Austin Sends A Postcard from Blackpool Zoo.  August 2019
 
In the words of the one and only Bill Shakespeare, “To Go or not to Go, that is the question”  England height of summer, mid-August, tickets purchased to take our young Niece out for a lovely day trip to Blackpool Zoo, everything in the car except the kitchen sink and outside the weather, well how can I describe it, dull, dark, grey, windy but apart from that!!
Lets Go
In We Go
Welcome
Off we set in the Tipo as my lovely old Opel has gone to pastures new, good trip, no holdups, no wrong turns for once and in less then an hour we were in the car park. Out we climbed, coats on still overcast but quite warm in we went through the welcoming front entrance, past a couple of cafes and a large gift shop and joined the que, before too long we had reached the door which takes you out into the Zoo itself, just one word needed now “Typhoon”
The Shop
Now That Is Big
Peacock
I pinned myself against the wall and thought this is going to be fun, my wife had already disappeared back to the shop area to get a plastic Poncho for our 12 years old niece, I could see a compound opposite but couldn’t see much of anything moving and I wasn’t wrong it was a giant sized Tortoise moving about as fast as I was, I guess it didn’t mind the rain. Off we set with map in hand, Gorillas, Orangutans, Otters, Monkeys, Ostriches, Tapirs, Owls, Lions and Tigers and Bears (oh no that was Over the Rainbow) anyway we made for the Sea Lion Pool and watched a display before walking around the corner just in time for a another display this time at the Penguin pool.
Flamingos
Display Penguins
Display Penguins
We were all getting hungry by now so we made our way to Lake View Café, it wasn’t a Typhoon by now just nonstop rain so as you can imagine the café was rammed and I mean rammed, we made a plan, let’s all face in different directions and as soon as we see anyone move go for it,!! Ten minutes later we were in, a smart candle lit table overlooking the river. (only kidding of course) always the gentleman I said I’ll guard the table so off they set and in no time at all they were back (20/25 minutes) two Burger and Chips, one sausage and chips with coffees all round.
Info on Penguins
Could Be Sealions
Yummy
I Can Fly
More Fish
Give Us A Tickle
After the food I felt like I was flagging so I offered to stay outside on the café veranda and sit at a table which had a big umbrella over it whilst they set off to explore, the rain had actually stopped and it would be nice to say that the sky was now blue and the sun had come out but I’m afraid not, the sky was still grey and black, in fact it was more like January than August.
Giddy Up
I’m Not Amused
New Species
I was quite content sat with another cup of coffee and reading the Mark Ritual Book (now do you believe me) there was a compound opposite me and something, possibly a small monkey kept coming to an open door looking outside and disappearing back inside now I didn’t blame him for that. On their return I was told of all the animals they had seen, Wolves, Zebras, Wallabies, Camels, Anteaters, Alpacas, Lamas and Sheep I said I think your kidding me, Sheep, they must have got out from the farm next door but no I was assured they were Sheep!
New Species
It’s An Effolent
Always Ducks
We decided it was time to leave and on our way out we had a quick look at some Elephants and Zebras who were all feeding, they were great, soon we were back at the shop our Niece Clarissa bought a nice Tee Shirt and a necklace to mark the visit. It’s only a short report as I had to hide my camera most of the time due to the weather but I would like to say “Do not let me put you off attending Blackpool Zoo” it is well kept by very dedicated and friendly staff, it has a good selection of animals who all seem quite content in their surroundings, it is in our area and needs your support, just try and make sure you’re not there in the Monsoon Season.   
Cafe Chaos
Ah Food At Last
See You Again Soon
Words and pictures by Austin N Fletcher.
PGStwd.  Flixton Shepherd Eastwood Mark. No. 1173.