Animal mad Taylor-Dean Brandreth from Rainhill in St Helens is officially a bookworm!

 The nine year old has been crowned the winner of Blackpool Zoo’s monthly bookworm competition, which was launched on World Book Day this year.

 On a recent visit to the zoo Taylor-Dean, who attends Longton Lane Community

Primary School, spotted the competition and instantly knew the answer to the question: Where did toad live in the book ‘Wind in the Willows’, which is, of course, Toad Hall.

 His prize was a special edition ‘Wind in the Willows’ book and he has been entered into the end of year draw to win an annual membership zoo for 2011.

 Each month a question is being posted on the Blackpool Zoo’s website, Facebook and Twitter pages 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.

 Lisa, Taylor-Dean’s mother, said: “Taylor-Dean was over the moon when he found out it had won the competition.

 “We are regular visitors to the zoo as both Taylor-Dean and his three year old sister Mia-Kelsey are crazy about animals and were especially excited to meet the new baby gorilla.

 “We are all massive fans of the zoo and always make sure it is on our ‘must visit’ list when we visit Blackpool.

 “Taylor-Dean really loves the Dinosaur Safari and never ceases to be amazed as he takes a trip back in time to see the life size models.”

 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 Taylor-Dean was so excited about winning the competition and wish him luck in the draw to win the family membership at the end of the year.”

 The question for August is:  What is the name of the pig in “Charlotte’s Web”?

 The closing date for is Tuesday 31^st August. The winners will be notified shortly after the closing date.

Monk Seals are critically endangered

Why not visit us here at Blackpool Zoo over half term?  There are loads of fun activities for the kids as well as our fantastic sealion display in the “Active Oceans” arena and the new babies, a gorilla and a rare gibbon.

Sat 29^th May – Sat 5^th June

Daily Talks and Feeds around the park

Monk seal fundraising activities ( tent by sealions)  – 11 am – 5 pm

Colouring competitions

Face painting

 “Throw the Sea a Line” game  (fish out rubbish from a paddling pool to win a prize)

 Plus the usual artefacts and information tables

 Creepy Crawly Sessions

 11.45, 12.45,1.45,2.45 and 4.30pm

 Monday 31^st May – Sat 5^th June

  ** NEW ** 1pm Wallaby Walkabout  Talk and Feed

 1.30pm – Children’s Zoo Feed

 2.30-3pm Gorilla Talk – see the new baby (if Miliki will let you!)

 4pm – Children’s Zoo Feed