Zac Hall MHK, Member of the Environment, Food and Agriculture responsible for the park, said: ‘The warm, dry summer has no doubt boosted the number of people coming to see us. However, staff and volunteers have been working hard to improve our visitor experience and we have invested in new facilities and that is reaping rewards.’
In 2014, the park launched an extended what’s on guide, highlighting feeding times, feeding talks, craft activities, discovery tables and animal encounters.
Online and advance booking is now possible thanks to a new website – www.curraghswildlifepark.im/ – while the park publicises its activities via a lively Facebook page and Twitter feed.
‘Popular play features such as the Jumping Pillow have been enhanced this year with the addition of the Enchanted Wood, the only facility of its kind in the Island, which is proving a big hit with visitors,’ Mr Hall said.
‘Special themed Thursdays, when the Orchid Line miniature railway ran, also drew large numbers of visitors and Thursday was often the busiest day of the week during the summer.’
Mr Hall said the number of people through the gate for 2014 is on target to top 55,000 – the highest since 2005, when the park held activities to mark its 40th anniversary. Footfall was around the 47,000 mark for several years but climbed to 50,000 in 2012 and more than 51,000 in 2013.
Membership numbers have increased 738% in the last three years and now stand at nearly 3,000.
Memberships offer great value for money. At just £32 for an adult, £20 for a child and £85 for a family, they include unlimited access to the park and discount in the café and shop. Memberships can be purchased as Christmas presents.
Next Friday (31st October) sees a special Halloween/Hop-tu-Naa-themed day at the park, with children wearing fancy dress given free entry and lots of activities taking place.
From Monday 2rd November, the park operates its winter opening hours, opening every Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 4pm, with last entry at 3pm.
This follows a successful trial of Friday openings last winter.
From Friday 28 November to Friday 19 December, visitors can enjoy an all-inclusive Friday meal deal – £10 gaining them admission plus a two-course meal in the café.
