A Brief History
The Welsh Mountain Zoo was founded by Robert Jackson, born in 1915 in rural Cheshire. Robert’s passion for wildlife began at an early age, and in the late 1940s, he started breeding and selling tropical fish, eventually expanding into creating aquarium displays across the UK.
In the 1950s, Robert operated a small aquarium display in Eirias Park, Colwyn Bay, during the summer months. It was here that local officials became aware of his dream to establish a zoo. In October 1960, they invited him to visit the Flagstaff Estate, a picturesque Victorian property high atop Colwyn Bay, set amidst woodlands and gardens with stunning views of the Bay and Carneddau Mountains. Robert and his wife, Margaret, instantly fell in love with the site, and decided to take on this challenge.
The Jackson family, along with their three young sons—Tony, Chris, and Nick—moved to Colwyn Bay in November 1962, and work on the zoo began immediately. By spring 1963, the Welsh Mountain Zoo was officially opened. During these pioneering years, Robert introduced many innovative and creative displays that enthralled and entertained guests, while also providing enrichment for the animals. These included free-flying birds of prey, sea lion training, and interactive snake experience sessions, many of which are now common features in zoos around the world.
In 1969, Robert began the process of making the Welsh Mountain Zoo a charitable trust, but tragically, he did not live to see this ambition realised. On the 30th May 1969, while fishing on the River Elwy, a large tree fell, fatally injuring Robert. With its founders untimely passing, the future of the Welsh Mountain Zoo was uncertain. However, Margaret and her three sons rallied together to ensure the zoo’s survival and continued growth.
It would take another decade, but in 1983, the Jackson family achieved Robert’s vision of a charity zoo by forming the Zoological Society of Wales, securing the zoo’s charitable status. Margaret Jackson retired in 1981, and the three Jackson brothers took on the role of Directors. In 2008, the zoo’s charity was renamed the National Zoological Society of Wales, and the Welsh Mountain Zoo was officially recognised as the National Zoo of Wales; a title that reflects its legacy and future of supporting conservation projects in Wales and around the globe.
With the introduction of a new CEO in 2024, the Welsh Mountain Zoo continues to honour Robert Jackson’s legacy, inspiring guests through its commitment to wildlife education, conservation, and innovation.
