Blackpool Zoo, Blackpool (must see)

Blackpool Zoo is a 32-acre zoo, owned by Parques Reunidos and located in the sea-side resort of Blackpool. It provides a home to over 1,500 animals from all over the world. The zoo has recently changed ownership twice - once in 2003, and again in 2007, resulting in continued investment each year.

Opened in 1972, in recent years the Zoo has been the subject of demonstrations by local animal rights campaigners. 2005 saw the opening of the 'Dinosaur Safari', a walkthrough exhibition featuring plastic models of 32 life-size dinosaurs around a trail. "Amazonia" opened in 2006. This is a walk-through enclosure of South American animals and birds including 5 species of monkeys. In summer 2009, penguins were to be added to the list of animals at the zoo, with the arrival of 20 African penguins from two Spanish conservation centers.