THE MEERCATS at Blackpool Zoo have been the focus of increased interest, with visitors wanting to adopt the furry little creatures for the first time in the zoo’s history. Staff have noticed that meerkat toys are also flying off the shelves in the zoo’s gift shop.

“It must be because of the popular television programme Meerkat Manor and, of course, the UK television advert starring Aleksandr the Meerkat", says Blackpool Zoo's Jude Rothwell. “Currently the most popular animal adoptions are the zoo’s elephants, giraffes, red pandas and gorillas, but it looks like this may soon be taken over by meerkats.”

Each animal adoption helps to support some of the world’s most endangered species with a donation being made to assist valuable projects in the wild. All the animals at Blackpool Zoo are available for adoption and there are three packages available: Bronze (£50), Silver £80 and Gold (£120). Each package includes a framed certificate, a picture of their chosen animal, a species fact sheet, an adopter’s lapel pin, and the opportunity to have your name featured on the zoo’s ‘Thank You’ board. There are also extras such as an adopter’s unlimited pass – depending on which package is chosen. Blackpool Zoo, one of the star attractions at the famous Lancashire coastal resort, is home to more than 1,500 exotic animals and reptiles, and is set in 32 acres of mature parkland and lakes. 2009 saw the return – by popular demand – of the South American Magellanic penguins in their new pool which lets visitors watch them swimming underwater. For information on what to see and do, and where to stay in Blackpool, go to www.visitblackpool.com.