North Beach Zoo protesters: Picturing Canterbury

North Beach Zoo protesters. Christchurch Star Archive. In copyright. CCL-StarP-01541A.

A group of protesters outside Christchurch City Council offices, opposing the North Beach Zoo and campaigning for the zoo's closure and moving of the animals. In the foreground is Miss Kaye Fallows with other protesters holding placards behind her. 11 August 1989.

North Beach Zoo (also known as New Brighton Zoo) was situated at 153 Beach Road, New Brighton. It was owned by Bill Grey who purchased the site (originally an aquarium) from Jack Taylor in 1958. Although situated in suburban New Brighton, the zoo housed a collection of exotic animals including "Charlie" the crocodile, "Susie" the lion, bobcats, a bandicoot, a tiger, and a leopard. The zoo came under criticism from animal rights activists and eventually closed in 1996.

Do you have any photographs of North Beach Zoo? If so, feel free to contribute to our collection.

The Discovery Wall is a large interactive exhibition which allows several people to simultaneously explore images and stories of the history of the people and places of Christchurch. It is viewable on the ground floor of Tūranga, 60 Cathedral Square, Christchurch, New Zealand or on the Mobile Discovery Wall. Images displayed on the Wall can also be found on the Discovery Wall website.

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