Try to help out by working in the shop, locking up gates and then, onĭays when staff were off, I'd help out a bit more with the animals. Very exciting growing up surrounded by all these animals and it was anĪmazing feeling having them as friends - I never thought my childhood In advance of the launch of the mini-series, June recalled: 'It was Her story is part of a BBC1 drama, Our Zoo,Ĭharting the founding of Chester Zoo by its eccentric owner George at the age of 87 - June has thrown open a treasured album ofīlack-and-white photos to reveal her delightful relationship with herįamily of animal friends. Her father founded and built up what is now the UK's biggest zoo. Above, Ms Williams plays with a chimpanzee and a doll Dancing with a goat: Ms Williams was just four years old when her father, George Mottershead, bought Oakfield House in Chester, which later became Chester Zoo A nine-year-old June is pictured with a chimp named Mary An old photograph of George Mottershead with two lion cubs Home: Now aged 87, Ms Williams (pictured in front of Oakfield House) has spoken out about her 'interesting' and 'exiciting' upbringing ahead of a new BBC dramaīy a little girl who adored animals. Above, the youngster plays with two lion cubs Play time: These amazing images show the unlikely friendships she formed growing up at Britain's biggest zoo. Unlikely friendship: As a young girl, June Williams counted lions, chimpanzees and polar bears among her best friends. Nor would it have been unusual to spot her posing for photographs with her head in a pelican's bill, or maybe sitting on an elephant's knee.Īnd while other children might have been content to play hop-scotch or skipping games, June preferred dancing with goats. June Williams had a doll and a cuddly teddy, of course, but you'd be more likely to find her snuggling up to a penguin.

Our Zoo by June Mottershead