Blackpool Zoo

The zoo was established on the site of the former Stanley Park Aerodrome, which had served as an airfield until its closure in the 1930s. Over the years, the zoo has expanded its animal collection and taken on a more active role in conservation, participating in breeding programmes to help protect threatened species and engaging in environmental education initiatives.

What to see at Blackpool Zoo

A visit to Blackpool Zoo offers a diverse range of experiences, from observing large mammals to exploring exotic bird species. The zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals, including lions, tigers, giraffes and elephants. Visitors can also see primates, reptiles and birds in specially designed enclosures that aim to replicate their natural habitats.

Project Elephant is among the zoo’s highlights. This area features a state-of-the-art elephant house and paddocks for the zoo’s elephants. The exhibit educates visitors about elephant conservation and the threats these majestic animals face in the wild. Another popular area is the Big Cat Habitat, where visitors can see endangered Amur tigers and African lions up close.

The zoo’s Gorilla Mountain houses a group of Western lowland gorillas, providing an insight into the lives of these critically endangered primates. In the Orangutan Outlook, visitors can watch orangutans as they climb and swing in their spacious environment.

Blackpool Zoo has a children’s farm for families with young children, where kids can interact with domestic animals such as goats, sheep, and chickens.

In addition to the animals that you would expect to find in a zoo, the zoo also has a couple of more touristy artificial attractions including a miniature railway and Dinosaur Safari, where you can see over thirty life-size, fibreglass statues of extinct animals.

Visiting Blackpool Zoo

Blackpool Zoo on East Park Drive, adjacent to Stanley Park, 3.25km (2 miles) east of the town centre.

The zoo is open throughout the year with longer opening hours during the peak season.

The zoo is wheelchair accessible, with flat paths and ramps available throughout the site. There are also wheelchairs available to hire at the entrance for a small fee and disabled parking spaces are available in the car park.

The zoo includes several dining options, from cafes offering hot meals to snack kiosks, and visitors are welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy in designated areas. There is also a gift shop where you can buy animal-themed souvenirs.

Allow around three hours for your visit to Blackpool Zoo.