The Lost Zoo of Walworth remembered, 175 years on

Published on: 21/07/2009

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A corner of South London is this weekend celebrating the 175th anniversary of one of the least known, but perhaps most colourful, chapters in the history of the capital. In 1834 arguably the greatest attraction in the country at the time was formally opened in Walworth, in the shape of a 15 acre exotic zoo.

It housed not only elephants, rhinoceroses and leopards but also the first giraffes ever seen in the UK. As well as the zoo, the Royal Surrey Zoological Gardens also hosted spectacular shows that incorporated large scale scenes of historical events, such as the eruption of Vesuvius or the Siege of Sebastopol. These were popular shows of the day using specially constructed sets and special effects such as fireworks, or burning ships which were part of naval battle re-enactments. One recreation of the city of Rome covered 5 acres.

The venue was so popular that it once drew crowds of up to eight thousand visitors a day and over 500,000 people came to see one spectacular during its first 100 days. Its music hall could hold over 12,000 people and put on concerts of up to 1000 performers.
However, by the late 1840’s the popularity of the zoo was beginning to fade, and the animals were sold off, the music hall was destroyed by a fire, and the park was finally closed in 1877.

Judy Aitken, Heritage Operations and Collections Manager at Southwark Council, said
"Walworth isn't exactly the first place that springs to mind when you mention exotic animals, but that's precisely what it was during the heyday of Surrey Gardens. This borough was once home to something that rivalled anything else in the country at the time."

Councillor Lewis Robinson, executive member for culture, leisure and sport at Southwark Council said
“It’s quite amazing to think that this part of Southwark once held some of the first wild and exotic animals to be seen in England. Not only that but it was also the site of some spectacular shows. We’ll be honouring that Victorian spirit this weekend when we put on a series of events to mark the 175th anniversary of the zoo.”

Southwark Councillor Caroline Pidgeon was instrumental in getting this piece of local history honoured in this way. She added
"It is fantastic that the whole community will be coming together this Saturday to celebrate the historic Surrey Zoological Gardens, where giraffes first roamed in England! I am delighted that through artwork and history boards in the park, the great history of this area will continue to be shared for future residents of West Walworth."

Notes for editors Where: Pasley Park, formerly Surrey Gardens, off Manor Place, London SE17
When: Saturday 25 July 2009 from 12pm to 5pm.
What: Stalls, displays, performers, tours and entertainment, all free.

Councillor Lewis Robinson, Councillor Pidgeon and Judy Aitken are available for interview.
Pictures of the animals and the zoo are available from Southwark Council.

Artifacts from the Royal Surrey Zoological Gardens can be seen at the ‘Lost Southwark’ exhibition currently showing at the Cuming Museum on Walworth Road until 29th August 2009.

Surrey Gardens was developed in the 1950's and remains today as Pasley Park.

For interviews and images, please contact Darell Carey at Southwark Council Press Office on 020 7525 7307.