The BBC have shared footage of the vital role Belfast Zoo played during the Northern Ireland border referendum in 1973.
Held during the height of the troubles and just a year after the introduction of direct rule, the vote was marked by significant controversy at the time.
While unionist parties called for the public to support the 'remain in the UK' option, nationalist parties such as the SDLP urged people to boycott the poll.
They claimed holding the referendum was an "irresponsible decision" on the part of the British government.
During the violence of the period, the counting for the vote took place in just one centre - the Floral Hall on the outskirts of Belfast.
In the report, a BBC commentator says: "A curious aspect of this poll, is that all the votes will be counted in one heavily guarded boardroom on the outskirts of Belfast.
"The Floral Hall is already being surrounded by soldiers and barbed wire, so are polling stations in sensitive areas."
The commentator also notes that "on this issue, there are no floating voters, no don't knows."
The referendum resulted in a 98 per cent vote in favour of Northern Ireland remaining in the UK, with a majority of nationalists boycotting the poll.
You can watch the BBC coverage of the vote here, and from the 8 minute 50 seconds mark you'll see the Floral Hall, surrounded by barbed wire and soldiers.
