Hello, Im looking for information on Lulu the bear (Himalayan bear) who was at a small zoo in Chalkwell Park, Southend on Sea Essex during the 70s. Contrary to local beliefs, Lulu was actually a male and not female. Unfortunately he lived in a small cage, until London Zoo recommended a larger enclosure, but it was still not adequate for a bear. I believe he arrived by boat on the Thames. If anyone has any information about this bear, and in particular, how he arrived, I would be very grateful. Thank you.
United Kingdom Lulu the bear Chalkwell Park zoo
- Thread starter othnin
- Start date
I remember seeing a bear, housed in a very small cage, in Chalkwell Park several times circa 1963. I don't know if this was the same bear that was still there in the 1970s or if it was a different animal.
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Hi. Yes that would have been Lulu. He was there before 70s. I hadn't realised he was there in 63! Thank you for your response
Thank you.
Are we sure he was a Himalayan bear and not a sloth bear?
I last saw him more than sixty years ago and I was only a young child at the time so, after all these years, my memory could well be faulty. However I recall that he had very long shaggy fur, more like that of a sloth bear; he also had the long curved claws, typical of those of a sloth bear.
I read recently he was a Himalayan bear, but I agree, I remember him having shaggy fur. Im thinking though, the long curved claws might be due to him not having enough space to move about. I have two photos of him I got off face book, that I'll try and upload (they are not very clear though). Thank you
Moorhunhe
Well-Known Member
You can't post pictures as a new member. You need to keep engaging/posting.
Ok thank you for letting me know