Hertfordshire Zoo — formerly Paradise Wildlife Park — is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. 

Herts Advertiser: 1984: The old lion enclosure at what is today Hertfordshire Zoo.1984: The old lion enclosure at what is today Hertfordshire Zoo. (Image: Hertfordshire Zoo)

What began as an ambitious project to transform a zoo with a terrible reputation has flourished into a leading centre for wildlife conservation and education.

Of the zoo's 40 years, CEO Lynn Whitnall said: "We are so proud to have achieved this milestone but it would not be possible without the incredible team around us." 

Herts Advertiser: 2018: Lynn Whitnall with a tapir2018: Lynn Whitnall with a tapir (Image: Hertfordshire Zoo)

History of Hertfordshire Zoo

The evolution of Hertfordshire Zoo is a remarkable story of vision and dedication, showcasing the power of collective effort in the pursuit of animal welfare and environmental conservation.

Going back over 50 years you would have found a very different zoo located on the current site of Hertfordshire Zoo, which is in White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne.

Broxbourne Zoo, as it was then known, was privately owned through the 1960s and 1970s.

Unfortunately, by the early 1980s a day out at Broxbourne Zoo was widely regarded and documented as the "worst zoo" in Britain.

In 1984, the Sampson family set out to transform a site with a challenging legacy into a sanctuary that prioritises the wellbeing of animals and serves as a vibrant centre for learning and education.

Herts Advertiser: Paradise Wildlife Park founder Peter Sampson and Rocky the tigerParadise Wildlife Park founder Peter Sampson and Rocky the tiger (Image: Hertfordshire Zoo)

They purchased the site on April 1, 1984 and 40 years on it is a place with conservation and preservation of both rare and endangered animal species at its heart.

The first stages of the zoo's 40-year transformation involved removing many of the old ramshackle buildings, animal cages and fencing.

Improvements were made to the infrastructure, water supply, gas pipes and electricity supply.

This progress was quickly followed by the rehousing of Bobby the lion, converting the old café, and the provision of animal food preparation room, vets room and staff room.

In July 1985, East Herts District Council granted the new owners a zoo licence. Subsequently, the official reopening of the site under the new name ‘Paradise Park and Woodland Zoo’ took place in Easter 1986.

The second stage of development included building new animal paddocks, improving the pathways, and increasing tree planting around the site.

Herts Advertiser: 2007: Peter Sampson2007: Peter Sampson (Image: Hertfordshire Zoo)

The Sampson family demonstrated their long-term commitment to the project by selling their ‘Sampson Coaches and Buses’ company in 1989 and MOT testing centre and garage in 1990, to allow them to concentrate solely on the management and finance of the zoo.

In the 1990s the zoo's name changed again to ‘Paradise Wildlife Park’ and further renovations took place to both improve the visitor experience and animal welfare.

New enclosures have been added over the years since, including the Land of the Tigers and more recently Sun Bear Heights, while the Whitnall brothers — Cam, Tyler and Aaron Whitnall — now also present CBBC TV show One Zoo Three.

Herts Advertiser: One Zoo Three's Tyler WhitnallOne Zoo Three's Tyler Whitnall (Image: Hertfordshire Zoo)

This year saw Paradise Wildlife Park rebrand as Hertfordshire Zoo as it marks a new chapter.

On that announcement, Peter Sampson, founder of Paradise Wildlife Park, said: "By becoming Hertfordshire Zoo, we want to align ourselves more closely with the whole of the Hertfordshire community and establish ourselves as a good modern zoo that everyone across our county is proud of.

"We will shine a spotlight on Hertfordshire as a positive beacon for animal welfare, conservation, and education.”

Herts Advertiser: 2022: Aaron Whitnall, Peter Sampson, Tyler Whitnall and Cam Whitnall.2022: Aaron Whitnall, Peter Sampson, Tyler Whitnall and Cam Whitnall. (Image: Hertfordshire Zoo)

Today, the renamed Hertfordshire Zoo stands as a testament to the family's commitment and the community's support.

The 40th anniversary of Hertfordshire Zoo is not only a celebration of its storied past but also a commitment to its future.

It highlights the zoo's dedication to contributing to global conservation efforts, offering comprehensive educational programmes, and developing immersive experiences that engage and inspire visitors.

Herts Advertiser: 2013: Aaron Whitnall and Moto the lion2013: Aaron Whitnall and Moto the lion (Image: Hertfordshire Zoo)

Herts Advertiser: 2014: Tyler Whitnall and a lemur2014: Tyler Whitnall and a lemur (Image: Hertfordshire Zoo)

In February this year, the zoo's big cat feeding experience won an East of England Tourism Awards accolade as 'Experience of the Year'.

As a sanctuary for endangered species, Hertfordshire Zoo plays a critical role in international conservation and breeding programmes, aimed at preserving our planet's biodiversity.

For further details on the zoo's 40th anniversary events and how to engage with this celebratory year, visit the zoo's website www.hertfordshirezoo.com.

Herts Advertiser: Cam Whitnall on a conservation projectCam Whitnall on a conservation project (Image: Hertfordshire Zoo)

 

Where is Hertfordshire Zoo?

Hertfordshire Zoo is set in the beautiful surroundings of Broxbourne Woods in the heart of the Hertfordshire countryside.

A registered charity, Hertfordshire Zoo is situated 20 miles north of London, and seven miles from Junction 25 on the M25, in White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne.

A spokesperson said: "Our knowledgeable and passionate team cares for our own animals and raises funds to support wildlife conservation projects in the UK and around the world."