Blackpool Zoo reveals name of £500,000 giraffe development

The new £500,000 development at Blackpool Zoo’s GiraffeHeights has been officially named as the Kidepo Trail.

The name is inspired by the Kidepo Valley in Uganda, whichis a geographical area covered by the Nubian Giraffe Conservation Project thatis directly funded by Blackpool Zoo through the Giraffe ConservationFoundation.

Work to triple the size of the external habitat, which iscurrently home to O'Grady and Olympia the giraffes, and increase the publicviewing area with an extended walkway, began last autumn.

The facility, which is on track to be open in time forEaster, will feature African savannah soundscapes, safari-style lookout points,educational trails and animal encounters.

A purpose-built antelope stable at the opposite end of theextended paddock will become home to the zoo’s sitatunga herd, which also hailfrom Africa, and both species will roam together.

Adam Kenyon, Section Head at Blackpool Zoo said: “It hasbeen fantastic to see this investment take shape in recent months and it marksa huge milestone in our ongoing commitment to the care of these majesticanimals.

“We are long term supporters of the Nubian GiraffeConservation Project and have donated more than £10,000 to their efforts, withmore fundraising planned for this year, so the name has real meaning for us.

“This exciting development represents a new era for giraffesand sitatunga at Blackpool Zoo and the immersive savannah experiences andextended viewing platforms mean that visitors are in for an African inspiredtreat.

“We’re all really looking forward to unveiling Kidepo Trailat Giraffe Heights in time for the Easter holidays!”