Just over the road from main the entrance to Roundhay Park, the zoo has undergone a number of revamps that have ushered in new features such as the Aztec-themed aquarium that opened in 2015. Leeds City Council, which runs the attraction, also signed off last year on the first phase of a £2m plan that will allow it to become part of European Endangered Species breeding programmes.
Visitors heading to Tropical World today can meet animals that live in the rainforest floor as they look around the Waterfall House or explore the Rainforest Canopy to get a bird’s eye view of what life is like up above. Those fascinated by snakes, lizards and invertebrates will be drawn to Creature Corner, before heading into the darkness of the Creature Cavern that’s home to a number of venomous, clawed or prickly residents.
There’s also the Butterfly House, the Aquarium and the Desert House, which is home to the meerkats that have stolen the hearts of many visitors over the years. In 2015, some of the mischievous creatures were even put in isolation after trying to escape from their enclosure.
Here we take a look back at 10 of the animals, birds and reptiles that have delighted visitors over the years.
7. Chinchilla
A chinchilla that had just arrived at Tropical World in 2001 is held by curator Mick Inwood. Photo: Dan Oxtoby
8. Brazilian tarantula
A Brazilian tarantula spider is held by one of the Tropical World team back in 2001. Photo: CHARLES KNIGHT
9. Marmoset
This baby marmoset was nursed back to health by the team at Tropical World after his mother died in 1999. After much deliberation, keepers picked the name Mogwai, which had been suggested by nine-year-old Annie Oldfield from Middleton. Photo: Mel Hulme
