Stone Zoo Help finding 1956 "Middlesex Zoo" Guidebook

[ZooElephantMan]

I was recently on the website "Les Zoos dans le Monde," looking at some information on some local zoos in my area. One thing that stuck out to me was a page that listed a 1956 guidebook for the Stone Zoo, from back when the place was referred to as the Middlesex Fells Zoo (this was the facility's name from 1905-1969).

The zoo is very different today from how it used to be, and so I was excited to hear about this guidebook's existence because it could provide a fascinating look into the zoo's past. Unfortunately, I tried researching to find the guidebook online, but it didn't come up with anything. If anyone on here happens to have a copy of the guidebook (or similar MA zoo guidebooks), or knows where I could find one, I'd appreciate any insights.

The cover of the guidebook

 

[gibbonsinger]

I found a page of the guidebook featured in the Images of America - Middlesex Fells book on page 98.

I'm not sure if you're in the area, but it looks like the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation has a copy on hand. I think you can visit the Massachusetts Archives in Boston to see it in person. I hope this helps a bit!

 

[ZooElephantMan]

Wow, thank you for the tip! The book also has some really interesting images of the zoo on page 96, including an overhead photograph taken in 1971!

In the image you can still make out the "Windows to the Wild" building in the center, the semi-circle shaped bear exhibit to its left, and the Animal Discovery Center to its upper right (which was the elephant house). The giant flat empty area at the top is now Treasures of the Sierra Madre, and it seems like the round seal pool toward the bottom middle is now the yak exhibit.

 

[15399]

Wow, thank you for the tip! The book also has some really interesting images of the zoo on page 96, including an overhead photograph taken in 1971!

In the image you can still make out the "Windows to the Wild" building in the center, the semi-circle shaped bear exhibit to its left, and the Animal Discovery Center to its upper right (which was the elephant house). The giant flat empty area at the top is now Treasures of the Sierra Madre, and it seems like the round seal pool toward the bottom middle is now the yak exhibit.
View attachment 602739

Do you know what that tall trapezoidal thing is, located to the right of Windows to the Wild?

 

[PSO]

That's is the old Aviary @Neil chace

 

[15399]

That's is the old Aviary @Neil chace

Looks like an impressive structure. A shame it no longer exists.

 

[PSO]

It was an interesting building. Main floor was a free flight with a few macaws in runs towards the back. You then went into the "basement" which had an invert collection, an iguana exhibit and snowy owls

 

[ZooElephantMan]

It was an interesting building. Main floor was a free flight with a few macaws in runs towards the back. You then went into the "basement" which had an invert collection, an iguana exhibit and snowy owls

Do you know why and when it was demolished?

 

[PSO]

If I remember correctly it would have cost quite a bit to upgrade as it was outdated and this was around the time the zoo almost shutdown. I want to say late 90s, possibly very early 2000s.