Blackpool Zoo

26/04/2025

Join our amazing Education Team as a seasonal Learning and Engagement Education Officer this summer!

✨ Inspire visitors of all ages with engaging education sessions.
🌍 Share your passion for conservation & wildlife.
🗣️ Use your communication skills to connect people with nature.

Positions start May - July and run until September 2025.

Apply by emailing a covering letter and CV to [email protected] by Sunday, 4th May 2025.

23/04/2025

✨ 𝙒𝙀'𝙍𝙀 𝙃𝙄𝙍𝙄𝙉𝙂! ✨

Join our team as a permanent Learning & Engagement Education Officer at Blackpool Zoo!

We are looking for a dedicated, imaginative, and confident communicator to help bring our wildlife education to life. You'll be inspiring visitors of all ages through creative hands on learning, whether it's delivering curriculum-based workshops or sparking curiosity with discovery sessions.

If you are enthusiastic about conservation, sustainability, and connecting people with nature, we would love to hear from you.

Find out more information - https://tinyurl.com/4sukf63d.

Apply now by sending a covering letter and your CV to [email protected]. Closing date Sunday 4th May.

21/04/2025

Monday morning snuggles with Jingga and Jarang 🥰🦧

18/04/2025

Ever get the feeling you're being watched? 🦒 👁️👄👁️

📸 Keeper Amy

17/04/2025

Who's ready for a WILD adventure? 🐾🦁🦧🐘

Explore the zoo this Easter weekend and enjoy a fun-filled family day out - we're open as usual from 10am - 5.45pm!

15/04/2025

Playtime fun with Dad, until Mum says enough! 😅🦧

📹 Alison Allen

14/04/2025

We're in the running for the Leisure & Tourism Award at the 2025 Coastal Radio Local Business Awards – and we'd be grateful for YOUR vote! 🏆

Cast your vote here 👉 https://tinyurl.com/3vf2jv8b

⭐Coastal Radio's Local Business Awards 2025 ⭐

Proudly supported by

🏆LEISURE & TOURISM AWARD🏆

Sponsored by

Shortlist:

waterpark





https://www.coastalradiodab.co.uk/awards/local-business-awards/local-business-awards-vote/

13/04/2025

We had an incredible time celebrating Autism Acceptance Week with our specially designed quiet mornings and we want to say a huge THANK YOU to everyone who joined us and to our amazing staff who made it all possible! 💚

To support our sensory-sensitive visitors, we reduced noise across the park, shared sensory maps and social stories, displayed hidden disability signs throughout, and even put on a silent version of our fantastic sea lion demonstration, thanks to our incredible Education team and sea lion keepers!

The response was absolutely heartwarming: "We loved the silent sea lion demonstration - this was a great opportunity for us as a SEND school, as a number of our pupils would have struggled with the volume of the microphone."

"Me and my family came today with my 6 year old son who is autistic, we went to the silent sea lion demonstration and just want to say how amazing it was! It was very well thought out and could tell a lot of effort went into it. Previously my son hasn't been able to watch the demonstration because of the noise, so this was perfect. Thank you again!"

We're proud to be creating inclusive, accessible experiences for everyone who visits. Keep an eye out for details of our next quiet-morning sessions coming soon!

12/04/2025

Western lowland gorillas Meisie and Moanda recently embarked on an extraordinary journey, marking a significant step in global conservation efforts through a collaboration with Mysuru Zoo in India following recommendations from the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP).

Their successful relocation was the result of extensive planning and preparation by our dedicated and experienced team, who partnered with transport specialists JCS Livestock to ensure a smooth and safe transfer. From carefully planned logistics to tailored care, every aspect of the move was meticulously managed.

The gorillas were first transported to Heathrow Airport, where they boarded a 9-hour flight to India, accompanied by Section Head of Mammals, Luke. Upon arrival, both the gorillas and Luke received a warm welcome from the Mysuru Zoo team and were safely transferred to their new, state-of-the-art home.

Luke remained in India for 10 days to support Meisie and Moanda’s transition and to assist the Mysuru Zoo team in getting acquainted with the pair, and we’re delighted to share that both gorillas have settled in well, quickly reconnecting with one another and adapting comfortably to their new environment.

Meisie and Moanda are currently undergoing a standard quarantine period, which is an essential part of any animal relocation process. Though they are not yet in direct contact with silverback male Quembo, the gorillas are within sensory range of each other, allowing them to hear and smell one another. This gradual, carefully managed introduction process is crucial to ensuring the best chance of a successful and harmonious integration in the very near future.

This move not only represents an exciting new beginning for Meisie and Moanda but also highlights the importance of global gorilla conservation efforts to protect this critically endangered species.

10/04/2025

Had to hop on the action figure trend – turns out, not all heroes wear capes! 🌍🦒🐯🦩

09/04/2025

Happy 28th birthday to Cherie! 🦧🥳

Since "aunty" Cherie was introduced to Jarang, the two have formed a heartwarming bond 🧡

As Jarang slowly grows independent from his mother, Jingga, choosing to explore and play more, he is also often seen spending time with Cherie, while mum watches over them closely.

This connection not only offers him additional support but also provides valuable social learning opportunities—allowing him to observe, interact, and develop essential skills for the future, all while strengthening the strong social bonds within the group.

📸 Alison Allen

07/04/2025

Need a Changing Places facility during your visit?🚾 You’ll find ours right next to the Lake View Food Court!

It’s fully equipped with a height-adjustable changing bench, ceiling hoist, peninsular toilet, and plenty of space to support those who need it.

As part of our mission to be a zoo for all, we’re committed to making sure everyone can enjoy a wild day out with us! 🐾

06/04/2025

Snacking this hard is tough work, but someone has to do it! 🌿😋

03/04/2025

This could be your POV during Easter half-term! 🦧

02/04/2025

Our autism-friendly quiet mornings start today to celebrate World Autism Acceptance Week! 💚

These mornings are open to all visitors but are specially catered towards sensory-sensitive visitors or those who may enjoy a calmer environment.

Here's what to expect:

🔇 Quieter park with reduced noise levels
🦭 Silent sea lion demonstration at 11.15am
🗺️ Sensory maps and signs to navigate sounds and busy areas
🚾 Changing Places facility
♿ Hidden disability awareness signs throughout the zoo
🎁 10% off sensory toys in the gift shop

Plan ahead with our social story ➡️ https://tinyurl.com/ejzf9em9

01/04/2025

You might have seen our last post... surprise, it was an April Fools! Just to clarify, Keeper Adam isn’t a scientist, and we definitely don’t shampoo Khari! 🦁😅

Now, for an update about Khari and the rest of our pride.

Indications are showing that Khari’s testosterone levels are increasing, as we’re seeing the regrowth of his impressive mane, and we’re hopeful it will be fully grown soon. A full mane is a sign of good health and strong genetics, which is why female lions prefer males with a thick, dark mane. This is a promising development for our breeding programme, as it plays a key role in the pride's future and the success of our conservation efforts.

Recently, Khari has shown more dominance towards females Narla and Hira, which is completely normal. As male lions mature, they instinctively assert their position within the pride, often through displays of dominance and territorial behaviour. This is part of the process by which the male establishes their role as the leader and protector, ensuring stability and order within the pride. These behaviours are essential for maintaining the pride’s structure and hierarchy.

Narla and Hira, having spent more time together, share a strong bond, but their relationship with Khari is progressing. They're learning to respect each other’s boundaries, and we’re seeing encouraging signs of their growing connection. This is a positive sign of their bond strengthening as a pride, and we’re excited to watch their continued progress and development.

📸 Alison Allen