New elephants lead to surge of visitors to Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo said it has recorded a 15 per cent rise in visitors since its new multi-million pound elephant house '“ complete with new inhabitants '“ opened in early spring, with record numbers in May and June.

By The Newsroom

Published 19th Jul 2018, 10:08 BST

Updated 19th Jul 2018, 11:12 BST

Tara the elephant enjoying a swim at Blackpool Zoo

The resident herd now consists of Kate, who has been at the zoo for 46 years; Tara, who came from Twycross Zoo in January and Minbu; who arrived from the same zoo in March.

Plans are underway to move the two last female elephants from Twycross, and the hunt is on for a bull to complete the group – and kickstart a breeding programme.

Jude Rothwell, the East Park Drive attraction’s marketing manager, said: “It has been an absolutely amazing start to the year here at Blackpool Zoo and there is a real buzz in the air. The hugely anticipated grand opening of Project Elephant Base Camp was a great success and visitors have been enjoying catching up with Kate and meeting our newest residents Minbu and Tara.

“The excitement doesn’t end there though as we are awaiting a date for the arrival of Esha and Noorjahan, who will be joining us before the end of the year.”