Zoo van is a model souvenir

Jul 10 2007 By Dale Williams, Birmingham Mail

TOY firm Corgi has reproduced a favourite zoo vehicle to mark the 70th anniversary of Dudley Zoo.

The zoo's Morris J2 van was a popular sight in Dudley throughout the 1960s.

The toy features a roof-top menagerie complete with lion, tiger, giraffe and zebra.

Corgi's limited edition model will be released this weekend to coincide with on-going celebrations at the award-winning Black Country tourist attraction.

Zoo chief executive, Peter Suddock, said: "We're thrilled that Corgi has chosen to reproduce our J2 van as part of our big birthday year.

"It will make a fantastic memento of the occasion and is just one of many activities we have planned, which range from the opening of Monkey ails, a walkthrough rainforest to a display of memorabilia from the past seven decades and courtyard concerts with Katherine Jenkins, Australian Pink Floyd and Status Quo."

Marketing manager for collectables at Corgi, Jill Edwards, said: "Seventy years is a real milestone and Corgi is delighted to help mark the anniversary with the release of this very special model. We hope it will bring back many happy memories."

The model, which retails at £20.99, is available from the zoo's Safari Shop or can be purchased online.

Visit www.dudleyzoo.org.uk or contact 01384 215313 for more details.