Baby changing facilities are located at various different points. Presenter talks are given throughout the day and often coincide with feeding times. In summer months face painting, badge making, brass rubbings and interactive displays and workshops are also available.

Chester Zoo

The UK's number one charity zoo in the UK, with over 7000 animals within 500 species all set in 110 acres of award winning gardens.

It was founded by George Mottershead in 1930, who was taken to the old Belle Vue Zoo in Manchester when he was young, and declared that his zoo would be 'a zoo without bars!'

Holder of the Good Britain Guide Zoo of the Year award 2003, Chester Zoo has something for everyone. New developments for 2003 include 'Tsavo' the Black Rhino Experience which has been designed to provide natural surroundings for our 4 youngest rhinos. 'Dragons in Danger' which provides spacious new dwellings for the UK's only Komodo Dragons and the new Children's Fun Ark adventure playground.

New developments in recent years include Spirit of the Jaguar. The £2 million habitat for this critically endangered species was built in association with Jaguar Cars. The Twilight Zone Bat Cave - where visitors share the bats' environment as they fly freely around their dimly lit habitat and 'Islands in Danger' - for endangered species that live on islands - was opened by Elizabeth Hurley.

The Penguin Pool is a great favourite, where visitors can watch these flightless birds 'flying' underwater and our Californian Sealions next door always play up for the crowds.

Chimpanzee Island has been transformed with ropes and netting, to provide a giant adventure playground for our 26 chimps and the Tropical Realm is the country's largest tropical house, with free-flying exotic birds, reptiles, amphibians and insects - including alligators.

The Zoo's gardens are justly famous, with beautiful formal bedding throughout Spring and Summer, and appropriate planting in all the animal houses.

What times does Chester Zoo open and close?

The Zoo is open all year, except Christmas Day, from 10 am. Last entry and closing times vary with the seasons. Car parking is free.

How should groups book?

Group rates apply to 15+ paying visitors with the coach driver and group travel organiser going free. All groups must be pre booked.

For group bookings please call 01244 389461 or visit www.chesterzoo.org to download a booking form.

What facilities does Chester Zoo provide for disabled guests?

The zoo is fully accessible for special needs guests with the exception of the bar and the waterbus for disabled visitors. Special needs guests will receive a concessionary admission and all carers receive free entry on a 1:1 basis. Disabled toilets are also located in various points around the zoo.

Electric scooters and wheelchairs are available for hire.

What catering facilities are there at Chester Zoo ?

Choose from the Oasis and Ark café which serve a wide range of hot and cold meals and snacks alternatively you can visit the original Oakfield Manor tea room, bar and restaurant which serves afternoon tea through to a three course meal. Kiosks are also located at various points.

What further facilities are available at Chester Zoo ?