Dudley Zoo has a rich history of housing various animals, including the iconic Dudley Zoo Bear. The zoo, which opened in 1937, was designed by the renowned architect Berthold Lubetkin and the Tecton Group, and one of the most dramatic buildings in the zoo is the Bear Ravine, which was designed specifically for brown bears.

The Bear Ravine: A Dramatic Enclosure for Dudley Zoo Bears

The Bear Ravine at Dudley Zoo was designed by Tecton to make full use of a deep ravine, creating a dramatic landscape from which the bears could be viewed. This enclosure was considered a groundbreaking design at the time, as it aimed to provide the bears with a more natural and enriching environment.

Teddy the Himalayan Brown Bear: The Escape Artist of Dudley Zoo

One of the most famous residents of Dudley Zoo was a Himalayan brown bear named Teddy. Teddy had a penchant for adventure, escaping from the zoo not once, but twice. Her first escape occurred during her transportation to the zoo, where she burst out of the back of the van and was later spotted up a tree in a nearby Codsall garden. Her second escape saw Teddy scaling the walls of the zoo, plodding down Birmingham Road, and making her way into Bunns Lane.

The Restoration of the Tecton Structures: Preserving Dudley Zoo’s Architectural Heritage

In 2013, a Heritage Lottery funded project was undertaken to restore four of the Tecton structures at Dudley Zoo, including the Bear Ravine and the adjacent Kiosk. The project team sought to repair the dilapidated structures and restore their original design intent, ensuring that this important architectural heritage was preserved for future generations.

The Current Residents of Dudley Zoo

While Dudley Zoo no longer houses any bears, the zoo is home to a diverse array of animals, including primates, giraffes, tigers, lions, reindeer, wallabies, and three snow leopards. The Bear Ravine enclosure, while no longer suitable for bears, remains an important part of the zoo’s architectural history and a testament to the innovative design of the Tecton Group.

Conclusion

Dudley Zoo’s history with bears is a fascinating and colorful one, marked by the escapades of the iconic Teddy and the innovative design of the Bear Ravine enclosure. While the zoo no longer houses bears, the restoration of the Tecton structures, including the Bear Ravine, ensures that this important part of Dudley Zoo’s history is preserved for future generations to enjoy.

References:
– Express and Star: Zoo Bear Still at Large and Killer Whale Breaks Trainer’s Nose — The Wild and Wacky Headlines that Document Dudley Zoo’s Colourful Past
– Wikipedia: Dudley Zoo
– Tectons: Bear Ravine
– Dudley Zoo: Binturong
– TripAdvisor: Dudley Zoo and Castle