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

To mark the popular tourist attraction’s 60th anniversary this week, Mr Millar made the zoo the subject of his 90-second statement in yesterday afternoon (May 17)’s meeting of the Welsh Parliament.  

He said: “The zoo is one of North Wales's top tourist attractions, welcoming around 170,000 people through its gates each and every year.

“It’s gone from strength to strength since it was opened by its founder and the mayor of the Bay of Colwyn in 1963.

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“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.

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“I've also helped the keepers to feed the parrots, the chimps, the gibbons, the bears, tigers, lemurs, sea lions, meerkats and the snow leopards over the years.

“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.”