Albert Sutcliffe with Jim the chimpanzee at Beechfield Zoo, Grimsby c1930.

An original photograph. The photographer is not named but it may have been the zoo’s professional photographer, S. J. Warren.

Jim (Jimmy) was the zoo’s most popular resident. Sousie, a bride for Jim, arrived at Beechfield Zoo early in 1929. It may be Sousie in the picture.

Albert Sutcliffe of “Beechfield”, Augusta Street opened his private zoo in neighbouring College Street to the public in 1928. The zoo added an aquarium with many tropical tanks in 1934. The zoo closed in 1939 and Albert Sutcliffe moved to 16 Abbey Road.

Albert Sutcliffe was born in Grimsby on 11th March 1883. He was the son of Jack and Harriet Sophia Sutcliffe of “Field House”, Grimsby. Albert was a coal merchant living at “Field House” in 1911. He was a lieutenant in the R.F.A. in France and Flanders 1916-1918. Albert had married Dorothy Mary Elizabeth Gilmore in Brigg in 1913 and, after the war, the couple were living at “Beechfield” with their two sons, John W. (born 1914) and Richard B. (born 1918). Dorothy died on 22nd July 1935. “Beechfield” was up for sale in October 1935. Albert married for the second time in 1940. His new bride was Constance Lottie Chase of Cleethorpes. Albert Sutcliffe died on 10th January 1958. Constance, of 87 Cromwell Road, died on 14th February 1962.

Research by Grimsby & Cleethorpes Museum.