For some reason, I always find it far more interesting when I hear of a species returning somewhere after a long absence, than seeing that same species at another or more recent collection. There are Snow Leopards to be seen in several UK zoos nowadays but seeing them again at one of the ZSL sites would still be more interesting to me.
The interior of the lion house is memorable. The smell, the noise, the hanging baskets and the wooden bench seating, were there free flying macaws at one time?. Feeding time was of coarse not to be missed.
I remember as an 11 year old arranging to meet a friend from my school in the holidays at the Zoo- the venue? - the seating at the back of the Lion House- there was a terrace effect, designed perhaps for more crowds to be able to see 'feeding time.'
I remember the hanging baskets (and all the animal houses at ZSL had colonies of house sparrows in the rafters) but not Macaws.
I do enjoy threads like this when I can only imagine what it would be like, the nearest i can get to the old London zoo Is the old tower zoo at Blackpool. It was pretty grim looking back but it had that magical feel and smell to it, that stays with you all your life.
In summer, there would be an increasing mass of people gathering in this house before feeding time- I think it was at 3 p.m. The Big Cats would be eagerly pacing the cages(in the days when Lions and Tigers were actually kept inside the House) and a general air of expectancy by both animals and visitors alike awaiting the Meat trolley to appear from the service area. I remember there was a clock over the entrance of that, so that so you could watch the time.
The other thing I remember vividly was when the Lions roared. One would begin- they always start quietly and build up to full-throated roars. Then another would join in, and another until they were all at it. The sound was tremendous in this cavernous building and visitors' reactions varied from amazement and awe, to fear. Gradually the sound would die away again as each Lion finished its sound cycle with a series of low 'huffs'- then suddenly the silence, with just the Sparrows chirping again.
I remember as an 11 year old arranging to meet a friend from my school in the holidays at the Zoo- the venue? - the seating at the back of the Lion House- there was a terrace effect, designed perhaps for more crowds to be able to see 'feeding time.'
I remember the hanging baskets (and all the animal houses at ZSL had colonies of house sparrows in the rafters) but not Macaws.
I spotted him. I suppose it just goes to prove that all barriers and fences in zoos are for climbing over or sitting on. Last year at Sewerby Zoo a man had climbed over the barrier in front of the Ring-tailed Lemurs and had his camera right up against the mesh causing his friend to ask "What do you think the barrier is for?". The photographer replied "No barrier can hold me."
There are a few pictures that may be of interest on my website. If anyone is interested, just Google 'Joe Mersey google sites' and you will find it. There is a London Zoo section with a sub page called 1876 Lion House. I know the website is not anything to shout about but there may be a few pictures you find worth a look.
