Over 900,000 people visited Dublin Zoo last year in what was a 20 per cent jump on 2006 and the highest number in its 176-year history, it was announced today.
Officials cite the birth of Ireland's first ever baby elephant and a litter of kune kune pigs - a domestic breed rarely bred successfully in Ireland - as some of the highlights that contributed to the record numbers.
Zoo director Leo Oosterweghel said they were hoping for similar success in 2008 with a number of new animal arrivals expected during the year.
"We are absolutely delighted and excited by this unprecedented result," he said. "The changes that we are implementing in the zoo are transforming it into a world class facility.
Dublin Zoo made history last May with the birth of baby elephant Asha marking the country's first Irish-born elephant and generating huge attention.
Other highlights throughout the year included the opening in June by Taoiseach Bertie Ahern of the Kaziranga Forest Trail, reminiscent of the great Kaziranga National Park in India.
The births of a baby male giraffe, and three rare hoglets also raised the zoo's profile, and it is believed one of its rhinos may be pregnant.
PA