'Zoo'll Love It!' (Blackpool Zoo)

Member Name: lousreview

Product:	Blackpool Zoo
Date:	28/05/09 (12 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Knowledgable staff, well maintained, cute baby Giraffe!

Disadvantages: Pricey food

Blackpool Zoo is more than I ever imagined it would be. I went expecting a second rate, small place with a limited selection of animals (I don't know why, i think it's just always known as Chester's poorer cousin) but on arrival I was proved wrong.

It's got a lovely welcoming and modern entrance (revamped recently apparently and its money well spent). The staff at the entrance are really friendly and happy - not miserable like some attractions. I think the entry prices (£13.99 for adults but plenty of concessions and deals) is average for the attraction, certainly not too expensive in my opinion.

The zoo itself is beautiful - loads of open green spaces, plenty of picnic and play areas and well maintained animal enclosures. I think it helps I visited on a sunny day but there are lots of covered viewing canopys if it rains.

The animals are visible and easy to spot - not hidden away like some zoos I've been to. There's a great variety too and you learn loads if you go to all the feeds and educational talks. I particularly enjoyed the bird show and the sealion feeding.

The best thing for me was Baby Timber, a young giraffe who has to be the cutest, cheekiest looking little thing I've ever seen. There are also three new lion cubs who were really playful and captivating to watch. I could have stayed for hours.

The monkeys in 'Amazonia' are roaming free too which is relaly novel - you go through the entrance and they sat on the posts waiting to greet you. Same with the lemurs in lemur wood, plus you can touch the smaller animals in the children's zoo, so plenty of interactive stuff.

Overall, this was a great, fun day out with lots to see and plenty to learn. It's very clean throughout and I had a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

Top tip - You can use Tesco Clubcard deals as entry (although not on family tickets, understandably). Also, take a picnic if it's a nice day as the food isn't the cheapest.

Have a great time!

Summary: A wonderful day out