Blackpool Zoo is home to over 1500 animals from the four corners of the world. The Zoo was built in 1972 on the former Blackpool Airport site. Blackpool used to have a Zoo in the Tower but in 1969 this closed down, Blackpool Council decided that it should have a zoological collection for the publics pleasure. At the time the zoo site was also considered for a horse racing track, a speedway, a Formula 1 circuit and even Euro Disney. Euro Disney was almost situated on the present Zoo site but pressure from local attractions persuaded the council to press on with a Zoo. Finally in July 1972 the Blackpool Zoo was opened to the public by Johnny Morris. At this time the Zoo had a small collection of animals consisting off: 2 Elephants, 3 Rhinos, 2 Giraffes, Sea Lions, Gorillas, Chimps, Orangutans, Lions and 2 giant tortoises. The original air traffic buildings became the home for the educational buildings and all the associated uses needed. It was designed as a 3 stage project for the 100 acre site but due to financial pressures it only ever used 32 acres of the site.
Today the Zoo is divided into a number of areas:
This is an open air dome with a mesh roof that houses 5 different types of monkeys, black necked swans, parrots, toucans and many more. In this part of the attraction you actually walt through the cage as it where. You can experience the animals face to face and really see them acting in a natural manner.
The award winning Gorilla mountain is not only the home to a group of 4 adult gorillas, Jitu, Miliki, Njema and Kena. They enjoy the freedom of an island to roam around on in search of food hidden by the keepers.
Neighboring the gorillas are the wonderfully playful Orangutan family, Vicky, Cherie, Summer and the boys Beau and Ramon. Watch them play with their toys and they may even pull funny faces at you if you are lucky.
This is another opportunity within the zoo to walk with the animals. The ring tailed Lemurs must be the most photographed animals in the zoo. You can see them jump and play or even sunbathe, they just love to sit with their white tummies facing the sun. If you are lucky you may even see the keepers feed them.
There are 4 elephants at the zoo, some of these elephants have been rescued from circuses around the world. Inside the elephant house you will also find the reptile collection. There is a vast variety of creatures to see from snakes, and spiders to stick insects. At certain times you can actually get to hold some of the creatures and listen to a lecture from one of the very informative keepers.
This is the chance the younger ones have been looking for! The younger visitors have the chance to meet and even feed some of the animals. You will see miniature donkeys, rabbits, guinea pigs, llama's and various chickens and wildfowl.
Negus the male lion has been very pleased to be joined by 3 new lionesses, Rachel, Jasmin, and Gillian, they have arrived from their previous home in Blair Drummond Wildlife Park. To prepare for their arrival the enclosure was refurbished with a pool and a hot rock that is heated in winter. You can get just a few centimeters from the Lions, there is just a glass window to protect you from the pride!!! Do you dare take a closer look?
Along with all the fascinating animals you can also enjoy a ride on the miniature train. The train takes you round some of the Zoo through the woodland areas and past some of the animals.
You will also find 2 specially designed outdoor play areas for children. So while the adults have a well deserved break the children can let off a little energy.
The Dino Safari is a great addition to the Zoo attraction, it allows you to go millions of years back in time and see what it would have been like to see dinosaurs in the flesh as it were. You will come face to face with the mighty tyrannosaurus rex, see the amazing pterodactyls and view more than 30 others. During October evenings you can see the dinosaurs come to life in an amazing light and sound show.
