Linton Zoological Gardens RIP Len Simmons (co-founder of Linton Zoo)

[TeaLovingDave]

Posted on the Linton Zoo FB page:

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Len Simmons, co-founder of Linton Zoo, who lost his battle with motor neurone disease on Thursday night. A service will be held in memory of Len at 12 noon on Monday 22nd December at St Mary’s Church in Linton, before we bring him back home to his final resting place at the zoo.
Some of you have already asked about sending flowers. Whilst this would be very much appreciated, we know that Len would prefer any hardy flowers, shrubs or trees that can be planted in a special memorial garden being created for him within the zoo grounds. Not only would this provide lasting enjoyment for future generations, it would also help create additional habitat for native wildlife species and thus continue the wonderful work Len started in 1972.

The condolences thread can be found here: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=916950028315675&id=143911748952844

 

[Nanook]

Sad news indeed, Linton Zoo has long been a favourite place of mine.
At least he will be remembered in the special memorial gardens to be established in his zoo, a nice idea.

 

[Panthera1981]

One of the first zoos I remember visiting, still a little gem.

Very sad indeed.

 

[zooman64]

I worked at Linton Zoo in 1985. Very sorry to hear of Len's passing.

 

[bigcat speciali]

Sorry to hear the passing of Len, condolences to those who knew him, to his family and staff. Many a time, spent chatting to Len, chatting about this animal and that as well as on how things were in the zoo world. Sad loss...

 

[Parrotsandrew]

RIP Mr Simmons. I have been to Linton only twice but I liked it.

P.S. Of course it was what was known as "New Linton Zoo" for a while that Mr Simmons co-founded, as the orinal zoo was opened by Prue Hopkins and Mike Sheedy in 1969 and eventually purchased by the Simmons family. Clin Keeling wrote a book about its early days - "Little Acorns Grow".

 

[pipaluk]

Was sad to see this thread.
After London, Linton provides me with my earliest memories, right back to 1972 when I was 5. It became one of my local zoos when I moved to the area just before Len took it over.
I visited frequently in the 70s & saw the place develop, my mother took me after school sometimes in spring/summer.
I hope the zoo can grow more as a lasting tribute.
Thanks Len, RIP