site of polar bear enclosure @ Whipsnade; 15.03.04

This was just at the foot of the steps by the cafe opposite the white rhino paddock. My car can just be seen at the far left of the picture, parked by the cafe. Originally the enclosure was surrounded by iron railings similar to those on the tiger dell, which is also on this gallery. Compare this to the image posted by Jon-09 on this gallery.
The bears left Whipsnade in 1984, being moved to Chester. I\'m not sure when this and the kodiak bear pit were filled in, I think it was circa 1989/1990.
All that is left now is a large mound.

Old and unused Enclosures are definately very depressing things indeed,
but just to think that 50 years before this was taken these enclosures would of been booming of life in state of the art natural open air enclosures is a fantastic thought.
And now all that is left is a landscaped area for picnics and so on. Just to think all those people having a picnic once were some of the greatest enclosures of their day stood and they dont even notice!
There should be a display somewhere about the old Carnivore Dells I think it would be very interesting to show people how things have changed but how Whipsnade has a very inspirational part in displaying these magnificant animals.

Riziki said:

Just to think all those people having a picnic once were some of the greatest enclosures of their day stood and they dont even notice!

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I can remember perfectly well seeing the Polar Bears in this enclosure as I was a regular visitor in my childhood. To me this enclosure seemed pretty large then (same with the Lion and Tiger Dells)- as do most things from one's childhood memories. I've never had a look at the remnant that's left- I must do so next visit.

Indeed Pertinax. With most of the area being landscaped for Picnic sites its hard to have a good idea at were things were but looking at pictures on here it gives a greater insight.
Ill see if I can recognise any bits in my next visit but it will be very vague as all of the old dells have been filled in.

British Pathe - WHIPSNADE WAYS

Can be seen in use shortly after opening at the end of this clip

Pertinax said:

I can remember perfectly well seeing the Polar Bears in this enclosure as I was a regular visitor in my childhood. To me this enclosure seemed pretty large then (same with the Lion and Tiger Dells)- as do most things from one's childhood memories. I've never had a look at the remnant that's left- I must do so next visit.

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I also remember this years ago with the very tall black iron railings around the front of the exhibit, all the floor was concrete with a tiny pool.

Both the lions and tigers were kept in the old chalk pits with the same black iron railings, got to say these had heaps of room with many trees and bushes which looked fine at the time.

Wow, I remember this on my 1999 visit! I so need to go there again.