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.
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
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
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
In 2015, Vicky, the zoo's 32 year old Bornean orangutan, successfully underwent double surgery for the first time in UK history. The operations were performed by leading human and animal medical experts to alleviate severe congestion caused by chronic sinusitis and air sacculitis. Photo: submit
When an 18 stone tiger needed root canal treatment it required more than a simple visit from the vet dentist. A specialist team of ten was called upon to treat Blackpool Zoo’s Amur Tiger, Alyona, in a successful two-stage operation to treat and repair her four damaged canine (‘fang’) teeth. Alyona is pictured top with Radzi, Barney in front, and then Zambar Photo: submit