DUBLIN Zoo’s popularity has continued to rise since the development of its enclosures, with a record number of visitors in 2015.
Last year saw a visitor count of 1,105,005, which is up by 28,000 from 2014. In this time, Dublin Zoo has opened a Sea Lion Cove and the Orangutan Forest will open this spring.
The cove uses a saltwater pool and is a recreation of a California Sea Lion’s habitat.
“The enclosures are fantastic,” said Blaithin Crampton, from Ashtown, who was visiting with her son Charlie (2). “With the Sea Lion Cove, they come right up to the glass and look at you.”
She also complimented the staff at Dublin Zoo.
“The staff talks are great,” she added. “They really make time for you.”
There were 50 new animal arrivals during the year, including an Asian lion cub, a bongo calf and a Rothschild giraffe.
This year also marked the first birthdays of three elephant calves, which attracted more people.
Many visitors commented on what they saw as an improvement in the care of animals. Dublin Zoo is spread out over 28 hectares of land and adheres to strict codes of practice in animal welfare as laid down by European and global associations.
“I’ve been here since I was a kid, throughout the ‘80s and ‘90s, and it’s improved so much,” said Barry from Dublin. “The enclosures and facilities are great, especially at the African Plains with the gorillas and chimpanzees. They just have so much space now, but can also go inside if it’s a horrible day.”
Brian Froggatt, from Cork, was there with his family when we spoke with him.
“I remember that the environment when I was a kid was much harsher,” he told us.
Visitors are also fond of the yearly passes for families, which are priced at €175. Individual passes are €117. Day passes for families can range from €47 to €56.
“We come down every second week,” said Karen, from Ratoath. “It’s great value for money, but without the pass it wouldn’t be.”
The zoo’s ongoing success has been accredited to director Leo Oosterweghel who was appointed in 2001. It’s a non-profit organisation that takes in around €12m annually from ticket sales, the gift shop and the restaurant which goes directly back into the care of the animals.
Aura McMenamin