A to Z of services

The original zoo was situated in the gardens of Croyland Abbey. A private collection of exotic animals,  it was opened to the public on June 13th 1943. 

The first thing that visitors saw on entry was a goldfish pond. The zoo exhibited monkeys, lions, panthers, a baby elephant and a giant tortoise amongst others. Behind the Horseshoe pub there was a penguin pool.

There are many stories relating to the Lion of Wellingborough zoo. The lion was taken to the cinema, the local park and generally treated like a pet. In fact the cinema event was captured on film by a local newspaper.

The zoo expanded during the 50's, and other species were imported, however the RSPCA criticised the poor conditions that the animals were kept in.

Matters came to a head when a man broke into the zoo and was mauled by a leopard, losing part of his arm.

The zoo closed in 1970 and became the Borough Council Offices and Swansgate Shopping Centre.

The original entry price was seven (old) pence.