BULL the rhino found out the hard way who was boss when he tangled with one of the Cotswold Wildlife Park’s zebras – and despite his horns and fearsome appearance, he was sent packing.

The dramatic image of one of the former stars of the Burford park’s collection – Bull died aged 41, on January 5 this year – is just one that has been gathered in its archives since the attraction opened almost 40 years ago.

The anniversary of the opening is Good Friday and as part of the celebrations, curator Jamie Craig is appealing for help from visitors to gather old pictures and memories, to create a more detailed record of the park’s history.

More than 12 million people have passed through the gates since March 27, 1970, when the park opened on a shoestring budget.

Mr Craig, who has worked at the park for four years, said: “It certainly will be a year of celebrations.

“We’re all excited that we’re in our 40th year and are looking forward to some exciting developments.”

The park was the brainchild of John Heyworth, who was born in Bradwell Grove Manor House, where the park’s keepers now live. His son Reggie now runs the attraction.

After paying admission prices of five shillings for adults (25p) and two shillings for children (10p), the first visitors were able to see 12 mammal species – including wallabies, tapirs and llamas – 62 bird species, such as Chilean flamingos, and 20 species of reptiles and amphibians.

The number of animals grew as visitor numbers grew.

A reptile house was added in 1971, rhinos and zebras arrived in 1972 and the narrow gauge railway opened in 1975. The following year, one of the UK’s first insect and butterfly houses was created.

In the 1980s, leopards, tigers and fruit bats arrived, along with the Tropical House in the walled garden.

Highlights of the 1990s included the arrival of Asiatic Lions – replacing the Bengal tigers, which died of old age in 1996 – and the rebuilding of many of the park’s original enclosures.

The past decade saw the addition of new enclosures such as the walk-through lemur exhibit Madagascar and the re-roofing of the manor house.

Today, there are 280 different species living in the park, with three giraffes due to arrive at a new enclosure in June.

Reggie Heyworth said: “In the 40 years since the park opened, some 12.5m visitors have enabled it to grow into one of the country’s major and most respected zoological collections, with gardens that give equal interest and pleasure.

“This progress was officially recognised in July last year, when the park had its most recent official zoo inspection, which is carried out every three years by a team of Government-appointed inspectors.

“The conclusion to their report showed that the park has come a long way since that opening day.”

Cotswold Wildlife Park is open all year, from 10am to 4.30pm during the summer and until 3.30pm in winter months.

l Pictures and memories of the park can be sent by email to archive@cotswoldwildlifepark, along with the approximate date and location of photographs.

Alternatively, write to: Archive Appeal, Cotswold Wildlife Park, Burford, OX18 4JW. For more details call 01993 823006.