POLLY and Perkins, the two Brazilian tapirs at Blackpool Zoo, have been given a new pool -- and a boost to their love life.

The new tapir pool was built after recommendations by zoo inspectors during their licensing inspection last year

And the tapirs -- which are related to rhinos and horses -- only mate in water so zoo staff are hoping the ten-year-old pair will use their new pool to produce some babies.

Zoo spokesman Tony Williams said: "The new tapir pool is a fabulous addition and a feature that I am sure both our tapirs will enjoy. Tapirs only get romantic in water so it is hoped that this will encourage our two Brazilian partners to start a family."

Zoo inspectors recommended three areas of improvement at the Zoo on East Park Drive, including additional security at the lions and snake exhibits, as well as the larger pool area for the tapirs.

Mr Williams said that the completed improvements to the lion and snake areas would not be visible to zoo visitors as they involved keeper areas. He added that all improvements were completed within six months of the inspectors' recommendations.