Earlier today we welcomed our 15th millionth visitor since we first opened 45 years ago.
Manchester sisters-in-law, Julie and Sharon Splaine arrived at the zoo with their daughters, Lucy and Maisie to discover that they were the 15th millionth visitor to the award-winning visitor attraction.
The family party was greeted by Zoo Director, Darren Webster and showered with celebratory goodies including prosecco and chocolates as well as free admission for the day, Gold memberships and the chance to feed the giraffes.
A shell-shocked Julie Splaine said: “We’re absolutely thrilled to be the 15th millionth visitors to Blackpool Zoo. I saw the Facebook post ahead of the announcement and joked that it might be us – and it is! What a wonderful start to a great day out!”
Blackpool Zoo officially opened 45 years ago when 3,543 people visited the attraction on July 6th 1972. Detailed records of visitor figures have been meticulously preserved in ledgers ever since and as well as visitor numbers include weather reports and a breakdown of the numbers of adults and children.
It’s been an exciting few days here at Blackpool Zoo as we have been counting down to the 15th millionth visitor. It’s incredible that 15 million people have walked through the gates and enjoyed our wonderful residents since we opened back in 1972.
We hope Julie, Sharon and their daughters have had a brilliant day out with us – what a great start to the Easter Bank Holiday Weekend! We look forward to seeing them again very soon when they make use of their memberships!
Photograph shows the 15th millionth visitors: Sisters-in-law Julie and Sharon Splaine with their daughters, Lucy and Maisie with Zoo Director Darren Webster.