About

The Chester Zoo is a Zoological Garden located in North England. It was opened 73 years ago in 1934 which makes it one of Britain's oldest zoo's. Chester Zoo is also the UK's Largest Zoo and was the first zoo in the UK to successfully breed Asian Elephants in captivity. The most famous of these was "Jubilee" (1977-2003), so named as he was born in 1977, the year of the Queen's Silver Jubilee. At the moment the zoo has ten Asian Elephant including Tunga and Sundara, two baby elephants which were born in 2004 and another calf which was born in 2006.
As one of Europe's, and indeed the world's, foremost conservation-minded zoos, Chester Zoo has many important breeding programs - for example, its Galapagos Giant Tortoise (their collection is the only one in the UK), the Socorro Doves (currently extinct in the wild, and a world population of less than 50), the critically endangered Sumatran Orangutan, Eastern Black Rhinoceros (whose Western relative recently became extinct) and the Aruba Island Rattlesnake.

Facilities

Chester Zoo is fully accessible for people with disabilities, and we provide a wide range of services to ensure you make the most of your visit.

TOILET AND CHANGING FACILITIES

All of our toilets have wheelchair access and will accommodate disabled visitors.
At our main toilet block (Jubilee Square), a portable hoist is available for people who have difficulty getting in and out of their wheelchair.
Our main First Aid centre (located near to the Ark Shop) has changing facilities for adults, and a rest room that can be used for self-medicinal injections.

WHEELCHAIR PROVISION (ZOOMOBILITY)

We have a limited range of wheelchairs and electric scooters available to our guests free of charge.
A small driving test will always be given to anyone wishing to use an electric scooter.
The provision of wheelchairs and electric scooters is free of charge, however, a £10 refundable deposit will be required.

HEARING AND VISUAL AIDS

We have a “loop system” installed at some of our main customer contact areas, including our gates. Simply look out for the blue and white logo
Guide dogs and sensing/hearing dogs are very welcome at the Zoo. However, we do ask that they avoid our Monkey, Chimpanzee and Elephant enclosures.

CAR PARKING

On arrival you will find 35 designated parking spaces for orange or blue badge holders.

Catering facilities

We have a number of catering outlets located around the Zoo. Most of our outlets are open all year round and provide a wide range of fast and fresh food.

The Ark Restaurant

Located in the middle of the Zoo, next to the Tigers, the Ark Restaurant offers a wide range of food choices, from sandwiches and snacks, to plated meals. There is also a Burger Bar, which is open at peak times, and is always popular with the children.

The Acorn Bar

Our fully licensed bar and beer garden are situated on the side of the Oakfield House, and near to the Lions. As well as drinks, a range of light lunches are available here.

Ice-cream Kiosks

We have a range of kiosks conveniently located across the Zoo. These are open to visitors during school holidays and peak times. All kiosks sell a range of drinks and snacks as well as a variety of ice-creams and sweets.

Cafe Tsavo

Catering for some 270 visitors in one go, the cafe has opened its doors, less than 12 months since development work began. Café Tsavo, which is replacing the Oasis Cafe near the main entrance, is integrated into the African Tsavo zone which includes the Black Rhino experience and a thatched roof.

Opening hours
The Zoo is open all year from 10.00am except Christmas Day & Boxing Day

Please note that in adverse weather conditions the zoo may close earlier than the stated time.

PLEASE NOTE THAT CHILDREN UNDER THE AGE OF 14 MUST BE ACCOMPANIED BY AN ADULT.

Admission prices

Off Peak period from 30th October 2006 to 30th March 2007 (excluding 10th-25th February 2007)

Donation Price
Adults £10.50*
Children (aged 3-15) £7.50*
Concessions - Senior Citizens, Students and Visitors with disabilities £9.50*
Family (2 plus 2) £34.00*
Under 3's free

Contact Us

You can contact the various departments at the Zoo by post, telephone, fax or e-mail, for details see below: