HOP TO THE ZOO FOR FERRET AND LLAMA WALKS THIS EASTER

Taking ferrets and Llama on daily walks are just two elements of a grrrrreat programme of fun and educational activities at Blackpool Zoo this Easter.

The hands on experiences will take place in the zoos’ Children’s Farm, from 11.00am until 4.00pm every day from March 31st to April 15th.

Other eggciting events include petting bunnies, chicks and guinea pigs, donkey brushing and lots of opportunities to hand feed the residents.

Two miniature Shetland Ponies, Perry and Mia, will also be visiting the Children’s Farm from Eaglandhill Shetland Pony Stud over the Easter break. They are just under one year old are sure to be a big bit with little visitors!

In addition, schools and Brownie groups are currently busy making paper-mache eggs that will be hidden in animal enclosures across the zoo.

Visitors will be taken on a magical tour of the award winning attraction with a super-sized Easter egg hunt.

There will also be colouring and badge making competitions in the Farm and all money raised will be donated to the campaign to raise awareness for the conservation of the biodiversity of Southeast Asia, which is being spearheaded by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the Species Survival Commission (SSC) of the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

Easter will mark the launch of the animal encounter programme for 2012 with giraffe and lorikeet feeding available at an additional cost.

Visitors will also be able to see the two latest additions to the zoo’s ever expanding family of animals.

Two giant anteaters, a one year old female called Andina from Madrid and a male of the same age from Sweden, who is called Eskil, have taken residence in a new, specially designed enclosure.

As its name suggests, it is the largest of the anteater species and from the tip of its impressive snout to its rump it can measure up to four feet, with its magnificent bushy tail adding a further three!

With eye-catching black and white diagonal stripes on dense, shaggy hair the giant anteater certainly stands out from the crowd.

Jude Rothwell, Marketing and PR Coordinator at Blackpool Zoo, said: “We are gearing up for the start of what looks set to be another very busy season here at Blackpool Zoo.

“The recent heat wave and Easter holidays seem to have got everyone in the mood for fun and the programme of events we have put together means that children can learn whilst enjoying the fun activities we have on offer.

“We are also looking forward to the public’s reaction to our new animals, the giant anteaters, which are stunning!”

Blackpool Zoo is open every day throughout Easter from 10.00am until 5.45pm. Last admission is 5.00pm. Visitors can save on admission prices by booking online at www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk.

-Ends-

Notes to editors:

Pictures show: Friendly ferret from the Children’s Farm and the impressive giant anteaters that have arrived in time for Easter. Please click on links below to download.

More information about Blackpool Zoo:

Blackpool Zoo’s visitor numbers continued to hit record highs in 2011, with the year being hailed as the busiest in the zoo’s 39 year history.

Blackpool Zoo is owned by ParquesReunidos, the second largest European leisure parks operator and a leading world-wide player. The zoo is home to over 1,500 mammals, birds, reptiles and invertebrates set amidst thirty-two acres of mature woodland and lakes. 

The zoo’s signature animals include elephants, giraffes, big cats, gorillas, orang-utans, sea lions, primates, zebras and kangaroos. It is open every day of the year, apart from Christmas Day, from 10am.

For further information please contact:

Paula Holden, Julie Hackett or Denise Dawson at ICG on 01772 679383 or email paula@icgonline.co.ukJulie@icgonline.co.ukor denise@icgonline.co.uk

Out of office hours contact: Paula Holden on 07772268378             

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