Just over five years ago, the Johnsons opened a zoo. But do you know the story of why?
In the heart of Cambridgeshire, Johnsons of Old Hurst was affectionately referred to as 'The Crocodile Farm'. It was a hidden gem among locals, where visitors would frequent the butchers, indulge in the delightful tea room, and catch a glimpse of the few crocodiles housed there. Initially, the crocodiles served a practical purpose, aiding in the disposal of waste meat instead of relying on a large incinerator. This innovative approach allowed for the recycling of waste products in support of a greater cause.
As time went on, the crocodilian numbers grew and eventually the Johnsons were told that if they wanted to continue to house the crocodiles, they must apply for a zoo licence
- and that's exactly what they did.
Years on, the zoo expanded and animals continued to arrive. We now have over 300 animals calling Johnsons home! They range from reptiles to big cats to donkeys to even the sloth bear. So what does the future hold?
This year holds the promise of exciting animal arrivals on the horizon, and we are hoping to continue with our zoo events for the whole family to enjoy. In response to our growing popularity, we are renewing and building extra facilities such as toilets, birthday party spaces and more, in order to keep up with demand.
Looking ahead, we aim to keep you all up to date with our new zoo blog, which will not only give you updates on weekly activities but also provide a glimpse into the 'world behind the scenes' with our dedicated zoo keepers.
We invite you to stay tuned and look forward to seeing you soon at Johnson Zoo. Until then, we thank you for your continued support!
{photo credit - Steven (Head Zoo Keeper)}