New name for £500,000 giraffe development

Our new £500,000 development at Giraffe Heights has been officially named as 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 Blackpool Zoo through the Giraffe Conservation Foundation.

Work to triple the size of the external habitat, which is currently home to O'Grady and Olympia, the giraffes, and increase the public viewing area with an extended walkway began last autumn.

The facility, which is on track to be open in time for Easter, will feature African savannah soundscapes, safari-style lookout points, educational trails and animal encounters.

A purpose-built antelope stable at the opposite end of the extended paddock will become home to the zoo’s sitatunga herd, which also hail from Africa, and both species will roam together.

Adam Kenyon, Section Head here at Blackpool Zoo, said, “It has been fantastic to see this investment take shape in recent months, and it marks a huge milestone in our ongoing commitment to the care of these majestic animals.

“We are long-term supporters of the Nubian Giraffe Conservation Project and have donated more than £10,000 to their efforts, with more fundraising planned for this year, so the name has real meaning for us.

“This exciting development represents a new era for giraffes and sitatunga at Blackpool Zoo, and the immersive savannah experiences and extended viewing platforms mean that visitors are in for an African-inspired treat.

“We’re all really looking forward to unveiling Kidepo Trail at Giraffe Heights in time for the Easter holidays!”