One million visitors have passed through the gates of Dublin Zoo this year. Julie O'Mahony from Delgany, Co Wicklow was named the one millionth visitor when she and her family arrived at the zoo today.

The zoo says a number of factors have contributed to the success of 2014.

It has welcomed a host of new arrivals - including two Asian lion cubs, a Rothschild giraffe calf, a Goeldi's monkey and Meerkat pups.

Dublin Zoo also welcomed three Asian elephant calves during the summer months.

To celebrate, the zoo - along with Dublin City Council - officially named October 'the month of elephants.'

Leo Oosterweghel, director at Dublin Zoo, said: The recent baby boom has helped to attract visitors, with new births in the past few months including a Rothschild giraffe, a Goeldi's monkey and Asian lion cubs. The arrival of three Asian elephant calves was the pinnacle."