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Zoo sets record visitor figures

5 January 2010

Turning 75 last year hasn’t stopped us breaking all previously held records for visitor numbers. In 2009, over 302 000 people visited the zoo during its 75th birthday year. This is the highest recorded level since the zoo opened in 1934.

The previous record was set in 2007 with 295 000 people visiting during the year that Lily the lion became a world star. In 5 years, the zoo has increased visitor levels by 43% with 91,000 extra people visiting the zoo compared to 2005 levels.

Zoo manager Mark Challis, is delighted with such a successful year. “Over 302 000 visitors is a massive achievement for the zoo. In 2009 we celebrated our 75th birthday, found the family of the elephant angel who looked after our baby elephant during the Second World War, opened a new visitor’s centre, and were voted Ultimate Ulster’s number one family day out. Thank you to the public for their continued support.”

Out-of-state visitors have increased with 12% of zoo visitors coming from outside Northern Ireland. This includes 6% from the Republic of Ireland.

Rare species that came to the zoo in 2009 include a Sumatran tiger and a giant anteater. 2009 has also seen over 90 births of rare and endangered animals on Cave Hill.

In 2010, we will become the second zoo outside of Asia to look after a smooth-coated otter, and receive a female Sumatran tiger to join male tiger, Kabus.