Chester Zoo, Chester (must see)

Chester Zoo, located in Upton-by-Chester, Cheshire, is one of the UK’s largest and most renowned zoos, covering 51 hectares (130 acres) with a total land holding of approximately 160 hectares (400 acres). It was founded in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family, with the vision of creating a zoo free of Victorian-style iron bars. Today, the zoo is operated by the North of England Zoological Society, a registered charity established in 1934.

As a pioneer in modern zoo design, George Mottershead drew inspiration from Carl Hagenbeck’s innovative use of moats and naturalistic enclosures. His forward-thinking approach included creating barrier-free exhibits, such as the chimpanzee islands introduced in 1956, which remain a key attraction. Despite early challenges, including post-war material shortages, the zoo rapidly expanded under the slogan “Always building.”

Chester Zoo is celebrated globally, with accolades such as being named the UK’s best zoo and the third-best in the world by TripAdvisor in 2017 and again in 2024. It also earned a spot in Forbes’ list of the 15 best zoos in the world in 2007. With over 2 million visitors in 2019, it stands as Britain’s most-visited wildlife attraction, operating entirely without government funding.

The zoo’s collection is both vast and diverse, including over 500 species, many of which are part of managed captive breeding programs. As of 2007, over half of its species appeared on the IUCN Red List, with 134 classified as threatened. Chester Zoo also manages several European Endangered Species Programs (EEPs) and European Studbooks (ESBs) for species such as the Sumatran tiger, eastern black rhinoceros, and blue-eyed cockatoo. Beyond animals, the zoo supports conservation efforts for 265 plant species and became the first institution outside New Zealand to breed the tuatara in 2015.

From its humble beginnings in Oakfield Manor’s 9-acre garden to its status as an internationally acclaimed wildlife hub, Chester Zoo remains a testament to George Mottershead’s dedication and innovation.