Belfast Zoological Gardens first opened to the public on 28th March 1934.
It was located at the picturesque Bellevue ‘Floral Steps’ at the end of the tramline from the city centre. The present Zoo, with much larger enclosures, occupies an extensive site above the original one. There you can see giraffes, snakes, gorillas, penguins and many more, including a brand new lion enclosure.
One of the last animals to arrive on the day before opening in 1934 was Daisy the elephant. She arrived in Belfast docks off the Heysham ferry but there was a problem.
No one had any experience of elephants or knew how to supervise such a large creature. It must have been a daunting meeting for zookeeper Manus Kane who was sent to collect her!
The story goes that attached to her ear Daisy had a stick with the message, ‘Lead me with this.’
When Manus held up the stick, Daisy wrapped her trunk around it and followed him on foot the almost six miles to her new home at Bellevue!
The journey was not without some drama. Daisy startled a horse which was drawing a bread cart in York St., causing it to bolt and spill loaves all over the road. Daisy was not long in ‘helping’ tidy up!
In Duncairn Gardens she also strayed slightly to visit the local greengrocers, helping herself to a tasty turnip from their display.
Thirsty now, Daisy was glad to see a large water trough for watering horses outside the Shaftesbury Inn. She not only quenched her thirst but climbed in to cool her feet and merrily sprayed passers-by!
They did eventually reach their destination where Daisy settled and quickly became a favourite with visitors. We’re not told, but Manus Kane surely deserved a bonus for his work that week!
It’s a charming true story which nicely illustrates a lesson or two.
Life certainly has its challenges but we’ll find our way if we’re willing to accept a little guidance!
A favourite picture of Christ in the Bible is as the ‘good Shepherd’ Who guides His flock ‘in paths of righteousness’. He provides generously for us and was even willing to ‘lay down His life’ for us.
I’ve always been interested in that line which says we can find ‘comfort’ in the ‘rod and staff’ of the Shepherd. I’m thinking again of Daisy and Manus and how that stick was needed to not just lead Daisy that day, but sometimes correct her for everyone’s safety and benefit.
We can all be tempted at times to stray from the straight and narrow. Some water troughs and greengrocers’ displays look inviting but could land us in real trouble!
How good to know there is someone who cares deeply for us who will take time and effort to bring us back into line!
Perhaps best of all is this thought, that Jesus doesn’t just ‘save’ us from our lonely stand on the dockside. He’s a ‘keeper’! He will stick with us through thick and thin and bring us safe one day to our new, heavenly home.
It was located at the picturesque Bellevue ‘Floral Steps’ at the end of the tramline from the city centre. The present Zoo, with much larger enclosures, occupies an extensive site above the original one. There you can see giraffes, snakes, gorillas, penguins and many more, including a brand new lion enclosure.
One of the last animals to arrive on the day before opening in 1934 was Daisy the elephant. She arrived in Belfast docks off the Heysham ferry but there was a problem.
No one had any experience of elephants or knew how to supervise such a large creature. It must have been a daunting meeting for zookeeper Manus Kane who was sent to collect her!
The story goes that attached to her ear Daisy had a stick with the message, ‘Lead me with this.’
When Manus held up the stick, Daisy wrapped her trunk around it and followed him on foot the almost six miles to her new home at Bellevue!
The journey was not without some drama. Daisy startled a horse which was drawing a bread cart in York St., causing it to bolt and spill loaves all over the road. Daisy was not long in ‘helping’ tidy up!
In Duncairn Gardens she also strayed slightly to visit the local greengrocers, helping herself to a tasty turnip from their display.
Thirsty now, Daisy was glad to see a large water trough for watering horses outside the Shaftesbury Inn. She not only quenched her thirst but climbed in to cool her feet and merrily sprayed passers-by!
They did eventually reach their destination where Daisy settled and quickly became a favourite with visitors. We’re not told, but Manus Kane surely deserved a bonus for his work that week!
It’s a charming true story which nicely illustrates a lesson or two.
Life certainly has its challenges but we’ll find our way if we’re willing to accept a little guidance!
A favourite picture of Christ in the Bible is as the ‘good Shepherd’ Who guides His flock ‘in paths of righteousness’. He provides generously for us and was even willing to ‘lay down His life’ for us.
I’ve always been interested in that line which says we can find ‘comfort’ in the ‘rod and staff’ of the Shepherd. I’m thinking again of Daisy and Manus and how that stick was needed to not just lead Daisy that day, but sometimes correct her for everyone’s safety and benefit.
We can all be tempted at times to stray from the straight and narrow. Some water troughs and greengrocers’ displays look inviting but could land us in real trouble!
How good to know there is someone who cares deeply for us who will take time and effort to bring us back into line!
Perhaps best of all is this thought, that Jesus doesn’t just ‘save’ us from our lonely stand on the dockside. He’s a ‘keeper’! He will stick with us through thick and thin and bring us safe one day to our new, heavenly home.
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