Dundee Camperdown Wildlife Centre photos in the 1980s show monkeys, lions, bears and more.

Take a wild trip down memory lane with our historical photos of Camperdown Wildlife Centre from the 1980s. Gayle Ritchie.

For centuries, Camperdown Wildlife Centre has been a popular family day out in Dundee, where numerous childhood memories have been created. Whether it was feeding the goats, viewing the bears, or enjoying an ice cream on a rare bright day, a trip to Camperdown was always memorable.

Locals and visitors have long made the excursion to get some fresh air and to see the park’s animal occupants. The attraction has its roots in the old children’s zoo that entertained Dundee children in the 1950s and 1960s.

Building on that success, Camperdown Wildlife Centre formally opened its doors in 1971, immediately becoming a popular destination for families throughout Tayside. By the 1980s, Camperdown had reached its peak, serving as a popular site for school vacations, birthday parties, and family picnics.

We dug through our archives to find photos from the 1980s that wonderfully reflect the excitement and raucous joy that made Camperdown such a Dundee classic. Join us for a truly wacky trip down memory lane.

1980

Look at this amazing creature! This lovely lynx appears to be on the prowl. The animals are well-adapted to frigid conditions, having tufted ears, short, stubby tails, and a ruff of fur around their faces.

Their large paws appear to behave as snowshoes, and they have a dense, lengthy coat for insulation.

1981

Oh, what a cutie! In this wonderful moment from January 1981, George Reid, assistant conservation officer at Camperdown Wildlife Centre, carefully holds a day-old Jacob’s lamb.

The snapshot depicts a delicate moment of care and bonding between George and the newborn. However, the lamb’s mother seemed to be slightly apprehensive.

1982

In October 1982, little David and Susan Herd were photographed making friends with donkeys at Camperdown Park.

The happy photo depicts the couple having a light-hearted moment with the friendly animals on an autumn day.

1984

This lovely shot shows a newborn eagle, born in May 1984, alongside his mother. The snapshot captures a happy moment for the park, as the baby eaglet begins his existence under his mother’s watchful eye.

1985

In June 1985, George Reid welcomed two reindeer to Camperdown Wildlife Centre, bringing a touch of the Arctic to Dundee. There was no snowflake or Santa in sight!

In February 1985, this image shows the turnstile gate of Camperdown Park’s wildlife centre.

Can you see the excited family queuing at the entrance? They were probably hoping to see Jeremy the bear, who had just arrived.

Here’s Jeremy the bear’s new enclosure.

He must be hiding, because we cannot see him. Can you?

Whoops! Gently does it. You must exercise caution when dealing with wild animals, particularly timber wolf cubs.

Bonnie and Clyde, six months old, were released into their own enclosure in October 1985. Mrs Webster of Dundee named them after an appeal in the Evening Telegraph.

George Reid, the centre’s conservation officer, stated at the time: “We didn’t have any problems moving them, but the reindeer in the next enclosure looked a little worried.”

1986

In August 1986, these lucky children watched in awe as Jeremy the bear held court at Camperdown Wildlife Centre.

He was without a doubt the summer’s big attraction!

Is this a fun and unusual fact? Jeremy the bear was actually female! She used to advertise Sugar Puffs before retiring to Camperdown, where she was replaced with a cartoon bear.

On a more serious note, the same year this shot was taken, she bit the hand and arm of then-10-year-old Ross Prendergast, who had slipped into the closed centre.

Oink, oink! These adorable tiny pigs came at Camperdown in August 1986.

They were given the names Bubble and Squeak after a fun public name proposal contest.

Crowds gather around Goldie, the lion baby, at Camperdown Wildlife Centre in August 1986.

And it’s apparent that this tiny monarch already knew how to captivate a royal audience!

1987

The primary roles of zoos and wildlife centres have traditionally been research and breeding.

And this photos shows two of the cutest new arrivals, lynx cubs, being shown off in July 1987.

1988

Recently digitised from negatives after being hidden away for decades, this colour photo of a wolf at Camperdown was originally part of a modernisation effort at DC Thomson.

The photographers aimed to build a collection of generic scenes on colour film.

Look at this cute wee reindeer calf with his mum!

Again, this picture, from 1988, was recently digitised from a negative and colourised.

Check out the huge hole that Jeremy that bear has chewed in his tyre.

She doesn’t look too keen to pose up for pictures. Perhaps she’d prefer to have a wee snooze?

This young bear is enjoying playtime with his huge swinging log.

Or perhaps it’s almost dinner time? What treats could possible be in store? Fruit, nuts, or fish?

Time for a snooze! These gorgeous Arctic foxes look like they’ve had a heavy day!

Clearly even the coolest creatures need a good nap.

Another stunning animal, a lynx, relaxing at Camperdown Wildlife Centre.

It’s hard to imagine this photo was taken in 1988, but thanks to our archives team, who colourised the original negative, it now has a more’modern’ vibe.

A burst of colour brings Camperdown Wildlife Centre’s 1988 buildings and enclosures to life.

It’s a vivid look at the park’s wild past! Did any of these photographs evoke any memories for you?

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