In memory of Len Simmons - Linton Zoo Co-Founder. Linton Zoo have sadly announced the death of their co-founder on Thursday night after a battle with Motor Neurone Disease. Len Simmons started Linton Zoological Gardens in 1972 and turned the site from a basic 10 acre open field to the modern zoo that it is today covering 18 acres of animal enclosures and beautiful gardens. A true zoo man he was at home with any animal in his care from a boa constrictor, to a lion. The pictures below show him with his first lion Dusty in 1972 with his descendant Riziki and mate Karla in 2004. Many animals can thank Len due to the many breeding successes that have taken place at Linton, from binturongs, snapping turtles, lemurs, big cat species and many more. Many visitors throughout the last four decades have posted their memories of the zoo on the Linton Zoo Facebook Page, and through this you can see how much has been achieved in inspiring and educating the visitors, a very important part of the Zoo. Linton Zoo has also asked that Some of you have already asked about sending flowers. Whilst this would be very much appreciated, we know that Len would prefer any hardy flowers, shrubs or trees that can be planted in a special memorial garden being created for him within the zoo grounds. Lens final resting place will be within the memorial garden where true to his philosophy of creating the zoo, will become a wonderful habitat for native species. All of our thoughts go to the Simmons family and staff, and of course all of the animals at Linton Zoo. All of this shows that no matter how small your zoo is, you can still make a huge impact on the Natural World. There is no doubt that his family will continue the work that he started at Linton Zoo for many more years to come. Photo Credit: Linton Zoo
Posted on: Mon, 15 Dec 2014 11:06:13 +0000
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