Dublin Zoo Celebrates 180 Years
Dublin Zoo first opened its gates to the public, for a penny on Sundays, in 1840. Today, the Zoo has survived the famine years, war and economic hardship to become Ireland’s leading visitor attraction and one of the most progressive Zoos in the world.
This weekend (Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th) visitors will enjoy lots of festivities happening around the Zoo including special keeper talks, giant games and music on the lawn.
Celebrations will continue through the week as historian Catherine de Courcy hosts a series of historical tours with tales and anecdotes about elephant rides, chimp’s tea parties, ice skating on the lake and other animal antics from Dublin Zoo’s 180 year history. The tours will take place on Monday 13th, Tuesday 14th, Wednesday 15th June at 10.30am and cost €15 (non-members) and €7.50 (members).
Dublin Zoo has become internationally renowned for their successful breeding programmes. From 1857 to 1965, no less than 593 lion cubs were born in Dublin Zoo, more than in any other in the world. In 2011, the Zoo is booming with a host of new arrivals including a baby gorilla, giraffe calves, a rhino calf, not to mention all the newborns in the Family Farm.
In addition to the historical tours, long time Dublin Zoo staff member Gerry Creighton will host a talk on ‘The Future of the Asian Elephant’ featuring key aspects of elephant welfare, husbandry and enrichment, with specific reference to the development of Dublin Zoo’s groundbreaking elephant programme at 10.30am on Thursday 16th June.
To book a tour/talk contact the events team on (01) 474 8997 or email events@dublinzoo.ie or www.dublinzoo.ie or www.facebook.com/dublinzoo. Tours cost €7.50 for members and €15 for non-members and includes tea and coffee.
