Incredible UK zoo with 2 million visitors a year closed forever – open | UK | News

It started as a Stockport entrepreneur’s pipe dream and has become a destination for millions of people from all over the world. Belle Vue Zoological Gardens was opened in 1836 by John Jennison, who had previously found success after opening an aviary with his wife.

For the next 100 years, this attraction will feature exotic animals, adrenaline-inspiring roller coasters and circus attractions.

The site eventually managed to attract visitors from around the world by offering Manchester its own theme park.

Asian elephants, chimpanzees and lions graced the grounds used for fireworks displays based on battles and historical events.

One of the most famous animals was the elephant Maharajah, purchased from Edinburgh Zoo. The idea was to transport the creature from Scotland to Manchester by train, but the brave animal decided otherwise and tore off the roof of the carriage.

Instead a calmer and simpler method was used and trainer Lorenzo Lawrence walked south with the elephant, eventually taking 10 hours to reach Manchester.

When Lawrence arrived, he liked it so much that he stayed with the Maharajah and worked as an elephant keeper at Belle Vue for 40 years.

The Maharajah was so loved that his skeleton was exhibited after his death in 1882.

By the early 20th century, the area was selling itself as “the world’s showground” and featured the country’s third-largest zoo.

One of the gardens’ darkest days was April 7, 1960. manchesterhistory.netThree young men wearing large boots entered the park and began kicking the animals to death.

Among those killed were nine penguins, two swans and two pelicans, while many eggs were taken from the nests.

The trio, then aged 12, 13 and 14, were found guilty of charges relating to the incident and sent to an “approved school”.

Despite its success, the zoo racked up debt and was eventually closed in 1970, and the park in 1982.