Dartmoor Lions - 2007

Since the fame brought to the Park through the making of 'We Bought a Zoo' which has now been in and out of Cinemas I thought it would be a good idea, to post photos and information about the lions held at Dartmoor Zoological Park.

Here are my photos from my visit in 2007, shortly after the zoo reopened after it's takeover by the Mee family.

Apologies for the quality of these photos but they were taken on my old camera.

Since the takeover new signs had been erected and are shown below, these show vital information on the three lions that they held at the time, Emma (who has since died) Josie and Soloman, whose name will be recognised from the film!

Just before the takeover however there was another lioness called Peggy. Peggy was Emma's daughter and Josies mother. Peggy came with Emma from Dudley Zoo where she was born. And came to the zoo to become a breeding partner for male Soloman. However as Ellis Daw, previous owner writes in his book "From the Lamb to the Tiger" Dudley Zoo insisted that if he wanted Peggy to breed, then Emma had to come with her, Emma was known for her particular temper and was known as 'Evil Emma'. No wonder Dudley wanted her to go with Peggy!

I hope you enjoy,

James