The Dublin Zoo achieved 1,029,417 visitors in 2012, surpassing the previous year’s number by 2.5 per cent!
An all-time high for the attraction that made it the most popular family day out in Ireland.
The increase of 2.5% confirms Dublin Zoo’s status as the most popular family visitor attraction in the Country.
Leo Oosterweghel, director of the zoo, said “Reaching 1 million (visitors) in 2011 was fantastic but to do it again and add to that number is phenomenal. We are delighted to say that the Zoo is more popular than ever. The zoo belongs to the Irish people who have a great pride in such a world-class facility and we share our success with the generations who continue to support us.”
Upali
More than 95% of the people who visit the Zoo are from Ireland, according to a profile survey.
Last year saw the opening of the Asian Forest, and many new arrivals were welcomed, including a rare Eastern bongo calf, a tapir calf, two red panda cubs, two meerkat pups, two snowy owls and a sea lion pup.
“Over the past two decades Dublin Zoo has transformed into a world-class centre of learning about wildlife and conservation” added Mr Oosterweghel, “It is also an integral part of more and more European breeding programmes for endangered species.”
Luca Cattaneo
