Leeds' 'lost zoo' brought back to life through new interactive project

Few traces remain of the public gardens, which were open between 1840 and 1858 and located next to Headingley Cricket Ground.

The site was once the location of an ambitious, but unrealised, project to build a botanical garden including zoological specimens from around the world.

Now ‘A Garden Through Time’ brings together artists, historians and residents to explore the social history of the venture in a way that can be enjoyed online or in person.

It explores “hidden historical narratives” of the area from a variety of perspectives, including an appearance from legendary circus owner Pablo Fanque and musings from the bear, whose pit still stands on what is now Cardigan Road.

The project was led by writer Mathew Bellwood, who called the story “a really fascinating and unreal part of our local history”, with audio producer Rosie Parsons. It was funded by Leeds Inspired, a part of Leeds City Council.