20,000 visitors to Dudley Zoo in JUST one week

Dudley Zoo has received a boost through bumper visitor numbers over Easter - topping 20,000 visitors over a week.

The figures have been released just days after it was announced suspended chief executive Peter Suddock had retired from his post.

The attraction, in Castle Hill, marked a busy Easter holiday season, with zoo staff saying it was the first time in recent history that numbers had broken through the 20,000 mark in a week – achieving a total of 20,191 visitors between April 6 and 12.

Oba does a handstand for keeper Nicky Dancey

Attendance peaked on Easter Monday with 4,934 people coming through the gates of the 40-acre site.

Zoo staff said a new £250,000 interactive exhibit in the 11th Century Castle, the arrival of two new sea lions and the glorious sunshine had helped boost the visitor figures.

Zoo Director, Derek Grove, who is in temporary charge of the attraction, said: "It has been a terrifically busy period for us with the successful opening of the Castle Creatures exhibit, the arrival of our two sea lions from France and on top of that we were blessed with wonderful weather.

"The feedback we've had on Castle Creatures has been incredible and our new sea lions are proving hugely popular.

"We have had a wonderful Easter and would like to say a big thank you from everyone at the zoo for the fantastic support we have seen."

The zoo has welcomed two sea lions from the south of France. Eighteen-year-old female Deisy - the first foreign animal to be transferred to Dudley Zoo via the Channel Tunnel – was brought in to keep 26-year-old Cleo company and build up our sea lion group.

Then a new 14-year-old male sea lion, Oba – who weighs in at 237kg or more than 37 stone - joined the zoo and has been a star attraction.

Animal keeper Nicky Dancey, with Oba, the new sealion

Castle Creatures, which opened at the end of March, tells the story of the Earl of Dudley's family and houses live animals.

It showcases how people during the medieval period lived in close proximity with species such as rats and bats.

Mr Suddock had been suspended on full pay as an investigation was carried out into his conduct - but zoo officials last week said the inquiry had concluded and no further action was to be taken.