Monkeying around at Aberdeen Zoo

Monkeying around at Aberdeen Zoo The Aberdonian

In 1966 Aberdeen became home to a number of exotic animals, with the opening of the Aberdeen Zoo in Hazlehead Park.

Zoologist Peter Scott, founder of the World Wildlife Fund and only child of Robert Falcon Scott, the Antarctic explorer opened the zoo.

The zoo was popular until the 70s when falling visitor numbers and financial difficulties led to its closure in 1977.

In this week's Aberdonian, we're taking a look back at the zoo and its many inhabitants from over the years.

Zoological Society secretary Dr Lil de Kock with a vixen, reared as a pet in Caithness

Orphaned West African honey badger Ringo was rescued by a Scottish family in Gambia

A gibbon appears to appreciate the comfortable surroundings at Aberdeen Zoo

Manager George Leslie welcomes reindeer Boko and Charles just in time for Christmas

An obliging capercaillie strikes a pose for onlookers at Aberdeen Zoo in Hazlehead Park

Six-year-old Dainty the bear was not amused when a bundle of fur called Bruno arrived from Dorset

Manager George Leslie shows the healthy side of the zoo with help from lion cub McNicoll

Herbert the llama makes a New Year call on Aberdeen Zoo manager George Leslie at the start of the year

Jacqueline Edward, Graham Scorgie, Leslie Scorgie and Jonathan Sutherland with attendant Kenny Matthew

Chargehand Reg Reid has the constant company of an iguana as he works to convert the old reptile house

A black-eyed donkey makes friends with youngsters Barrie Watt, Peter and Jill Macintosh and Barrie’s brother Jamie

North-east youngsters Aileen McKaig, Bobby Catto and Catrina Cowie watch a foal at Hazlehead Zoo

A media-friendly llama poses for the newspaper photographer and seems to ignore its visitors

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