Zoo Memories Trail: Picnic Lawn • Paignton Zoo

^{Whitley’s original pigeon lofts were thought to display more pigeons than anywhere else in Europe.}

^{In the early 1930s, pigeons were a central feature of Herbert Whitley’s zoo, with displays of domestic poultry, rabbits and guinea pigs also claiming centre stage.}

Soldier Camps at Clennon with filter edited

^{The pigeon lofts can be seen behind the central row of trees.}

^{The map from 1953 shows a smaller range of pigeon lofts still on public display (no. 29 on the map). Also of note is ‘Bear Cage Walk’ where Baboon Rock now stands, and a very small elephant yard housing ‘Jumbo’ and ‘Hospie’ (no. 18). The lofts were demolished shortly after Herbert Whitley’s death a few years later.}

^{Illustration of one of Whitley’s favourite pigeon species: the Blue Cropper.}

^{Herbert Whitley was renowned for his expertise in pigeon breeding, among other things.}

A passion for pigeons