Blackpool Zoo

8:18am Tuesday 20th May 2008

It's not the biggest zoo around but it's got enough to amaze, amuse and enthuse for most of the day.

You could fill your entire time simply attending the programme of demonstrations and feeding times. Or you can wander around spacious enclosures showcasing animals from across the globe.

A lot has changed at Blackpool Zoo since I last visited about a decade ago. Everything looks clean and modern, with even the original buildings -- the site used to be an airport -- spruced up.

I was impressed on first arrival thanks to the giant animal posters that dominated the entrance. Our kids, meanwhile, were enchanted by the moment they got inside and saw some massive tortoises.

These rare reptiles acted as a "live" introduction to the zoo's imaginative Dinosaur Safari. We walked around an outdoor landscape bustling with creatures from the various prehistoric eras.

The models aren't the most realistic recreations of dinosaurs but they certainly delighted the many children. Coupled with sounds, authentic vegetation and a volcano in a lake that actually explodes, this is well worth a visit.

Then it's on to the zoo proper, with the expected mix of wild, woolly and wandering animals.

The lionesses were lazing round, the tigers were hiding and we could only find the one gorilla. But the four elephants came out to feed while their keeper gave an interesting talk in a well-designed viewing area.

The parrot show -- in a covered outdoor theatre -- was fun and informative without feeling exploitative.

There are also feeding displays and talks involving creatures like sea lions, great apes, otters, pelicans, red pandas and the big cats. There's the "creepy crawly experience" and a similar "amphibian alarm" down in the reptile house.

Most zoos appear to give half their space to countless varieties of deer and other endangered but frankly boring animals. And sure enough there are Eastern bongos, mountain gazelles, llamas, reindeers, vicugnas and sitatungas.

Amongst them are more interesting diversions like ostriches and emus, camels, zebras and kangaroos. And there are some unusual, sometimes fascinating creatures like red pandas, copybaras, otters and porcupines.

There's a children's zoo with creatures like rabbits, miniature donkeys and meerkats. And around the site there are lots of species of monkeys and apes, with plenty to watch both inside and out.

There's a large reptile house with many species of insects, amphibians and amphibians. If the spiders, snakes and stick insects make you squirm, there are several kinds of cockroach to finish you off!

My favourite part of the zoo was Amazonia which is basically a giant greenhouse. As you walk through, tropical birds fly overhead and dozens of tiny monkeys scurry along the ropes beside you.

You can reach out but don't touch -- your fingers look very tasty to them!

In short: not as big as Chester Zoo but still a good day out.

Duration: most of the day.

Age suitability: all ages.

Access: wheelchair access to entire site, generally flat; wheelchairs available free from reception (£10 deposit).

Extras: cafes, gift shops lots of talks and feats, outdoor play area, picnic areas; only two toilet blocks.

Open: 10am to around 5.45pm.

Prices: £13 adults, £9.50 juniors (age three-15); free for under-threes; £11.50 seniors and students; families £40 (2+2), £48.50 (2+3); disabled adult £7 and disabled child £5.50.

Getting there: East Park Drive, Blackpool. Drive to outskirts of Blackpool and follow tourist signs; no 20 bus from Adelaide Street, next to Blackpool Tower.

Parking: £2 per car.

Website: www.blackpoolzoo.org.uk Phone: 01253 830 830

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