I spent the day at Blackpool Zoo meeting their new arrivals & my heart was stolen by two very special animals

If you’re a parent or grandparent and you’re trying to think of ways to entertain the children the remainder of this half term then look no further as I’ve found the perfect day out for you.

Blackpool Zoo is always a winner amongst children and adults alike.

If you haven’t been recently then there are more reasons than ever to go back and revisit.

Growing up in Blackpool and having younger siblings the zoo has been a staple attraction for us over the years. But since having my own children and visiting even more often it is clear to see the huge investments being made here.

In recent years to name but a but a few, the big cat enclosure has been expanded, Project Elephant Base Camp has been created, Lemur Wood and Wallaby Walkabout opened, Giraffe Heights was built and just earlier this month the amazing £500,000 new Kidepo Trail development opened offering visitors ‘eye-to-eye’ experiences through an extended elevated walkway.

Inspired by the Kidepo Valley in Uganda, the Trail is a nod to Blackpool Zoo’s long-standing commitment to the Nubian giraffe and wider conservation work supported through the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

A purpose-built antelope stable at the opposite end of the extended paddock will also provide a new home for the zoo’s sitatunga herd. Also native to Africa, the sitatunga will share the habitat with the giraffes.

The zoo has always been an exciting place to visit but never more so than now.

And then there are the gorgeous new arrivals. There are so many to see but there were two special little animals that stole my heart.

You cannot help but be mesmerised and fall in love with little Zaiya, the baby elephant. She is just adorable.

Born on September 2 last year, Zaiya, the Burmese word for strength, made history as the first successful female elephant birth at the zoo.

The social dynamics of elephant herds mean that the other females help to raise her.

Tara, Zaiya’s mum, arrived in Blackpool from Twycross Zoo with three other females in 2018 and when male Emmett arrived from ZSL Whipsnade Zoo in 2019, the next phase in the creation of a multi-generational herd began.

Watching her explore her surroundings and her elders is majestic.

You could spend the day at Project Elephant Base Camp alone.

At lunch time as the herd were heading back inside for food, little Zaiya was apprehensive about going through the plastic sheets that keep the breeze out of the habitat.

But with a little tap on the bum from her mum, she soon found the courage to burst her way through, even if she was a little unsteady on her feet.

The other special little character attracting lots of attention was Rufus, the baby orangutan. It’s not hard to see why he is a visitor favourite.

Born in April 2024, Rufus is a critically endangered Bornean orangutan.

His inquisitive nature sees him trying to play independently while showing interest in the people who come to see him.

He literally stole my heart. I could have happily taken him home.

Whatever animals you adore Blackpool Zoo has it all. If you haven’t been in a while then I can’t recommend booking a visit enough.

Me and my three little ones under six spent the entire day exploring stopping only for a picnic at a lunchtime.

As the children climbd into the car on the way home they were buzzing and couldn’t stop talking about their favourite animals.

Doors open at 10am and close at 5.45pm.

Blackpool and Fylde coast residents living in postcode areas FY1 - FY5 can take advantage of a 20% residents' discount available on full priced adult, concession and child tickets.

The zoo also accepts Tesco Clubcard vouchers.

Adult tickets start from £21.99 when booked online and child tickets £17.99 online. Annual passes and family tickets are also available.

For more information or to book visit Blackpool Zoo website here.