| Administrative History | Aberdeen and North of Scotland Zoological Society was formed in Dec 1961, and was incorporated as a Limited Company in January 1966. Its first president was Professor V.C. Wynne-Edwards, Chair of Natural History at Aberdeen University.
The broad objectives of the Society were to encourage an interest in animal life and to encourage and facilitate all aspects of the study of zoology in Aberdeen and the north of Scotland, though it is perhaps best known for its contribution to the establishment and management of Aberdeen Zoo. The idea of a zoo in Aberdeen was first mooted at an informal meeting between representatives of the Town Council and Aberdeen University in September 1961, and it was largely through the Society's efforts that one was finally opened in Hazelhead Park, in the west of the city, in 1966. For some time it grew in size and diversity, developing links with local schools and organising regular events and newsletters for members of the Zoo Club and Junior Zoo Club. Falling visitor numbers and financial difficulties during the 1970s led to its closure in 1977.
The Society went into voluntary liquidation in December 1977, and its final meeting was held on 19 September 1978. |
| Description | This deposit contains foundation, administrative and financial records of the Society, providing a full account of its establishment and organisation, and details of its involvement with Aberdeen [Hazelhead] Zoo. In addition to institutional records, there is also a quantity of printed papers, including newsletters and publicity for the Society, Zoo Club and Junior Zoo Club, 1962- 1977, and newspaper cuttings relating to the Society and the Zoo, 1962 - 1977. Other records relating specifically to the Zoo include architects' plans, 1962 - 1965, animal stock lists, 1977 and undated, and admission figures, 1967 - 1974. Records relating to the management of the Zoo have not survived. |
| Copyright | Subject to the condition of the original, copies may be supplied for private research use only on receipt of a signed undertaking to comply with current copyright legislation. Permission to make any published use of material from the collection must be sought in advance from the University Archivist and, where appropriate, from the copyright owner. Where possible, assistance will be given in identifying copyright owners, but responsibility for ensuring copyright clearance rests with the user of the material. |