Blackpool, UK – Blackpool Zoo’s penguins have now moved into their new digs – a fabulous £400,000 outdoor pool enclosure which will be officially opened on Tuesday, July 21st by the Mayor of Blackpool, Councillor Norman Hardy.
The enclosure includes an elevated viewing platform and underwater windows so visitors can see at close quarters how these intriguing animals swim, play, feed and interact with one another.
A new auditorium style visitor seating area has also been created at the back of the Penguin Pool which will form part of a major renovation of the neighbouring sealion pool, scheduled to start this Autumn.
Penguins have returned to Blackpool Zoo for the first time in more than 12 years and now it is one of only five zoos in Europe to keep the species of ‘warm weather’ penguins, known as Magellanic Penguins.
The penguins, a mixture of breeding age males and females and some juveniles,arrived in April from Madrid Zoo and Selwo Wildlife Park in Spain, which are both part of the Parques Reunidos group.
Darren Webster, Blackpool Zoo’s Director, said: “We are delighted to announce the opening of the new Penguin Pool. It is wonderful to see the penguins enjoying their new surroundings!
“Penguins have been one of the most requested animals by visitors and friends of the zoo and we are delighted to bring them back after such popular demand.
“Alongside the new Penguin Pool, we are planning a major renovation of the sealion enclosure which should be completed by early next year.”
July 9, 2009...10:12 am
Magellanics at Blackpool Zoo have a new home!
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