The zoo was originally known as Blackbrook Zoological Park, but entered administration in 2014 and closed.

[1] Blackbrook Zoological Park was established in 1991 by Diana Holloway and her son, Mark Rubery.

Following Diana Holloway's death in 2006, running of the zoo passed to her son Mark.

Development and expansion continued in subsequent years: in 2006, a new entrance, gift shop and café were constructed, and in 2008, a £500,000 penguin exhibit was added.

Hillside Bird Oasis was forced to close to the public in 2002 following complaints from local residents over increasing traffic levels, but it was still maintained by the owners as a private breeding facility.