Respectable and famous local citizens founded zoo in 1836

5th oldest zoo in world

An elephant named Zebi (1868-1909) was noted for eating straw hats

Rajah replaced her for kiddie rides

1934: First Chimpanzee conceived and born in captivity. Called Adam

In WWII, flowerbeds were used for vegetable growing. Animals were evacuated to safe areas

1963: White Tigers arrive
1961: Rosie the Elephant died. Gave 80,000 rides to children per year
Replaced by Wendy the Asian Elephant

1967: Severn Bridge opened
1,134,488 people visited zoo

1981: Reptile house opened

1997: Elephant house & children's play area

1998: Gorilla Island, flamingo pool, activity centre, Wallace aviary

Breeding:

Western Lowland Gorillas, Polar Bears, Okapis, Pancake Tortoises, Asiatic Lions