Clwyd West MS Darren Millar has today sung the praises of Colwyn Bay’s Welsh Zoo in the Senedd Chamber, describing it as a “Welsh success story”.

To mark the popular tourist attraction’s 60th anniversary this week, Darren made the zoo the subject of his 90 Second Statement in this afternoon’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament.   

He said:

“Tomorrow marks the sixtieth anniversary of the Welsh Mountain Zoo - the national zoo of Wales. Based in Colwyn Bay, the zoo is one of North Wales's top tourist attractions, welcoming around 170,000 people through its gates each and every year. And it's gone from strength to strength since it was opened by its founder and the Mayor of the Bay of Colwyn in 1963. From those small beginnings, the zoo is now home to 1,500 animals, and more than 100 species. It employs 40 members of staff, and that rises to 55 members of staff during the busy summer season. 

“I've been blessed to visit the zoo on many occasions over the years to hear more about its educational and conservation work, including, of course, its vital role in the UK-wide red squirrel breeding programme. I've also helped the keepers to feed the parrots, the chimps, the gibbons, the bears, tigers, limas, sea lions, meerkats and the snow leopards over the years, and, this weekend, visitors have been invited to celebrate the zoo's diamond anniversary with half-price tickets and a host of special activities.

“The Welsh Mountain Zoo is a Welsh success story, and I hope that all Members in this Chamber will join me in wishing everybody there a hearty congratulations on this special anniversary, and every success for the decades to come.” 

For further information about the zoo and to book tickets visit The Welsh Mountain Zoo | A fun day out in North Wales.

Beth am wylio cyfraniad Darren Millar yn Senedd Cymru, isod: