Ever wondered about the first MGM lion? It might have been born right here in Dublin Zoo.
Dublin Zoo opened in 1831. It started small just four acres in Phoenix Park. The early animals included monkeys lions leopards bears and parrots. Even an elephant and a rhinoceros visited for a summer!
The Zoological Society of Ireland ran the zoo. They faced challenges relying on entry fees and memberships. Initially only society members and those who could afford sixpence could enter. Clever thinking led to Sunday openings for a penny. This proved wildly popular. The zoo later received a small government grant. This stabilized the zoo. A pair of lions were purchased. These lions bred successfully. This started a thriving Irish lion industry. Dublin Zoo’s lions were prized worldwide for their strength and health.
In the 1860s the zoo expanded. Permanent structures like a monkey house a lion house and an aquarium were built. The collection grew along with the expertise of the keepers. They even bartered for an orangutan exchanging it for lion cubs. This orangutan lived for almost four years a remarkable achievement then.
The zoo faced difficult times. The First and Second World Wars brought challenges. Yet the zoo’s popularity soared. Post-war visitor numbers skyrocketed. Fundraising events were incredibly popular. People joined the society just to attend them.
Later elephant rides chimpanzee tea parties and lion feeding became popular attractions. The zoo was the place for birthdays and celebrations. School groups arrived by the busload.
The zoo world changed. The focus shifted from display to conservation and education. Buying and selling animals gradually stopped. Dublin Zoo struggled to keep up. It nearly closed in 1990. But public support and government aid saved it.
The zoo underwent a transformation. New habitats were created. The Kaziranga Forest Trail for elephants was a standout success. The elephants bred successfully there. Dublin Zoo’s elephant management became a model for other zoos.
Today Dublin Zoo boasts world-class habitats. These include the African Savanna Gorilla Rainforest and Orangutan Forest. The zoo’s conservation message is woven into everything. It is a huge success. Annual visitor numbers reached a million in 2011. This speaks volumes for the affection Dubliners have for their beloved zoo.