Animals in the Collections

Animals in the Collections

Animals don't just live in the zoology museum and collection, we have animals all over the place in rare books, archive and museum collections. Check out some of the highlights below for more information!

detail of painted ants in bestiary

Brilliant Birds

We've got some amazing birds in the collections, from museum specimens through to giant bird books. Scroll through for a few examples! Clicking on the image will take you to the catalogue entry, where you can learn even more.

Aberdeen Zoo

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Insect House

Did you know there were plans for themed buildings, such as this ladybird-inspired Insect House, for Aberdeen Zoo?

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Mole Hill

Opening a zoo in Aberdeen was first proposed at an informal meeting between representatives of the Town Council and Aberdeen University in Sept 1961.

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Reptile House

The zoo grew in size and diversity, developing links with local schools but failing visitor numbers and financial difficulties led to its closure in 1977.

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Mouse Town

Even though these wonderfully whimsical buildings were never built, we are delighted that the architectural plans survive in the UoA Collections archive.

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Beehive

How would you design an insect or animal house?