This view may be history soon. We will know when the zoo publishes plans for the new Malagasy exhibit(s) on the sites of the old tiger paddock, to the left of this path, and the aviary on the right. Note the sheltered seating area, which was originally the polar bear den area, incorporating concrete pillars made from 2nd World War defences reused by Mr Mottershead.
Do you know if these pillars have gone now? - I am currently doing a project for university about wartime zoos, and I was wondering if they were destroyed when the aviaries were removed?
All gone now! Funnily enough I was looking at a photo of that old seating area few days ago. I could post it here if you wish. But of course these old structures at Chester were built after World War 2, when the old pillbox style fortifications were no longer needed. I don't think there any of these salvaged concrete structures still visible at the Zoo.
Not quite the same as the view above, I think there may have been some modifications between the two photos. I can't remember whether the door was in this position when there were polar bears in the enclosure, but I do remember a small window into one of the bear's dens.
