Blackpool Zoo to mark 15th millionth visitor!

On Thursday 6th July 1972, 3,543 people attended the launch of Blackpool Zoo and now, almost 45 years later, the attraction is preparing to celebrate its 15th millionth visitor!

At some point during the second or third week of April that person will walk through the doors to a fanfare of prizes, including a zoo membership for them and their party, prosecco, celebratory chocolates and a totally free day out!

Detailed records of visitor figures, which also include weather reports as well as a breakdown of adults and children, date back to the opening week.

Ledgers, which are now 45 years old, have been meticulously preserved and extracts will be on display during the anniversary celebrations later this year.

Jude Rothwell, PR and Marketing Executive at Blackpool Zoo, said: “We have been monitoring numbers all year to estimate when the 15th millionth visitor would walk through the door and we are very confident that it will be in April.

“That person will be in for a big surprise as they will win all sorts of lovely prizes!
“Our records date back to the first week of opening, so we can even tell you what the weather was like on any day over the last 45 years!

“Of course, now it is all computerised….who knows how we will be recording this information in another four decades!”