These fantastic scenes were recorded at a North East tourist venue which was a heat 50 years ago - but this time we’ve turned them into full colour.
Thanks to the help of AI technology, we can share these wonderful views of Lambton Lion Park as not seen before.
They were taken in 1972, 1974 and 1977 and show cars, vans and buses touring the famous attraction which opened 54 years ago.
They also show the lions as they approached cars and as they relaxed in the fields at Lambton Park.
The elephants are seen welcoming visitors on their arrival and giraffes are enjoying a treat in another of these great views.
We hope you enjoy our trip back in time and we would love to hear from anyone who has memories of visits to Lambton Lion Park.
We would also love to hear from you if you have suggestions on which piece of our history we should turn into a colourised collection next.
Tell us more by emailing [email protected]
5. Brush with the past
The Lambton elephants get a brush up in this Sunderland Echo archive memory from December 1977. | se
6. Chilling on the grass
The lions don't seem the slightest bit bothered by the people who have come to see them as they relax on the grass at Lambton Park. | se
7. Retro at the roadside
A bus load of visitors have just passed this lion who chose a roadside spot to relax as more traffic approached. | se
8. Feeding time
The Hon Isabella Lambton feeds the giraffes in a scene from July 1972. | se