It’s safari so good at fifty
Blair Drummond Safari Park opened 50 years ago today (Friday).
While celebrations are on hold because of the coronavirus lockdown, the team continue to work behind the scenes, caring for the many fascinating creatures and playing their part in global conservation efforts.
The family-owned safari park opened its doors in 1970 and was one of the first of its kind in the UK. It has an ongoing investment programme in place to ensure the park meets the exacting requirements of membership organisations which represent the best zoos and aquariums.
Over the last decade alone the safari park has invested millions of pounds in the upgrade of animal habitats and the park’s infrastructure across its 120-plus acres.
Visitors these days can enjoy a host of varied features including a drive-through macaque exhibit, Pets Farm walk-through area, elephant house, and of course the ever popular lions and tigers.
They’ve yet to experience the park’s latest attraction 20 hi-tech animated lifesize dinosaurs - which are sure to be a major draw when the lockdown is over.
The park opened to the public on the May, 15, 1970. It was the brainchild of Jimmy Chipperfield - part owner with Sir John Muir and Keir and Cawder Estates – who felt it was the public who should be in their ‘cages’ (their cars) and the animals should be comparatively free.
Blair Drummond Safari Park’s longest serving staff member is park manager Gary Gilmour, who has worked there for 35 years.
He began working in the restaurant kitchens at the park in his teens but soon swapped dishwashing for mucking out, working his way through the ranks and learning about every aspect of the running of the park and about the animals it is home to.
Now under the directorship of current owner Hector Muir, the safari park remains an independent family-run attraction. With around 400,000 visitors each year, it is one of Stirling’s - and Scotland’s - most popular destinations.
The team have been especially touched by the support received throughout the shutdown.
A spokesperson said: “An extra big thank you for all the offers of support we’ve received during this difficult time. If anyone is looking to help our animals, or just want to treat their family when this is all over, then our animal adoptions, animal experiences and gift cards are a great way to do that.”
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