RACHEL OWEN IS OFFICIALLY A BOOKWORM

Animal mad Rachel Owen from Standish in Wigan is officially a bookworm!

The seven year old has been crowned the first winner of the Blackpool Zoo bookworm competition, which was launched on World Book Day in March. On a recent visit to the zoo Rachel, who attends Shevington Vale Primary School, spotted the competition and instantly knew the answer to the question: Name the tiger in Rudyard Kipling’s “Jungle Book”. Her prize was a special edition “Jungle Book” and she has been entered into the end of year draw to win a collection of books and an annual membership for 2011. Each month a question is being posted on the zoo’s website, Facebook and Twitter accounts and handed out to all visitors as well as children who attend the education department’s workshops. Budding bookworms can then research the answer and either hand it into reception or the education department as they leave or email it to Judith.rothwell@blackpoolzoo.org.uk to be in with the chance to win that month’s must read book. Julia Owen, Rachel’s mother, said: “Rachel was over the moon when we received a letter announcing she was the first winner of the Bookworm competition. “We are regular visitors to the zoo as both Rachel and her brother, Matthew, who is ten are crazy about animals – in fact they both want to be zoo vets when they grow up! “She has read the book cover to cover lots of times now and even took it in for her show and tell at school. “I am sure we will be back at the zoo soon to see all the animals, especially Rachel’s favourite, the Red Pandas.” Jude Rothwell, Marketing and PR Coordinator at Blackpool Zoo said: “Visitors come to the zoo for fun but they always go away having learned something and we want to build on this and reward our young supporters by giving them books to read with their families. “We are thrilled that Rachel was so excited about winning the competition and wish her luck in the draw to win the family membership at the end of the year.” The question for April is: What colour is Black Beauty? The closing date for April is Friday 30th April. The winners will be notified shortly after the closing date. No cash alternative is available. -ENDS- Notes to editors: • Blackpool Zoo is owned by Parques Reunidos, the second largest European leisure parks operator and a leading world wide player. • Blackpool 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, orangutans, sea lions, primates, zebras and kangaroos. • Blackpool Zoo is open every day from 10am. Blackpool Zoo, East Park Drive, Blackpool, FY3 8PP. Tel: 01253 830830.

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