoress Mrs Angela Matthews make friends with the squirrel monkeys on the opening day Photo: Bill Johnson
10. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
In 2007 the zoo was taken over by Parques Reunidos, a Spanish-based leisure organisation with 24 other zoos and safari parks. This venture was the beginning of a very promising and exciting future for Blackpool Zoo. Darren Webster (pictured) was appointed Zoo Director. At that time, the zoo’s primary aim was to conserve endangered species, putting the animals first. Photo: submit
11. 50 years of Blackpool Zoo
in 2008 the Arnie Aardvark’s Adventure Play Barn opened and three magnificent giraffes returned to the zoo during the summer. Always at the top of the list of most-wanted animals, these beautiful, gentle giants undoubtedly captivated visitors and staff. This photo show the new additions - three giraffes called Sive, Caoimhe and Ciara Photo: Rob Lock
12. 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