Longleat Safari & Adventure Park 'Lions of Longleat' Memerobillia

[Zambar]

Was on eBay (searching Longleat, of course) when I saw this.

Odd that a toy manufacturer would base their products on a wildlife attraction, but I guess it was a big thing when it opened in the 60's. Does anyone know of any more 'unusual' zoo memerobillia?

 

[GillP]

I am sure I had that set, or something very much like it, when I was a child in the early 70s.

From a kid's point of view, I think Longleat was a big thing back then ....... it was the 1st UK safari park and definitely the 1st one I remember being taken to. It seemed like a real adventure.

 

[Pertinax]

From a kid's point of vi I think Longleat was a big thing back then ....... it was the 1st UK safari park and definitely the 1st one I remember being taken to. It seemed like a real adventure.

Absolutely. I believe it was the first of its kind in the World as well as in the UK. There was a great deal of speculation as to whether such an idea could ever be successful regarding public safety issues etc, lots of opposition from local Councils etc which of course created more publicity and interest as a place to visit when it opened.

Longleat was the Uk's only Safari Park for some years.

 

[GillP]

According to good old Wiki, Longleat was the 1st drive through safari park outside of Africa in 1966 (though there had been a drive through - on a bus - lion exhibit in Tokyo 3 years before).

Then, in the UK, there was Windsor (1969), Woburn (1970), Blair Drummond (1970), Knowsley (1971), and Bewdley (West Midland Safari Park, 1973).

I think, to be able to remember it, I must have 1st gone to Longleat in 1969 or 1970 when I was 4/5. I still remember feeling quite scared at the prospect of our little car - a Morris Minor - amongst all the lions, but incredibly excited all the same.