A Day out at Chester Zoo

I love the zoo! Fascinated by animals and the incredible conservation efforts from UK zoo’s, it has always been a bit of a dream to visit Chester Zoo, and now I finally have.

The day out was one of the most uplifting and memorable days out I’ve had in a long time. From the moment I walked through the gates, I was welcomed by happy, bright and cheerful staff, an easily navigable park and some standout food and drink options.

The sheer variety of species is astounding, but what stood out most to me was how content and well cared for the animals appeared. There’s a real sense that this zoo prioritises welfare, science and long-term conservation above all else.

Set across 130 acres and home to more than 500 threatened species, Chester Zoo is far more than a traditional wildlife attraction. As a not-for-profit conservation charity, everything it generates is reinvested into protecting wildlife in the UK and around the world. Knowing that while I was enjoying my visit, the zoo was simultaneously supporting thousands of species globally through breeding programmes and field conservation projects, made the experience more meaningful.

One of the highlights for me was learning about Bonita and Remi, the beautiful mother-and-son jaguar pair who have recently arrived at the zoo. Bonita, now 16, and her 11-year-old son Remi have been given a specially designed retirement habitat, where they’ll receive tailored care from expert carnivore keepers. Their story also shines a light on the threats jaguars face in the wild, including habitat loss and deforestation across Latin America.

Another magical moment was seeing the Goodfellow’s tree kangaroo joey in the Islands zone. This endangered species has declined dramatically in the wild due to hunting and forest loss, so the birth of this tiny joey represents a significant conservation milestone. The zoo’s use of advanced hormone monitoring and even tiny endoscopic cameras to monitor development inside the pouch shows how science-led their breeding efforts are too.

What also sets Chester Zoo apart is its plant conservation work. I hadn’t realised before visiting that it has become the first zoo in the UK to gain international recognition as an important botanic garden. The grounds are beautifully landscaped, with thoughtfully designed gardens that offer moments of calm between animal habitats. The zoo cares for hundreds of plant species, including rare and endangered varieties, and holds five National Plant Collections.

There’s also a strong focus on wellbeing woven throughout the experience. The zoo has even launched a dedicated programme encouraging visitors to slow down, connect with nature and immerse themselves in their surroundings. As I wandered through lush green pathways, indoor tropical habitats and peaceful garden areas, I felt calm and relaxed which was a lovely build to a fun day out.

Beyond the animals and plants, one of the most unique and delightful surprises was the adorable pub on site. It’s such a charming addition and gives the whole day a relaxed, almost countryside feel. Being able to sit down in a cosy pub setting after hours of exploring, reflect on everything I’d seen and enjoy a drink felt wonderfully different from the typical zoo café experience. It added character and made the visit feel like a full day out rather than just a few hours of walking around enclosures.

What I loved most, though, was the overwhelming sense of positivity. Chester Zoo has played a role in extraordinary conservation successes – including breeding and releasing over 100,000 greater Bermuda snails back into the wild, saving the species from extinction. Knowing that real, measurable impact is happening as a result of the work carried out here makes every ticket purchased feel like a contribution to something bigger.

Chester Zoo is an exceptional place. The variety of animals is incredible, the conservation work is inspiring, the gardens are beautiful, and the atmosphere is genuinely joyful. The animals look relaxed and stimulated, the grounds are immaculate, and even the unexpected pub adds a special charm. A fantastic spot for a family day out too, but honestly, the adults were having just as much fun as the kiddies.

Find out more > www.chesterzoo.org