There was no announcement made, but instead a number of visitors arrived to find the gates locked up and a handwritten sign
There was no announcement made, but instead a number of visitors arrived to find the gates locked up and a handwritten signThe locals of Glasgow were devastated to find the gates of their favourite zoo locked up, never for them to enter again, with a heartbreaking reason behind the much-loved attractions closure.
Zoo was an impressive 99-acre zoo in Baillieston, Glasgow, which was a cornerstone for the community since 1947. It was first established by the Zoological Society of Glasgow and West of Scotland, located on the site of the former Calderpark Estate. At its peak, the beloved zoo was home to over 600 animals, requiring full-time staff to take care of them and an influx of 140,000 visitors each year.
It came to an abrupt end in 2003, and more than 20 years on, very few traces of Glasgow Zoo remain. Although what drew the place to a close was an eye-watering amount of debt.
The zoo bid its visitors farewell in August 2003 after running up around £3.5 million in debt and failing to renew its zookeeper licence after failing to meet standards onIt's believed the deterioration of the zoo in its final years was mostly down to the lack of funding from the council and its fight against allegations of animal cruelty. During this time, zoos across the United Kingdom were licensed by local authorities as part of the 1981 Zoo Licensing Act, which required regular inspections, a minimum of once every six years.
An additional inspection took place at the zoo in 2002 in the wake of several complaints, and there were a number of red flags revealed. Jordi Casamitjana, a former animal welfare investigator, claimed the enclosures were decayed and posed a risk both to animals and visitors as well as noting disintegrating infrastructure and visible signs of stress and depression in some of the animals.
Results from the council’s inspection were found by a number of animal rights groups, and before long, alongside their own observations, the zoo fell into a state of collapse. When the zoo closed, it was then a big scramble to make sure the animals were safely rehomed. This resulted in widespread rumours about what happened to the animals.
However, during this process one animal, a 32-year-old Asiatic bear suffering from cancer called Bongo, was euthanised after being at the zoo for only a number of years. It was the only animal that underwent this procedure. By the end of 2003, all of the animals had been successfully rehomed whilst the rest of the land remained derelict. The land which once welcomed thousands of visitors remained untouched and unloved, with multiple old buildings falling into disrepair.
Many of the enclosures that the animals once called home sat demolished or vandalised, with signs of illegal dumping, and some were even burnt down.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Canada flight sale means Glasgow travellers can hop the Atlantic for £379 returnThe airline operates up to six flights a week in the peak season from Glasgow to Toronto, with up to one flight a week in the winter.
Read more »
Glasgow's busiest e-bike stations named as hire scheme sees huge increase in useSix months since being relaunched with new operators the city's e-bike hire scheme is proving incredibly popular.
Read more »
Glasgow hospital 'doping' scandal deepens over care of Scottish cycling icon Ernie ScallyHelen says her husband, Ernie Scally, was still able to enjoy life until he was admitted to the Jura Ward, at Stobhill Hospital in July 2024.
Read more »
'Rudest coffee shop' in Glasgow to close as they say goodbye to ShawlandsKnown for their adult-themed cookie display and X-rated bathroom, the founders say it's been a 'little heartbreaking' making the decision to close and relocate back to their original bakery.
Read more »