The Blue Bore at Hucknall also had a small zoo back in the 70s. i beleive the last time i past there the land at the back and side of the said pub is now being built on houses that zoo was originally run by some 'odd' circus/ lion tamer type who also tried (and failed) to make a national TV career for himself The reason i knew there was a zoo there is i lived behind the pit headstocks back in the seventys, moved around seventy six, i think by then the zoo had closed Invariably appeared in full length riding boots, carrying a lion tamers whip....spoke with some strange posh Home Counties accent Seem to recall the zoo's demise came about because of lack of patronage, complaints from the supermarket warehouse people next door about the stench - and the eventual intervention of the Health & Safety Mafia. Blue Boar you say...well that "zoo" folded years ago, the owner cleared off leaving a garden shed full of dead baboons !
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Very odd email I received from who know's where. Does anybody know what they are talking about????
Posted by
Wade G. Burck
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6 comments:
Hucknall is in central England, I think in Nottinghamshire. I have a feeling I know the identity of the "zoo owner" for want of a better expression, but purely because of that location. Consequently I shall mention no names - at the moment!
John.
John is quite right. The zoo was actually called Sherwood Zoo - The Blue Boar/Bore was in fact the pub and bar next to the ground. I visited the zoo on many occasions until it closed in 1976. The zoo was impressive - with good cages and facilities for the animals - which were always seemed to be in excellent condition. There was a lot of human contact - very much "hands on". I particularly remember the baby elephant, Gosta being taken for walks around the zoo. I also remember there were many animal training displays - especially with the big cats. The original posting can be found on a local blog for the Nottingham area.
I understand a book is being, or has been written on the subject.
There is currently an internet site stating: "BROOMHILL Park is best known as the site of the former Sherwood Zoo.
A well-known big-cat trainer (edited) originally ran the zoo, which housed animals ranging from lions, panthers, leopards and elephants to monkeys, reptiles and birds of prey, as well as a pets' corner.
The zoo operated alongside the Blue Boar (now The Bowman) pub and restaurant.
After the zoo went bankrupt in 1976, the landlord agreed to look after the lions left on the site until a buyer of the zoo was found.
A doctor of biology from Preston, Lancashire bought the lions from the receivers and sent a lorry for three of them. But he was eventually prosecuted by the RSPCA and found guilty of abandoning the remaining two lions, Nero and Levi.
The two lions were duly adopted as mascots by the Blue Boar football team.
Other lions were duly acquired and the Blue Boar became the only inn throughout Britain to own seven lions. Wedding couples who held their reception at the Blue Boar were able to pose for photos with the lions in the big cats' cages."
The ex-publican is currently working on a book, 'Inn With The Lions', in which he tells all about his unique memories of that period.
I too know the identity of the circus, big cat trainer mentioned in the above article. His version of the story and recollection of the events are very different.
Anonymous,
So sorry. I can't post you unless you have a name. Anonymous is only acceptable if you fear repercussions. Email me at wburckw@aol.com and introduce ourself, then we can post your comment. You would be suprised at how different someones "recollections" can be, particularly if they are in a new country starting a new life.
Regards,
Wade Burck
Anonymous,
Sorry, the blog miester is about half goof on a keyboard. He meant wburck3@aol.com.
Wade,
You are welcome, I know, I know only half is a stretch,,,lol
Mr. Pot calling the kettle black,
Thank you for the proof reading. Instead of keeping an eye out on me, you need to be cautious of where you are backing!!!!!
Wade
Anonymous, who now has an identity,
I concur 100% that there are two sides to a story and different people may have different recollections. I tried to convince a former "associate" of the gentleman in question of that exact same thing. Her motis operandi was to flee 1000's of miles away, and when it caught up with her, flee 1000's of miles the other direction. You can be anything you want to be, say anything you want to say, as long as you don't stay in one spot too long. That is easier for some when the "different recollections" start.
Regards,
Wade
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