Nantwich Zoos

Many people are surprised to learn that there have been four different zoos in South Cheshire. This booklet tells the story of:

• Oakfield Zoological Gardens at Shavington, which was opened in 1931 by George Mottershead – who later founded Chester Zoo.
• Bridgemere Wildlife Park opened in June 1972, by His Grace the Duke of Westminster and was the first of its kind in north-west England.
• Stapeley Water Gardens which opened in 1965 and became a major tourist attraction, drawing 1.3 million visitors annually.
• Reaseheath Zoo, part of the college’s Animal Management Department. The zoo is used to teach animal care, veterinary nursing and wildlife conservation and ecology.