It all started in the 1950s, when American businesswoman Ruth Handler, invented a beautiful fashion doll inspired by a German one, called Bild Lilli. Soon after, it was bought by the famous toy company Mattel, and it became much more than just a toy! Soon enough, little girls everywhere wanted to befriend and own such a special and enticing doll!

What makes Barbie and the universe centered around her so appealing? Naturally, it's all about the glamour, luxury, and hot pink accessories! From the very beginning, this famous blonde stood out because of her unique and attractive look. Her beautiful figure, sky-blue eyes, and iconic hairstyle made her the ultimate present for any little girl!

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You’re also likely to catch a glimpse of our native Red Squirrels playing inside purpose-built runs and cages. Our little Children’s Zoo plays a big role as part of a nationwide breeding programme for our native reds, and we’re proud to provide them with a home. One of the most classic kid’s toys out there has to be a Barbie doll. Most of us probably have fuzzy memories of playing with Barbie dolls as a kid, whether we were elaborately decorating their pink Barbie Dream House, making Barbie and Ken kiss while giggling about it with friends, or collecting as many dolls and accessories as possible. Thanks to the Barbie movie having just come out this summer — this is going to be one of the most popular Halloween costume themes this year. If you want to dress as a character from the Barbie-verse — or your spouse or kids want to — there are so many fun Barbie-themed costumes that the whole family will love.

Open in all weathers come rain or shine (and the occasional snow), our friendly animals are always happy to welcome you to our Children’s Zoo. Try the Care NCure game to become Barbie's number one helper at the wildlife veterinary clinic! Do you want to explore exciting locations, learn about endangered species, and rescue cute creatures? Then you should put on your white coat and join the world's most beloved blonde in this exciting and educational game! The Children’s Zoo at Walton Hall and Gardens started life in the early 1960s as a set of six aviaries. We’re incredibly proud that after all these years, we’re still here!

Zoo Doctor Barbie® has three animal patients -- a baby monkey, tiger cub and koala joey -- to care for.

What is more, Barbie promoted the importance of personal style and a put-together look among her fans. For instance, many of the games and merchandise related to her are centered around beauty and self-care. They aim to teach little girls about make-up, hair styling, and fashion. Also, they allow youngsters to be creative and have hours of fun emulating adult activities. Still not convinced? Try out the Snip ’n Style Salon game to become Barbie's hairdresser. You will surely have a blast!Grey squirrels are now so successful that reds are nearly extinct in Wales and England, with some colonies remaining in the Lake District and Northumberland. So far, Scotland is still a stronghold for our native red, but greys are slowly working their way up the country. Give them a bath in the tub, weigh them on the working scale and measure their growth with the height marker.

After dogs and cats, donkeys were among the first animals to be domesticated. Related to horses and ponies, donkeys look different because of their 6000-year history. Whereas horses and ponies lived on rich grasslands such as prairies, donkeys lived on marginal desert land. They became experts at surviving on very little. Since food is scarce in desert environments, so donkeys had to spread out, as they spread, communication became more important. And so they developed extraordinarily loud brays, which can be heard up to two miles away. Similarly, they developed larger ears so they could hear their distant donkey neighbour! At the children’s zoo we’ve got three alpaca that we introduced in October 2015. As these are the first alpaca we’ve cared for at the zoo we’re really enjoying finding out about these amazing creatures. They’ll let you stroke them but only on their own terms! They are very inquisitive animals and like to stroll around munching on different grasses and plants. You can also get to know them on our walks throughout the year… Read More Alpacas have quite a colourful history. Treasured by the Inca, these ancient animals can still be found, living 4,000 metres above sea level in the South American Andes. The Incas highly valued alpaca for their beautiful fleeces, which were reserved for Inca royalty. Archaeological finds have proved just how essential alpacas were to the Incas, with alpaca remains found buried in the floors of houses, presumably as offerings to the Gods! Contrary to appearances, Barbie is not just a blonde bimbo! Of course, she is stylish and well put together at all times, but it doesn't make her superficial. This blonde beauty has empowered young girls for decades, showing that you can be beautiful, intelligent, and successful at the same time.Many of the dolls, merchandise, and games of the franchise are based on one of the careers Barbie tries out. I can't think of a job she hasn't had out yet! From a teacher to a sportswoman, a surgeon, or even an astronaut, this blonde beauty is truly fearless! Her message is ambitious and straightforward: You can be anything! Still not convinced? Just join her in the Care N Cure game to experience the life of a wildlife veterinary! It will be a fun and educational experience! Red squirrels are native to the British Isles and probably first arrived in Britain after the last ice age. At that time most of Britain and Ireland would have been covered with dense conifer forest. However, as our climate warmed, the red squirrels would have become more accustomed to broad-leaved woods of oak, beech and ash.