We're kicking off 2026 season with March Markdown

We're all set to welcome visitors for the 2026 season following a record-breaking year that saw more people through our gates than ever in our 53-year history, despite increasing financial pressures across the tourism sector.

To kick things off, we are showing appreciation to our local community and loyal members with the return of our popular March Markdown initiative, offering residents a 40 per cent discount on admission throughout March.

Running from March 1st to 31st, the annual offer is available to residents of Blackpool, Wyre and the Fylde (postcodes FY1 to FY8, PR3 and PR4) as a gesture of appreciation to communities who support us year-round, not just during peak visitor periods. Local residents can also access 20 per cent off Silver, Gold and Platinum memberships throughout March.

In 2025, we recorded its highest visitor numbers since opening in 1972, surpassing our previous record year in 2019 by six per cent. While the milestone is a cause for celebration, it comes at a time of increasing financial pressure for visitor attractions locally and across the country.

Despite rising operating costs, which included higher employer National Insurance contributions, business rates and utility bills, we continue to invest in animal welfare, visitor experience, sustainability and accessibility to ensure long-term resilience.

These efforts were recognised when we added to our ever-growing trophy cabinet by winning the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism’ and ‘Large Visitor Attraction’ accolades at the Lancashire Tourism Awards.

Investing in the future

Investment across the site included a £500,000 redevelopment of the outdoor giraffe habitat, which will open in spring. It is part of the Giraffe Heights attraction and has been officially called the Kidepo Trail.

The name is inspired by the Kidepo Valley in Uganda, which is a geographical area covered by the Nubian Giraffe Conservation Project that is directly funded by us here at Blackpool Zoo through the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

Work to triple the size of the external area, which is currently home to O'Grady and Olympia the giraffes, and increase the public viewing area with an extended walkway began last autumn and the facility will feature African savannah soundscapes, safari-style lookout points, educational trails and animal encounters.

Ongoing work to ensure we are a zoo for all has also delivered results. Funding for improvements in accessibility, inclusive design and staff training have helped attract a broader audience and remove barriers to enjoying the zoo experience.

Conservation in action

A new Conservation Strategy and a five-year Native Species Marton Mere Project action plan were also launched at the end of 2025. Shaped by global conservation priorities and strengthened through local partnerships, the strategy sets out how we will continue to protect wildlife and inspire future generations.

In addition, last year was marked by one of the most significant moments in our history after the birth of a rare Asian elephant calf named Zaiya. Her arrival captured hearts across the nation while highlighting the our long-term commitment to excellence in animal care and its vital role in international breeding programmes for endangered species.

Darren Webster, Zoo Director at Blackpool Zoo, said: “While we are incredibly proud to have welcomed more visitors than ever before, we are also very aware of the challenges facing our sector.

“Rising costs mean success has to be carefully balanced with long-term sustainability and we introduced several initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint, with more in the pipeline.

“March Markdown is one of the ways we can thank our local community for their year-round support, which allows us to keep investing in our animals, our people and our future.

“We firmly believe that conservation should sit at the heart of everything a modern zoo does and our strategy reflects who we are and what we value.

“As consumer expectations of zoos continue to evolve, we are fully committed to being a place where enjoyment, education, conservation and ethical responsibility come together.

“Winning not one, but two awards at the Lancashire Tourism Awards is testament to these ongoing efforts.

“With continued investment in animal welfare, zoo infrastructure, visitor experience, sustainability and staff training, we are dedicated to building a future that is resilient and meaningful.”