Yes indeed! While operating under different names over the years, there was a zoo in Hotham Park from the early 1950s to the late 1980s which was a popular attraction for both locals and visitors.
Photo Bognor Regis Museum
History of the zoo
In 1950, the Bognor Regis Town Council opened a small animal collection in a five-acre section of Hotham Park. This collection was initially known as Hotham Park Zoo. The zoo quickly became a popular destination for families and animal lovers.
Over the years, the zoo underwent several transformations and name changes. By the 1970s, it had expanded and was rebranded as Rainbow’s End. This new name reflected the zoo’s ambition to provide a magical and enchanting experience for its visitors. The zoo continued to evolve, and in the 1970s, it was renamed Zootopia, aligning with the trend of creating immersive and themed animal parks.
Photo Bognor Regis MuseumPhoto Bognor Regis Museum
Animal Residents
Over the years, the Hotham Park Zoo was home to a variety of animals, including bears, lions, tigers, monkeys, and exotic birds. The zoo also featured more common animals such as goats, sheep, and rabbits, providing a well-rounded experience for visitors of all ages.
Photo Bognor Regis MuseumPhoto Bognor Regis MuseumPhoto Bognor Regis Museum
Decline and Closure
Despite its popularity, the zoo faced challenges in the later years. Changes in public attitudes towards animal welfare and the financial pressures of maintaining a zoo led to its eventual decline. By the late 1980s, the zoo had closed its doors, marking the end of an era for Bognor Regis. While the zoo is no longer in operation, Hotham Park remains a fantastic green space in Bognor Regis, offering a tranquil retreat for residents and visitors alike.
And don’t forget to visit the tiny but mighty Bognor Regis Museum at West Steet, where you’ll find a wealth of fascinating collections showcasing Bognor Regis’s rich history.
Photo Bognor Regis Museum
Hotham Park Zoo Mural
In November 2024, Bognor Regis BID commissioned local artist Ben Cavanagh to deliver a colourful mural depicting some of the animal residents from the various zoos in the heart of the town centre.
The mural was made possible through the BID’s successful application for funding from Arun District Council’s allocation from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. It followed the opening of the Augmented Reality “Bognor Regis Time Portal” in March 2024, and again celebrates Bognor Regis’s rich heritage.
The mural was designed and painted by local artist Ben Cavanagh. Find out more about Ben’s professional murals and street art across Sussex on his website:
