BLACKPOOL Zoo are going ape over their Gorilla Mountain enclosure which has won a top animal welfare award from the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare (UFAW).

Zoo spokesman Tony Williams said: "This is about as good as it gets as far as animal welfare recognition is concerned. UFAW are an internationally highly respected and worthy organisation.

"Their involvement in animal welfare is well known throughout the world and their recognition of our work is a tremendous honour."

Ian Redmond, of the United Nations environment programme great ape survival project, presented the award on behalf of UFAW at the zoo last week.

Gorilla Mountain was a winner because it "helped promote natural behaviour, high standards of animal welfare and public understanding of animal needs".

The existing gorilla enclosure has been linked by causeway to an island, while small glades among the island's bushes and thickets provide seclusion. Indoor accommodation has been designed so they can escape from the public's gaze.

Blackpool Borough Councillor Roy Lewis, who oversees tourism matters at the council, said: "This is unquestionably one of the highest awards possible within the zoo fraternity and a testament to the excellent work being carried out by the zoo staff. The award recognises the international position and importance of the town's animal park, it coincides with the zoo's 30th anniversary and makes a wonderful birthday present.

Meanwhile love is in the air in the gorilla enclosure as girl gorilla Njema flew in last week to meet her prospective mate -- Jitu a giant male silver back.

Njema arrived at Heathrow airport from her previous home at the Apenhuel Zoo in Holland and was then transported by road.

Tony Williams said: "As soon as she entered her new home Njema started to eat and settled down very quickly. We removed a solid dividing partition so that they could see each other through the protective mesh. Jitu was particularly interested, so maybe it's love at first sight."