Record number of people visiting zoo

Feb 2 2008 by Liam Murphy, Liverpool Daily Post

CHESTER Zoo has started 2008 with the second-busiest January for visitors in its history.

More than 36,200 people passed through the gates, setting up another record-breaking year.

More than 1.2m visitors were welcomed last year, a record in the zoo’s history.

Visitors can see the baby Rothschild giraffe, Margaret, born just two weeks ago. She is one of the smallest giraffes ever born at the 110-acre zoo, and is being hand-reared by the keeping staff.

Chester Zoo’s marketing and development manager Sharon Leeson said: “The success of Frost Fair has helped us throughout January and set us up for the rest of the year.

“Our visitor figures prove the zoo is an all-weather attraction with plenty to see and do.

“With new attractions and animals to see, this year is also full of promise.”

A breeding group of cheetahs will join the Asian Steppe area of the zoo later this year.

A walk-through trop- ical Butterfly House and Garden will open in late summer, together with an African Aviary, home to a number of bird species.

Philippine crocodiles – one of the most critically threatened species – will also be welcomed to the Tropical Realm.

SEE a video of the zoo’s newest arrival, a baby giraffe, at www.liverpooldailypost.co.uk/video