Tourists have remained faithful to Dubbo's Western Plains Zoo despite the pre-Christmas manhunt for fugitive Malcolm Naden. As Dubbo police conducted internal and external searches of the premises hundreds of holiday- goers braved the sweltering heat yesterday to enjoy the zoo's unique wildlife experience. Many were unaware of the manhunt that took place on December 23 while others consciously decided not to let the suspected presence of the alleged murderer affect their holiday plans. First-time visitors the Hirayama family from Melbourne were having a wonderful time cycling around the zoo. Admitting to not seeing any national news coverage about the situation at the zoo in the lead up to Christmas, Tomoji Hirayama said his wife Yachiyo and two children eight-year-old Ryo and four-year-old Chisatho were very excited to be in Dubbo and seeing the animals. "We are having a great time," he said. More informed Sydney couple Alison and Mike Dilley were told "a little about it " prior to their first visit but decided not to let the recent event prevent their visit. "We came to Dubbo specifically to go to the Western Plains Zoo," Mr Dilley said. "We have always wanted to come and so far it's been pretty good." Among the thick of a large crowd at the Cheetah exhibit, Vicki Taylor originally from Dubbo and Michael Davidson said they were disappointed when they heard the zoo had been closed. "We heard it had been closed the day we travelled here from Sydney," Mr Davidson said. "We were just hoping it wasn't going to be closed the whole time we were in Dubbo." Visiting the zoo for the first time since he was 14-years-old and keen to try out his new camera Mr Davidson said he was not about to let a fugitive stop him from enjoying the attraction. Continuing to liaise with zoo security Orana crime manager Detective inspector Mick Willing said he was pleased tourists are continuing to flock to the city's main attraction. "We are continuing to survey the area with regular patrols both during the day and night and at this point tourists should not be concerned," he said. As the anniversary of victim Kristy Scholes is coming up Dectective inspector Willing is however to appealing to anyone with information about Mr Naden to contact the police. "Our homicide squad are working on a regular basis with the families involved and we are also currently investigating several leads from across the state," he said.