Dublin Zoo was Ireland’s number one tourist attraction for families in 2015 with over 1.1 million visitors.
It was an increase of over 2,000 visitors per month, compared with the 2014 figures.
The increase in visitors is thought to have been a result of the expansion of the zoo, which opened a Sea Lion Cove last year.
The zoo brought in 50 new animals in 2015, including a bongo calf and a Rothschild giraffe. The expansion is set to continue this year.
Dublin zoo could be set for an even bigger year in 2016 as it is set to unveil its much anticipated Orangutan Forest.
Director Leo Oosterweghel said: “2015 has been an excellent year for Dublin Zoo and surpassed all of our expectations.
“Sea Lion Cove was opened by the President of Ireland Michael D. Higgins last spring and the feedback from our visitors has been hugely positive.
“It has a stunning underwater viewing area which allow visitors to see how these beautiful mammals move.
“We are crafting beautiful rainforest trees that look very realistic, these will provide climbing opportunities for the orangutans.”
The Orangutan Forest is likely to prove extremely popular with visitors and could even rival established favourite spots such as the elephant enclosure.
Dublin Zoo is the third most visited overall attraction in Ireland, after the Guinness Storehouse and the Cliffs of Moher.
It is located in the city’s famous Phoenix Park and is home to a variety of species such as lions, elephants, giraffes, penguins, wolves, apes, reptiles, exotic birds and many more.
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