Chester Zoo is a large zoological garden in Upton, north of Chester city centre, run by a conservation and education charity. Animals live in big, landscaped enclosures, with orangutans in the Realm of the Red Ape, Komodo dragons in Dragons in Danger, black rhinos in Tsavo and jaguars in their own large habitat. You can walk through a butterfly house, stand among flying bats and watch penguins and sloths. Keeper talks run through the day. The site is large enough for a full day, so plan a route before you arrive.
A zoo built without bars
Chester Zoo was founded by George Mottershead and his family. He wanted animals kept without cages, using natural barriers such as ditches and moats instead. That idea still shapes the layout, and the zoo describes its approach as a modern one in which animals are not caged up.
Today the zoo is a charity focused on conservation and education, and it works to prevent extinction. It runs a campaign on palm oil and has set itself the aim of becoming a zero-waste zoo by 2030.
Habitats and animals to look for
The Realm of the Red Ape is home to the orangutans, and the Dragons in Danger area houses the Komodo dragon. In Tsavo, the zoo's black rhinos live in a reserve built for them, and the Spirit of the Jaguar enclosure is billed as the largest jaguar habitat in the world. The Asian elephant house and the Asian forest and plains area cover elephants and rhinos.
The Islands area recreates the tropical environments of six South East Asian islands. Elsewhere you can find Sumatran tigers, Asiatic lions, giraffes, chimpanzees, red pandas, sloths, otters and Humboldt penguins. The Latin American Wetland Aviary, opened for the zoo's 90th year, has Caribbean flamingos and saffron finches.
Around eleven miles of paths link the habitats, and signs along the way carry facts about the animals.
Bats, butterflies and aviaries
The indoor houses are some of the most memorable stops. In the walk-through butterfly zone the insects land close enough to see their colours. In the bat house, which includes the Fruit Bat Forest, the bats fly around you. The aviaries are also a highlight for many visitors, so leave time for them rather than passing through quickly.
Talks, feedings and animal experiences
Keepers give talks at set times and answer questions, so it helps to check the day's schedule and plan your route around the enclosures you most want to see.
For a closer encounter, the zoo sells experiences led by keepers. In the Giraffe Experience you receive a briefing, then feed Rothschild's giraffes at head height from a purpose-built platform. Other options include penguin feeding, bat tours and behind-the-scenes visits. These need to be booked ahead. Occasionally the zoo also holds after-dark events, such as lantern shows.
Children have four outdoor play areas and the Treetop Challenge, an adventure course for climbing, swinging and balancing.
Planning the day
The zoo is in Upton, north of the city centre. A direct bus runs between the centre and the zoo, and there is a car park, including charging pods that can be booked. One visitor arrived at ten and left at closing time without seeing everything, and another spent six hours and covered about two thirds. A shorter afternoon ticket has also been available, enough for a half day, so check the website for current options.
There are cafes, restaurants and a sweet shop, as well as picnic areas. Queues at busy food outlets can be long at peak times, so a packed lunch saves time.
Access is a priority here. Paths are smooth, wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired (book the scooters well ahead), sensory bags are available, and staff are trained to recognise hidden disabilities. The website offers downloadable social stories to prepare for the visit.
Please keep voices low and keep children from tapping or banging on enclosure glass. It disturbs the animals.
Perguntas frequentes
Do you need to book tickets for Chester Zoo?
Booking ahead is recommended, especially at weekends and in school holidays. Prices and ticket types are on the zoo's website.
How long do you need at Chester Zoo?
Plan on a full day. Visitors who spent six hours still did not see everything, though a shorter afternoon ticket has been offered for a half-day visit.
How do you get to Chester Zoo from the city centre?
The zoo is in Upton, north of the centre. A direct bus runs between the city centre and the zoo, and there is a car park on site.
Is Chester Zoo wheelchair accessible?
Yes. It has accessible entrances, paths, toilets and parking, and wheelchairs and mobility scooters can be hired. Book scooters well in advance.
What can you do at Chester Zoo when it rains?
The zoo offers a free wet weather walk to download, with a route that keeps you under cover and still passes the main animals. The indoor bat and butterfly houses are also good in poor weather.
Can you bring food into Chester Zoo?
Yes, there are picnic areas and seating around the grounds. On-site cafes and restaurants are also available.
