Blackpool Zoo is more than just a day out; it’s a world-class conservation hub and a beacon of biodiversity on England’s Lancashire coast. From majestic elephants to playful primates, the 32-acre park is a haven for over 1,000 animals from around the globe.
Whether you’re a local looking for a family-friendly activity or a tourist planning your next adventure, understanding what makes Blackpool Zoo special, and what’s new, is key to an unforgettable visit.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll dive into what Blackpool Zoo is all about, explore its conservation efforts, and, most importantly, bring you up to date on the latest exciting developments.
What is Blackpool Zoo? A Haven for Wildlife
Founded in 1972, Blackpool Zoo has evolved from a traditional animal park into a leader in animal welfare and conservation. Owned by the global leisure group Parques Reunidos, the zoo is a member of key zoological associations like BIAZA and EAZA, ensuring it adheres to the highest standards of animal care.
The zoo’s layout is designed for discovery, with a variety of habitats and exhibits that transport you to different corners of the world. Key attractions include:
- Project Elephant: A state-of-the-art facility providing a spacious and enriching home for the zoo’s herd of Asian elephants.
- Active Oceans: Home to the UK’s largest sea lion pool, where you can watch the resident Californian sea lions and Magellanic penguins swim and play.
- Orangutan Outlook: A modern, immersive habitat for the Bornean orangutans, with multiple viewing points to see them up close.
- Lemur Wood & Wallaby Walkabout: Unique walk-through exhibits that allow you to get closer to the animals than ever before.
- Big Cat Habitat: A purpose-built enclosure for the zoo’s lions and tigers, giving them ample room to roam.
Blackpool Zoo is also well-known for its dedication to education, offering daily talks, feeds, and demonstrations that provide valuable insights into the animals and the conservation work being done.
Latest News from Blackpool Zoo
The zoo is a constantly evolving institution, with new projects, births, and initiatives announced regularly. Here’s a look at some of the most recent and significant updates from 2025:
A New Home for Giraffes
One of the most exciting recent announcements is the a new £500,000 investment in the giraffe enclosure. Work has begun to triple the size of the external habitat, which currently houses O’Grady and Olympia. This massive improvement project will not only create a much larger and more stimulating environment for the giraffes but also enhance the visitor experience with an extended walkway, safari-style lookout points, and educational trails.
Also Read: World Animal Day: Date, History, Celebration, Theme, Events, Quotes and Messages
The project, which is scheduled to open in time for Easter 2026, also includes a new home for the zoo’s sitatunga herd, bringing two of Africa’s most striking species together in a shared paddock. According to Adam Ford, a Senior Keeper at the zoo, this investment marks “a huge milestone in our ongoing commitment to the care of these majestic animals.”
The Birth of a Critically Endangered Tamarin
In a significant win for conservation, Blackpool Zoo announced the birth of a critically endangered Cotton-top tamarin in August 2025. This tiny primate is a huge addition to the zoo’s population of the species, which now numbers seven individuals across two social groups.
With an estimated 6,000 individuals left in the wild, this birth is a crucial contribution to the international breeding program aimed at saving this species from extinction. The new baby, which is yet to be named, can be seen with its parents, Rosa and Rico, in the Cotton-top tamarin house.
Elephant Herd Update
Blackpool Zoo’s commitment to its animals is exemplified by the recent update on its elephant herd. While the zoo shared the sad news of a pregnancy loss in late 2024, the update also highlighted the incredible dedication of the elephant care team. The team’s efforts in training the elephants for potential milk expression and blood donation demonstrate the extraordinary level of care and trust that exists between the animals and their keepers.
This relationship is vital for the continued welfare of the herd and the future of the species.
Conservation at the Core of What Blackpool Zoo Does
For modern zoos, conservation is no longer an afterthought—it’s the reason for their existence. Blackpool Zoo actively participates in and supports numerous conservation projects both locally and globally.
- International Partnerships: The zoo works with respected organizations such as The Gorilla Organization, The Red Panda Network, and the Wild Cats Conservation Alliance. These partnerships provide financial and logistical support for in-situ (in the wild) conservation efforts, helping to protect habitats and combat illegal wildlife trade.
- Breeding Programmes: As a member of EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria), Blackpool Zoo participates in European Endangered Species Programmes (EEPs). These managed breeding programs are vital for maintaining healthy populations of threatened species, providing a safety net against extinction.
- Local Initiatives: The zoo also engages in local conservation, including beach clean-ups with the SEA LIFE Trust to protect marine life in the Irish Sea.
A significant statistic that highlights the importance of such work is that zoos and aquariums contribute an estimated $350 million to conservation programs annually. Blackpool Zoo is a proud contributor to this global effort.
Planning Your Visit to Blackpool Zoo
Ready to experience what Blackpool Zoo has to offer? Here are some quick tips to help you plan your day:
- Ticket Information: Ticket prices vary by season, but you can get the best deals by booking online in advance. For example, a standard adult ticket can be around £18.99 online, compared to £21.99 at the gate. Be sure to check the official website for the most up-to-date pricing.
- Getting There: The zoo is located near Stanley Park and is easily accessible by car or public transport. There is ample on-site parking available for a fee.
- Insider Tip: Don’t miss the daily animal talks and feeding times! They are a fantastic way to learn more about the animals from the expert keepers. Check the schedule upon arrival to plan your route.
A Purpose-Driven Experience
What is Blackpool Zoo? It is a dedicated sanctuary where education, conservation, and entertainment seamlessly come together. Beyond a simple fun day out, it provides a crucial service to the world’s most vulnerable species. The latest news of the new giraffe habitat and the birth of the Cotton-top tamarin are just two examples of the continuous, impactful work being done behind the scenes.
Plan your visit today to see these incredible animals for yourself and support the vital conservation work that helps protect them for future generations.
