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From Stars to Silence: The Echoes of Southport Zoo
29 May
Summary
- Southport Zoo housed over 1,000 animals and 154 species.
- Famous residents included film stars Chiefy the leopard and Rajah the lion.
- The zoo closed in 2004 after its lease was not renewed by Sefton Council.
Southport Zoo, a beloved attraction with a 51-year history, ceased operations in 2004. Originally starting as a one-acre 'Pet Corner' in 1953, it expanded to six acres, housing over 1,000 animals and 154 species. Among its notable residents were Chiefy, a leopard featured in films, and Rajah, a lion with silver screen fame.
Under the management of Douglas and Carol Petrie from 1967 until its closure, the zoo attracted up to 67,000 visitors annually. However, it also faced criticism from animal welfare campaigners, with one group labelling it one of Britain's worst zoos in 2002.
The zoo's closure was finalized in 2004 when Sefton Council refused to extend its lease. Its animals were relocated across the country. The former zoo site has since been redeveloped, initially as part of a theme park, then a paintball facility, and most recently Battlefield Live Southport, which has also ceased operations.
