IF you go down to Blackpool Zoo today you're sure of a big surprise.

Jitu the Western Lowland gorilla may not be Mighty Joe but he sure is an impressive fella weighing in at 33 stone and with a swinging arm to watch out for.

The 15-year-old has recently arrived from Heidleberg Zoo in Germany and is part of plans by Zoo manager Iain Valentine to make big changes at Blackpool's animal park.

Scheduled for the summer is Gorilla Mountain - just one of the innovations in the pipeline which intends to bring the public closer to the inhabitants while providing a habitat more conducive to nature.

Work has also begun on Lemur Wood, with cheeky ring-tailed lemurs from Madagascar able to roam free in the trees above walkers by the end of May.

Tony Williams of Blackpool Zoo explained: "We are keen to change the poor image of Zoos and make visits more of a learning, interactive experience. In fact we house more than 400 animals over 36 acres and have even removed some inhabitants such as the rhino so the elephants had more room. We like our animals to be a happy, healthy family."

Indeed the Zoo hopes to soon hear the thud of baby gorilla footsteps.

Jitu's keeper Darren Webster said: "We do have two lovely ladies lined up for him and it's going quite well but we have never bred a gorilla in captivity before so it's fingers crossed."

Keeping it in the family on all sides, Darren actually lives on site with his wife Maria who just happens to be a Lemur keeper as well as co-ordinating the colourful parrot display.

Maria commented: "It's hard sometimes to find work together but I came from Bristol to Blackpool four years ago and Darren joined me a little later."

"All our keepers are very dedicated," said Tony. "Some even come in on their day off."

Blackpool Zoo is open seven days a week, 364 days a year, only closing for business on Christmas Day, and offers money-saving family tickets as well as singles. For more information call (01253) 765027.

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