On days like today, when it feels as though it’s been raining since records began, no point in heading for the hills or the coast. But I still try to ward off cabin fever with a stroll around my local park. Today it was looking decidedly soggy. The park itself was built on former marshland and historically prone to flooding. In fact this led to Cardiff’s own “great escape” in 1927 when floods enabled Billy the Seal to head off down the main road towards the city centre (seriously, search the internet for Billy – you won’t be disappointed!

In fact, the park didn’t just have a seal, I was amazed to discover quite recently that in the early 20th century, it housed a whole zoo! It all started modestly in 1900 with a small aviary, and two bantam storks became the first residents in 1901. But Cardiff was a busy seaport at the time, and sea captains (among others) kept bringing back gifts of exotic animals. The collection grew to include monkeys, an ostrich, golden pheasants, an antelope, a mongoose, and various owls. By 1908 there were 58 birds and mammals living in 27 purpose-built “dens.” During the First World War, the zoo even became home to regimental mascots, including three goats from the Cardiff Pals and a raven from the Welsh Regiment.

Sadly, many of the animals didn’t survive. During WWI, food shortages meant many residents had to be dispersed to other homes. By 1935 the Cardiff Times was reporting on the “deplorable neglect” of the zoo, with far fewer animals than in its heyday. The zoo finally closed in 1941 when the land was needed for wartime food production, and the Chief Officer reported rather poignantly that he had “disposed of the Birds and Animals from this Park for £4.” Fortunately nowadays we (hopefully) understand much more about animal conservation and welfare.

We’re lucky in Cardiff to have some beautiful and well-maintained parks across the city. And despite the puddles, there were definite signs of spring in the air today with the many crocus beds just starting to bloom beneath the trees.

So, it wasn’t the majestic Bannau Brycheiniog or the stunning Wales Coast Path, but not so shabby as lunchtime strolls go.