Puuurfect pumpkin to mark first Halloween

The pumpkin carving, influenced by Blackpool Zoo’s Amur tiger cub twins, has been crafted by master carver Simon McMinnis and put on display in the Big Cat House.

The stripey pair are the first of their kind to be born in Blackpool for 18 years and have been a huge cause for celebration for zoo staff.

The creation is part of a week-long celebration for Halloween half term.

Once the pumpkin is removed from display it will be given to the cubs’ next-door neighbours, the inquisitive meerkats.

Roger Shillabeer, who is responsible for looking after Barney and Radzi, said: “We wanted to do something special for the tiger cubs’ first Halloween and Simon McMinnis is a member at Blackpool Zoo.

“He agreed to provide us with a fabulous work of art and we are delighted with the results.

“The birth of our first tiger cubs for almost two decades has created a real buzz here over the summer and they have been an instant hit with visitors.

“Staff have been closely monitoring them and they are happy, healthy cubs that are really enjoying getting out and about and exploring the paddock.”

Barney and Radzi were born on June 11 this year to first time parents Zambar and Alyona.

All this week at the zoo there will be daily activities including pumpkin carving at the Pumpkin Grotto, Mysterious Mammals and Blood-thirsty Birds Quiz trail, colouring and writing competitions in creepy corners, scary story telling, Halloween talks and feeds and pumpkin soup in the Lake View Café.

Go to blackpoolzoo.co.uk for more information.

To celebrate the ghostliest day of the year, there will be a fiendish fancy dress parade at the Active Oceans Arena after the 2.00pm Sealion display, and prizes will be awarded for the best-dressed adults and children.

More information about the really wild Halloween fun can be found on www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk