Home of the Durrells

The Durrells lived in Bournemouth for 1939 to 1957. They moved to this area from living in Corfu out of fears of War.

Specifically, Gerald Durrell OBE (1925-1995)was a keen conservationist and wildlife expert. He collected over 400 exotic animals. When his house became too full he started the Jersey Zoo in 1959 and founded the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust. He was awarded an OBE, wrote books and his memoirs were adapted into the ITV show, 'The Durrells'.

While living in Bournemouth, Gerald would frequently go on animal collecting expeditions across Africa and South America. For his work, he was given the Order of the Golden Ark by the Prince of Netherlands in 1981, and the United Nations Role of Honour for Environmental Achievement in 1988.