New £500,000 gaff for the giraffe at Blackpool Zoo

Friday, 26 September 2025 10:05

By Andy Bolton

The giraffes are set to get a new gaff (and new neighbours) as part of a half-a-million-pound improvement programme.

Work has begun to triple the size of the external habitat, which is currently home to O'Grady and Olympia the giraffes, and increase the public viewing area with an extended walkway.

The facility, which is set to open in time for Easter 2026, will feature African savannah soundscapes, safari-style lookout points, educational trails and animal encounters.

A recently completed antelope stable at the opposite end of the paddock will become home to the sitatunga herd, which also hail from Africa.

Adam Ford, Senior Keeper, said: “This investment marks a huge milestone in our ongoing commitment to the care of these majestic animals.

“The fantastic new development will not only create an incredible space for O’Grady and Olympia, but the immersive savannah experiences and extended viewing platforms mean we’re going to be taking the visitor experience to new heights too.

“We’re also excited to see the sitatunga herd move into a new purpose-built home at the opposite end of the paddock, bringing together two of Africa’s most striking species.”

More from Local News

Blackpool Football Club Statement: Steve Bruce

Blackpool Football Club can announce the departure of Head Coach Steve Bruce, Assistant Head Coach Steve Agnew and First-Team Coach Stephen Clemence.
GRAMMY Award winning international superstar rapper, singer, songwriter and actor Pitbull will bring the ultimate party to the North West as he headlines the closing night of Lytham Festival 2026.

With billions of audio streams and video views, along with hundreds of gold and platinum certifications, Pitbull’s career stands as one of the most impressive in music history.
Exhibition showcases artworks by people with learning difficulties

Talented artists with learning difficulties and complex needs are displaying their creative works of art in a new exhibition called CHROMA at The Gallery, Blackpool and The Fylde College University Centre.
New Lancashire-wide children’s service and niche support groups launched by Blackpool-based sight loss charity

The N-Vision sight loss charity - which has its headquarters in Bosworth Place, Blackpool - has been awarded a significant new contract from the NHS, and announced a range of new services for Lancashire.
PET SHOP BOYS TO BRING DREAMWORLD – THE GREATST HITS LIVE TO LYTHAM FESTIVAL 2026

The most successful duo in UK music history Pet Shop Boys are heading to TK Maxx presents Lytham Festival 2026.
A masterplan for Blackpool’s much-loved Stanley Park has been approved along with a £500,000 investment for its centenary year.

The Stanley Park Masterplan 2025-2030 provides a detailed approach to highlight the restoration and preservation of this unique and nationally important historical park, whilst also providing a future vision for the management and development of its key features to ensure its longevity.