One of the UK’s best-loved seaside attractions has celebrated its biggest year ever for visitors – while warning of mounting financial pressures.
Blackpool Zoo, which opened in 1972 on a 32-acre site and is owned by Spanish leisure giant Parques Reunidos, welcomed more visitors in 2025 than at any point in its 53-year history. The zoo, home to more than 1,000 animals from around the world, said attendance was six per cent higher than its previous record year in 2019.
However, bosses say the milestone comes against a backdrop of rising operational costs across the tourism sector. The zoo pointed to higher employer National Insurance (NI) contributions, business rates and soaring utility bills – pressures introduced or influenced by Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ recent fiscal policies.
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The zoo explained: “In 2025 (we) surpassed its previous record year in 2019 by six per cent and, while the achievement highlights continued demand, it comes during a period of rising operational costs and economic uncertainty. Blackpool Zoo faces increased expenses including higher employer NI contributions, business rates and utilities.
“Despite this, the attraction continues to invest in animal welfare, conservation, sustainability and accessibility to ensure long-term resilience.”
It comes as zoos including Dartmoor, Paignton and Newquay, London and Whipsnade, Bristol and Jersey have all reported financial struggles citing rising energy costs and higher NI contributions. Andy Hall, from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, recently said they have “unique challenges” as “you can’t cut costs with animal welfare”.
Blackpool Zoo said their incredible efforts across 2025 were recognised “when the zoo added to its ever-growing trophy cabinet by winning the ‘Accessible and Inclusive Tourism’ and ‘Large Visitor Attraction’ accolades at the Lancashire Tourism Awards.”
Investment across the site included a £500,000 redevelopment of the outdoor giraffe habitat, which will open in spring. It is part of the Giraffe Heights attraction and has been officially called the Kidepo Trail, the Express reports.
The name is inspired by the Kidepo Valley in Uganda, which is a geographical area covered by the Nubian Giraffe Conservation Project that is directly funded by Blackpool Zoo through the Giraffe Conservation Foundation. Work to triple the size of the external area, which is currently home to O’Grady and Olympia the giraffes, and increase the public viewing area with an extended walkway, began last autumn and the facility will feature African savannah soundscapes, safari-style lookout points, educational trails and animal encounters.
Ongoing work to ensure Blackpool Zoo is a zoo for all has also delivered results. Funding for improvements in accessibility, inclusive design and staff training have helped attract a broader audience and remove barriers to enjoying the zoo experience.
A new Conservation Strategy and a five-year Native Species Marton Mere Project action plan was also launched at the end of 2025. Shaped by global conservation priorities and strengthened through local partnerships, the strategy sets out how Blackpool Zoo will continue to protect wildlife and inspire future generations.
In addition, last year was marked by one of the most significant moments in the zoo’s history after the birth of a rare Asian elephant calf named Zaiya. Her arrival captured hearts across the nation while highlighting the zoo’s long-term commitment to excellence in animal care and its vital role in international breeding programmes for endangered species.
Darren Webster, Zoo Director at Blackpool Zoo, said: “While we are incredibly proud to have welcomed more visitors than ever before, we are also very aware of the challenges facing our sector. Rising costs mean success has to be carefully balanced with long-term sustainability and we introduced several initiatives to reduce our carbon footprint, with more in the pipeline for 2026.
“As consumer expectations of zoos continue to evolve we are fully committed to being a place where enjoyment, education, conservation and ethical responsibility come together.”
He added: “Winning not one, but two awards at the Lancashire Tourism Awards is testament to these ongoing efforts. With continued investment in animal welfare, zoo infrastructure, visitor experience, sustainability and staff training, we are dedicated to building a future that is resilient and meaningful.”
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