New elephants lead to surge of visitors to Blackpool Zoo

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 ZooTara the elephant enjoying a swim at Blackpool Zoo
Tara the elephant enjoying a swim at 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.

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.

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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.”