Chester Zoo is the largest Zoo in the UK housing over 5,000 animals and hiring as many as 500 zoo staff at peak time. The Zoo’s main aim is to promote the awareness of conservation and to support the many endangered species of the world through breeding programs, welfare and education. This focus on breeding and conservation was made famous when Chester Zoo succeeded in rearing Jubilee, the first elephant to be born and raised in the UK in 1977, a landmark feat.

The Zoo is unique in it’s desire to house and display animals in as close to their natural environment as possible with spacious exhibits spanning 80 acres of garden land. The zoo itself is like Chester itself, steeped in history, founded by George Mottershead in 1930 as a small collection of animals acquired through the closure of a zoo at Shavington, Crewe. Through well-structured building and development the zoo has now become one of Europe’s top zoos providing action-packed days out for people of all ages.

The zoo’s main attractions include the Asian Elephant House and Island, a Penguin Pool with excellent underwater viewing and the Twilight Zone housing all things dark and creepy including Fruit Bats and glow in the dark Black Scorpions. As a break from the animals Chester also has extensive and award winning zoological gardens offering relaxing walks and picnic areas.

It is not possible to see all of Chester Zoo in a day and a good idea is to take the Zoofari Monorail Ride giving impressive views of the gardens and exhibits. Some of the animal attractions that have great views from the Monorail include the Tigers, Zebras and Condors although each ride offers a new and unique experience providing different views every time. The trains run every day and have commentary providing valuable and interesting information on the wondrous sights below.

Another way to see many of the zoo's sights is to take the Zoo Waterbus, which offers more interesting views of the animals throughout a 15-minute water ride. Some of the animal attractions that have great views from the Waterbus include the Gazelles, Giraffes and Oryx. Like the Monorail the Waterbus is open daily but is subject to weather conditions.

The Zoo is a must see when visiting Chester with more attractions than physically possible to experience in a day. Do not forget your camera, as there will definitely be a large number of superb photo opportunities. Tips for animals to look out for are:

• Red Panda
• Komodo Dragon
• Black Scorpion
• Sand Lizard
• Black Rhino
• Jaguar

Opening Times
The Zoo is open every day of the year (except for Christmas Day). Opening time is always 10 am. Last admission times vary with the seasons - from 3:30 pm in mid-Winter to 5:30 in high Summer. The Zoo closes 1 1/2 hours after the last admission (1 hour in December/January). Please check at the time of visiting. Closing times for animal houses, cafes, restaurants and shops are displayed at the Information Kiosk. Car parks close 30 minutes after zoo closing time.

Admission Fees

Please See Website For Up To Date Pricing

Website

Location
Approximately 40 minutes from Liverpool or Rhyl, 50 minutes from Manchester 60 minutes from Stoke.