Dublin zoo remains top attraction as visitor numbers increase 16%

Visitor numbers at Dublin zoo increased by 16 per cent last year to just over 700,000, according to its annual report. Membership of the zoo was up 19 per cent.

Ms Ethel Power, the commercial director of the zoo, said the increase in visitor numbers had been achieved at a time of increased competition from other attractions.

The 2002 record visitor figures had confirmed the zoo's status as the "number one" visitor attraction in the State, she said. "Plans are well underway for the next three years of the development plan and visitors can look forward to a new 250-seater restaurant and other improved facilities."

Since the extension of the African Plains area, the time spent at Dublin zoo had increased. Many people had opted to spend the whole day there during visits.

While the zoo had lost a 28-year-old hippo during the year it's offspring, Hoovie, and his female companion, Heidi, are "healthy and happy".

The services of the Institute of Zoological Reproduction in Berlin had been enlisted in order to encourage the Rhinos at the zoo to breed. During 2002, two red pandas had produced a healthy male cub and the Brazilian tapir had produced a healthy female calf.

The zoo, which is a not-for-profit organisation, reported a positive closing balance of €1.14 million, with gate revenue of almost €3.5 million.

Ms Power said the zoo's finances had been boosted by the "de-seasonalisation" of the facility. "Boo at the Zoo" is now held during Halloween and "Santa's Magical Trail" takes place from mid-November until Christmas Eve.