Express & Star

Dudley Zoo's vintage chairlift ready to run again after six months of 'sympathetic' restoration work

Dudley Zoo and Castle's vintage chairlift is ready to soar once again after being laid low for six months.

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As part of a ten-year examination, all parts of the historic aerial ride – including the heavy duty metal wheel hangers, the rope, chairs and mechanics – were removed and taken away to be independently inspected and X-rayed to ensure they are fit to run for another 10 years.

The lift began operating at the zoo in 1958, charging passengers sixpence each to board one of the 41 chairs.

The Dudley Zoo chairlift in the 1950s