Blackpool Zoo has started the 2025 season on a high after welcoming a record number of visitors through its doors in March. Figures were five per cent higher than its previous busiest March, which was in 2016 and also included the Easter Bank Holiday weekend. In addition, figures for its March Markdown initiative, where locals living in Blackpool, Wyre, and Fylde are given a discount on the admission price, also soared to their highest levels.

Crowds formed to watch the two baby Bornean orang-utans happily playing outside, while the elephant herd, big cats, sea lions, capybaras and penguins also proved very popular. Della Belk, Customer Director at Blackpool Zoo, was delighted to welcome so many people through the gates. She says: “After a long, cold winter it has been great to see everyone enjoying some much-needed sunshine.

“Spring is always a beautiful time at Blackpool Zoo as the trees and plants across the park start to burst into life and new babies start to arrive. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone that supported us during March and, as the sun continues to shine, we’re looking forward to a wonderful season ahead. Our March Markdown offer helps make the zoo more accessible than ever, reflecting our commitment to inclusivity and creating a space where everyone feels welcome. We hope that every visitor, especially those from our local community, feels a real sense of connection, ownership and pride in what ‘their’ zoo stands for.”

The zoo is open every day of the year, apart from Christmas Day, from 10am. For more information visit www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk

Photo: Jarang the baby Bornean orang-utan