ANIMAL rights protesters gathered outside Blackpool Zoo on Monday (April 24) in an effort to urge visitors not to enter.

A group of protesters handed out leaflets and photographs criticising the controversial goading techniques used on elephants at the zoo.

But the zoo claimed the leaflets were misleading and said not a single person was persuaded not to enter.

A spokesman for the zoo said: "About a dozen protesters gathered outside the entrance on Monday but they had no effect on the visitors.

"We actually had complaints from some people who accused the protesters of shouting insults at them and many visitors expressed support for our policies.

"Everyone has a right to a point of view but there is a proper way of doing this. They should not intimidate people in this way and it was quite upsetting for some of the children who were waiting to get inside.

"Some staff members received personal abuse which was obviously unsettling for them.

"But we are happy to say that we have had a very successful Easter in terms of attendance figures."

Although the zoo has been involved in a storm of controversy over its use of goads on elephants it has stoutly defended their use and recently received the backing of Blackpool Council to continue using them.

It has also now issued a leaflet outlining its position regarding the use of goading equipment on elephants which it claims is necessary for safety purposes.