Belle Vue Zoological Gardens in Manchester, the UK's first privately financed zoo, closed permanently in 1977 after a series of tragedies and financial losses. The site, which at its peak spanned 165 acres and attracted over two million visitors annually, was demolished by 1987.
A century of attractions
The site opened in 1836 as the vision of John Jennison, an entrepreneur from Stockport, who initially intended to create leisure gardens for the middle classes. It quickly became the first privately funded zoo in the country, housing animals including monkeys, kangaroos, rhinos, lions, and bears. In 1870, the zoo was passed on to Jennison's children, and more animals were added.
Later, amusement attractions were introduced, billed as the "showground of the world". These included the 60 mph Bobs roller coaster, the scenic railway, the Caterpillar, the Ghost Train, and the Flying Sea Planes. A 1943 Picture Post article described the Bobs ride: "You're pulled up by a chain to a height of 85 feet, then travel a mile at a speed of 60 mph. On top of the first big dip, you feel sure you'll fly off and land in Scotland."
The King's Hall opened in 1910 and hosted concerts by legendary acts including Jimi Hendrix, The Who, Nat King Cole, The Rolling Stones, Leonard Cohen, Johnny Cash, and Led Zeppelin.
Tragedies and decline
The zoo survived both world wars. During the Second World War, animal keepers were equipped with rifles to handle potential dangers if animals became agitated during bombing raids. Animals were monitored around the clock, with night shifts introduced. Rationing made it difficult to source bananas and fish, forcing keepers to experiment with alternative foodstuffs.
Fire became a grave threat in later years, with the most catastrophic blaze striking in 1958. The inferno destroyed numerous buildings, including the Coronation Ballroom, though the zoo itself was not directly affected. The blaze came perilously close to the lion house, distressing an elderly lion so much that she had to be euthanised. This was one of many tragic animal deaths, including those that perished during a raid.
The park endured multiple incidents of theft and vandalism, but one episode in 1960 proved the most devastating. Trespassers broke onto the site, slaughtering 38 animals, including nine penguins.
Financial woes and closure
Despite these difficulties, monetary hardship ultimately sealed Belle Vue's fate. The operation was no longer economically viable, accumulating losses of approximately £100,000 annually. The zoological gardens shut permanently in 1977.
The amusement park continued to open at weekends during the summer months until that too became unsustainable. The entire site was demolished by 1987, and nothing remains except the recollections of those who visited. Today, the location has been redeveloped to accommodate housing estates, contemporary apartments, and a school.
