This year marks a remarkable milestone for the Welsh Mountain Zoo as we proudly celebrate 62 incredible years since we opened our gates in 1963. Nestled in the hills above Colwyn Bay, the zoo has provided a fun and educational day out for hundreds of thousands of guests, representing not just a place to see animals, but a lasting symbol of Wales’ commitment to conservation, education, and community.
Robert Jackson’s Vision: The Beginning of a Legacy
The story of the Welsh Mountain Zoo began with a dream – that of Robert Jackson, a visionary naturalist with a lifelong passion for wildlife. Born in Cheshire in 1915, Robert spent the 1940s developing aquarium displays across the UK, but he longed to create something greater: a place where people could connect with nature, learn about the animal kingdom, and be inspired to protect it.
That dream came to life in Colwyn Bay. Drawn to the sweeping views of the Carneddau Mountains and the unique character of the Flagstaff Estate, Robert and his wife Margaret relocated to North Wales. In 1963, after tireless preparation and determination, the Welsh Mountain Zoo officially opened to the public.
From its earliest days, the zoo broke new ground—introducing innovative presentations such as free-flying birds of prey, and interactive reptile encounters – features that would later become standard in zoos worldwide. These immersive experiences reflected Robert’s belief that people protect what they understand and love.
A Family’s Resilience and a Community’s Support
In 1969, tragedy struck when Robert Jackson was killed by a falling tree while fishing. The loss was profound—but Margaret and their three sons carried his vision forward with courage and determination. Margaret retired in 1981, passing leadership to her sons, who took on the roles of directors, and only 2 short years later in 1983, the family formed the Zoological Society of Wales, transforming the zoo into a charitable trust. This vital move secured the zoo’s future and laid the foundation for decades of continued growth and impact.
A Champion of Welsh Wildlife: Red Squirrel Conservation
The Welsh Mountain Zoo has always had a strong connection to Welsh wildlife with a key part of our conservation work here in Wales being our long-standing commitment to Red Squirrel conservation. As the first conservation project supported by the Welsh Mountain Zoo in 1989, we’ve partnered with various organizations and programs to ensure the survival of the UK’s only native squirrel species for over 35 years; managing the captive breeding programme for Red Squirrels in Great Britain in collaboration with the BIAZA Native Species working group. This includes providing animals for release projects from other partnering collections. Since 1998, our involvement has led to the wild release of 34 red squirrels, with a further 22 released by supporting collections since 2004. These efforts help integrate the squirrels into the wild, fighting back against the population decline caused by habitat loss and the spread of non-native grey squirrels.
Becoming the National Zoo of Wales
In 2008, we were honoured to be named the National Zoo of Wales—a title that recognised not only our historical importance but also our role as a leader in conservation, research, and education across the country. It was a moment that echoed the spirit of Robert Jackson’s original vision and celebrated our enduring bond with the people and wildlife of Wales.
Reflecting on 62 Years
As we look back on more than six decades of progress, challenges, and triumphs, we honour the countless staff, supporters, guests, and animals who have shaped the Welsh Mountain Zoo. Every habitat tells a story and every conservation success echoes our vision— of a world where animals and their habitats are appreciated, understood and conserved.
In 2024, we welcomed a new CEO, ushering in the next chapter of our journey. With new leadership and a continued focus on conservation innovation and education, the future of the zoo is as bright as ever.
A Celebration of the Past and a Vision to the Future
Our 62nd birthday is not just a time to reflect, but a moment to reaffirm our purpose. At the Welsh Mountain Zoo, we believe that small acts—every breeding success, every school visit, every donation—contributes to a greater whole: a better future for animals and people alike.
We invite you to join us in celebrating 62 years of the Welsh Mountain Zoo. Come and explore the beauty of our landscape, the diversity of our animals, and the strength of a vision that continues to thrive. Here, on the mountain above Colwyn Bay, Robert Jackson’s dream lives on—in every guest, every animal, and every step we take toward a wilder, more hopeful tomorrow.
To learn more about the Welsh Mountain Zoo’s commitment to conservation and the conservation organisations that we support, click here.