Bears a necessity at teddies' zoo picnic
Monday June 22 2009
SOME were small, some rotund, some worn, some slightly battered. All were furry. And they came in their droves -- in cars, on bikes, on foot and in black plastic bags.
Yesterday was the day the teddy bears had their picnic at Dublin Zoo, with children bringing their furry friends along for a world record attempt.
The zoo was trying to beat its own record for the most teddies at a picnic, set in 1995, when over 33,000 bears enjoyed crisps and cake there. But the weather rained on the parade yesterday, as just 6,443 brave bears made it to the event.
Dublin also faced stiff competition from abroad, as zoos throughout Europe attempted to break the record -- in a bid to highlight threatened European carnivores such as bears and wolves.
Dublin Zoo marketing manager Veronica Chrisp said the Guinness World Records team would scrutinise the results.
"We didn't beat the record but I think probably Dublin Zoo will retain the record," she added.
- Louise Hogan
