Bear pit

Until the 1930's this was a peasure garden with dancing boating and a menagerie. The place closed and what happened to the animals in a mystery. This was where they kept the bear but they used to use a horse and cart to move lions and other animals around the gardens. There was outdoor dancing and performers came. People from Liverpool crossed to Eastham Ferry to enjoy a day trip.

Must have been an un-happy life for the Bear and other animals, but I guess in those days animal welfare was the least consideration.

I think it must have been Maurice.. Thankfully, Chester Zoo is a lot better. I think the lack of animals there is good but there were boating lakes and gardens which have now gone back to nature. It must have been a sight to see in its heyday.