Chester Zoo is home to 27,000 animals and 128 acres of zoological gardens to explore. There’s a lot to take in, but what are the top things to see if you’re heading on a Bullocks day trip there this summer? Find out below.
A rare species of big cat has recently arrived at Chester Zoo, with the aim of further raising awareness of the fascinating species. Inka arrived from The Big Cat Sanctuary in Kent and is due to be part of a special programme which is caring for the species across Europe. The Black Jaguar species is very endangered, with an estimated number of 500-600 left in the world, making Inka a very special breed that needs to be looked after for years to come. Luckily, Chester Zoo is very well equipped to look after her, as well as further promoting the reduction of deforestation through conservation efforts across the globe, meaning the Black Jaguar can thrive again before it’s too late.
Image from Chester Zoo
Chester Zoo has recently announced the birth of Paolo the Pudu, one of the world’s smallest species of deer, and he’s soooo cute! The baby deer is part of an international conservation breeding programme ‘working to ensure a genetically viable insurance population in zoos to help with the long-term protection of the species.’ The Southern Pudu, a species found in the rainforests of southern Chile and south-western Argentina, is currently categorised as near-threatened by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN), so the project by Chester Zoo is that of paramount importance to this adorable species.
Image from Chester Zoo
The Luna Cinema (August 2023 only)
The Luna Cinema is an experience like no other, mixing together the wildlife world and classic movies. The Luna Cinema is an outdoor cinema built by Chester Zoo that provides fabulous summertime entertainment under the stars. The cinema is open for 3 days towards the end of August 2023, with Grease showing on August 22nd, Top Gun: Maverick on August 23rd and The Greatest Showman on August 24th. There will be a wide range of food and drink options available, serving all your alcohol-free and alcoholic beverages as well as hot and cold food. You’re welcome to bring your own food too if you wish. Book now to avoid missing out.
Step foot into Chester Zoo’s brand new immersive experience, Planet Shark: Predator or Prey! For the first time in the UK, you’ll be transported under the water’s surface into the world of these fascinating and misunderstood creatures. In Planet Shark, you’ll learn about the anatomy, biology and hunting strategies of the ocean’s most effective predators, as well as checking out an amazing collection of shark teeth, jaws and fossils that are up to 310 million years old. Planet Shark: Predator or Prey is free to all zoo visitors, and even has a quiet hour every Sunday morning from 10-11am.
Lanterns and Light (Late 2023)
Join Chester Zoo on a magical festive journey with their amazon light and sound experience, full of colour and festivity. You can meet fascinating animals such as Lions, Dolphins and even Woolly Mammoths as you make your way along the trail covered by a tunnel of beautiful lights. There’s plenty of new things for 2023 including flickering fire gardens, giant 3D projections and bespoke soundtracks designed specifically for Chester Zoo. The production is made in partnership with Sony and Culture Creative and runs from November 17th to December 31st.
Image from Chester Zoo
Run For Nature (September 2023)
The Run For Nature on Sunday 24th September is a 10k run through the Zoo and around the estate to help save elephants from extinction. The run takes place before the zoo opens to the public, and also allows you free entry into the zoo once the run is finished. You win a high-quality medal when completed and also receive expert training and fundraising tips from professional mentors. The money you raise will be put towards saving Asian Elephants from extinction, helping to develop a vaccine for EEHV, a deadly disease which affects elephants in zoos and in the wild. Every penny you raise helps Chester Zoo make a huge difference.
Bullocks Chester City and Zoo Leisure Trip from £16.95pp
Bullocks run a Chester City and Zoo day trip from 18 pick up points in the Manchester area, allowing you to explore the excellent shopping paradise that is Chester and then explore the fascinations Chester Zoo has to offer, including those listed above.
We’re running this trip throughout August on the 11th and 25th, and will be adding more dates after so keep your eyes peeled on our Leisure Trips page for this and more short breaks in the United Kingdom.
Take a look at our latest brochure.
