Chester Zoo
Founded 1931 · United Kingdom
Chester Zoo (Chester)
Founded 1931 · United Kingdom
Chester Zoo is the UK's favourite zoo and an international conservation charity, managed by the North of England Zoological Society. What began when George Mottershead welcomed the first visitors on 10 June 1931 has grown into a globally renowned centre of excellence for conservation, scientific research and one of Britain's most popular visitor attractions.
Across 130 acres, more than 30,000 animals representing over 500 species make species-saving work possible every day. With the UK's largest tropical biodome, 165,000 members and 2 million annual visitors, Chester Zoo proves that a family dream can change the world for wildlife.
Highlights
- UK's favourite zoo and a registered conservation charity
- 130 acres — one of the UK's largest zoos
- 30,000+ animals across 500+ species
- 165,000+ members supporting global conservation
- Monsoon Forest — UK's largest tropical biodome
- Islands zone with lazy river boat ride
- 139 international conservation breeding programmes
- 62 conservation partners in 19 countries
- 130,000 schoolchildren welcomed each year
- Voted best zoo in the UK on TripAdvisor
Animals you'll meet
- Asian elephants
- Orangutans
- Black rhinos
- Giraffes
- Lions
- Jaguars
- Sunda gharial crocodiles
- Humboldt penguins
- Butterflies
- Okapi
- Giant otters
- Sloth bears
About the zoo
Signature Habitats
Immersive habitats bring visitors face to face with wildlife from around the world.
- Monsoon Forest — the UK's largest zoological biodome with orangutans and Sunda gharial crocodiles
- Islands — a South East Asian expedition with boat ride and play areas
- Lazy River — a gentle boat journey through island habitats
- Elephants of the Asian Forest — one of Europe's great elephant habitats
- Five adventure play areas for children throughout the park
- Daily animal talks, feeds and behind-the-scenes experiences
Must-See Experience
Rain falling indoors in the Monsoon Forest, crocodiles at eye level and a lazy river through island habitats — Chester Zoo delivers moments families remember for years. Seasonal events, lantern trails and keeper experiences add fresh reasons to return.
Conservation Impact
Chester Zoo channels membership income, visitor revenue and donations into field projects, breeding programmes and scientific research across every continent. The charity's goal: reverse the decline of 200 species by 2030, using the zoo as a living laboratory for conservation science.
Plan Your Visit
Allow a full day to explore 130 acres. The zoo is easily reached from Liverpool, Manchester and North Wales. Book online for the best prices and plan your route around Monsoon Forest and Islands early — they are the most popular zones.
History
- 1931
George Mottershead opens Chester Zoo to the public on 10 June
- 1934
Registered as the North of England Zoological Society charity
- 2015
Islands zone opens with lazy river boat ride
- 2018
Monsoon Forest biodome opens — UK's largest tropical habitat
- 2020
165,000 members and 2 million annual visitors
- 2024
139 international breeding programmes active worldwide
Conservation
Chester Zoo is a charity dedicated to preventing extinction. Every ticket and membership supports field projects, breeding programmes and scientific research that reach every continent.
- 139 international conservation breeding programmes
- 62 conservation partners in 19 countries
- International Conservation Academy
- Field projects on five continents
- Preventing extinction — 200 species by 2030
Awards
- UK's favourite zoo
- TripAdvisor best zoo in the UK
- Registered conservation charity