A Day at the Zoo

Polar bears and big cats far from their natural habitat try to make the most of life in a West Midlands zoo.

In the shadow of the imposing ruins of Dudley's Norman castle is a zoo, which has been entertaining and educating visitors since 1937. This amateur record of a day trip to Dudley was shot by Ewart Smallwood and follows a group of boys taking in the sights: from the polar bears (complete with their art deco concrete home) and lions to a ride on the zoo's miniature railway. Chipperfields Circus, promoting a visit to Hay Mills in Birmingham, also makes an appearance late in the reel.