Southport used to have a zoo which was home to more than 1,000 animals until it closed its doors in 2004.
The zoo was located on Marine Drive, where Pleasureland stands today, and was owned by married couple Carol and Douglas Petrie.
It had 154 species of wild animals and birds - but it attracted criticism and protests from animal rights campaigners.
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In 2002, animal welfare organisation, the Captive Animals Protection Society (Caps), listed Southport among Britain's worst zoos.
At one point, Southport zoo was picketed every weekend by members of two animal welfare groups demanding its closure.
Owners Carol and Douglas Petrie vehemently denied that their animals suffered any ill-treatment.
The zoo used to house African lions, chimps, gibbons, parrots and reptiles, with visitors from across the North West travelling to the six acre attraction for a day out.
Sefton Council blocked the renewal of the lease in 2004 and the Petries were forced to hand over the lease, which was taken on by Pleasureland in order to extend the park.
All animals that were homed at the zoo were relocated across the country, with most going to smaller zoos, larger animals moving to Cumbria.
Southport Zoo first started with a one acre space ran by Frank and Helena Farrar who aimed to have a "pet corner" in 1953. Over the course of 10 years the couple built up a variety of birds and animals that also included a breeding programme. The one acre land on the front was gradually extended to span six acres.
Frank and Helena kept a a leopard on the grounds called Chiefy, who went on to feature in numerous films in the 1950s. The other high profile resident of the zoo was Rajah the lion who also starred in a number of productions.
It is believed the Petries took over management in 1967 and ran the zoo for a number of decades until it was closed down in 2004.
The old site was first made into a paint ball attraction and was relaunched in 2010 as Battlefield Live Southport.
