Historic moment as endangered elephant calf is born 🐘
We are absolutely thrilled to announce that Tara gave birth to a healthy female calf at 10:30pm on Tuesday, 2nd September. The team has named her Zaiya, which is of Burmese origin and means strength.
After years of strategic planning, preparations had been made in order to carefully manage and mitigate challenges that may arise during pregnancy, birth and the postnatal care surrounding such a rare event. This knowledge, along with the close positive relationships the team have with the herd, meant that when the baby was born and had difficulty suckling, they were able to act quickly.
They provided vital support for the first-time mum, expressing milk from her to ensure the calf received the necessary colostrum that is essential to provide antibodies that are rich in nutrition to help to protect newborns. Since the birth, the keepers have provided 24-hour monitoring and support and will continue to do so in the coming months.
The indoor house has been closed to allow privacy to the herd, enabling them to develop crucial bonds with its newest member. It is set to gradually reopen from Saturday, 27th September, between 11.30am and 2.30pm.
Find out more on our blog via the link in our bio.
🐘✨ Elefest tickets are LIVE! ✨🐘
2026 members, join us on Friday, 10th July, from 6pm to 9.30pm for an unforgettable evening supporting animal conservation at our exclusive charity event! 🐾
Please note this is a busy event with a large number of attendees. Tickets are available online only and are limited, so grab yours early. Members can purchase up to four tickets for their guests.
For full details and to buy your ticket visit our website via the link in our bio.
It's official... Blackpool Zoo is good for you! 🧠💚
New research carried out right here at the zoo has found that just one visit to Blackpool Zoo improves your mood, reduces stress and leaves you feeling calmer and happier. Whether you're watching the orangutans, walking through the park, or taking part in one of our animal interactions, the science shows that time at Blackpool Zoo is genuinely good for you! This Mental Health Awareness Week we are proud to say that your happy place is also your healthy place.
Thank you to the hundreds of visitors and members who took part in our wellbeing research!
Read more about this research on our blog via the link in our bio.
🥳 Happy 30th birthday Shelly 🥳
Believed to be the oldest of her species in the UK, reaching 30 is an incredible milestone and a true testament to the dedication and outstanding care she’s received from her keepers over the years.
Red ruffed lemurs are critically endangered, facing a real risk of extinction in the wild, making milestones like this even more special.
Shelly tucked into a lemur-friendly birthday cake full of her favourite treats, prepared by zoo staff who are also celebrating their own 30th birthdays this year 🎂
Happy 100th birthday to Sir David Attenborough! 🎉
For decades, he has been inspiring curiosity and care for the natural world through his incredible broadcasts. His legacy reminds us that protecting wildlife today shapes the future of nature tomorrow and for generations to come 🌍
Celebrate by following our A Century of Nature trail this May. Collect your trail map and pledge sheet from Admissions, discover some of Sir David’s most inspiring quotes around the zoo and make a pledge for the planet by drawing or writing how you will help care for nature.
Plus, you can also be in with the chance of winning a family of four ticket to return to the zoo. Simply take a photo of your pledge, post it on social media, tag @BlackpoolZoo and use the hashtag #CenturyOfNature.
Celebrate the incredible 100th birthday of national treasure Sir David Attenborough by taking part in our A Century of Nature trail throughout May! 🎉🌍
Collect your trail map and pledge sheet from Admissions, then explore the zoo to uncover a series of his most inspiring quotes. Along the way, make your own pledge for the planet by drawing or writing what you will do to help nature - it may even make our pledge board here at the zoo for everyone to see!
You can also be in with the chance of winning a family of four ticket to return to the zoo. Simply take a photo of your pledge, post it on social media, tag @BlackpoolZoo and use the hashtag #CenturyOfNature.
Playtime with Zaiya 🐘✨
Zaiya seems to be having the best time playing in the sand with Esha. Even at 12 years old, Esha is still playful making a brilliant role model showing Zaiya how to have fun while cleverly using the sand to help protect her skin from the sun!
📹 Alison Allen
BRAND NEW: Kidepo Trail at Giraffe Heights is officially open! 🦒🌿
This £500,000 upgrade will give you more space to discover and explore with an extended walkway, interactive signage, African savannah soundscapes and larger viewing areas, so you can enjoy even better views of our giraffes and their new neighbours, the sitatunga herd, as they roam side by side in the expanded outdoor habitat!
Come and explore the trail yourself!
Happy World Tapir Day 🐾
Today we're celebrating one of the rainforest’s most unusual animals. Here are some fun facts about Brazilian tapir:
🌎Brazilian tapirs are the largest land mammals in South America.
💦 They're excellent swimmers and use their snout like a snorkel!
🟠 The species is classed as vulnerable due to being hunted for meat, deforestation and agricultural development.
🌱 Known as “gardeners of the forest” because they spread seeds through their feces.
🥭 Their distinctive snout is perfect for grabbing leaves, fruit and branches.
