Chester Zoo Named Third Best In The World

Not unsurprisingly to many Chester Zoo has had a new, prestigious title awarded to it. So, what is this prestigious award? Quite incredibly they can now boast – “Chester Zoo named third best in the world”. Not only that, it has also been identified as the best in the UK. First and foremost therefore, congratulations to all at Chester Zoo in being awarded these titles. See how the local media reported this fantastic achievement HERE.

The honour was awarded by Trip Advisor, so it is fair to say that this award carries significant weight. How so? Well, basically because the people who provide the plaudits are the people that matter – the visiting public.

Chester Zoo Named Third Best In The World

Chester Zoo and it’s new Islands section. A great addition to a great zoo.

As the award originates from mainly the general public, it has to be said therefore that the award is well merited. So much hard work and dedication has gone into what we see today at Chester Zoo. From the moment you arrive in the huge car park, the feelgood factor begins. No problems parking and a well laid out and spacious entrance area.

Chester Zoo Entrance

Gone are the days when the entrance was by way of a “clickity-click” football stadium type turnstile. The entrance is now so user friendly and welcoming.

In addition to the better overall layout and logistics of the modern day Chester Zoo, it is fair to say that the staff have had a lot to do with the award. Having visited Chester Zoo many times, it has not gone unnoticed how friendly and helpful the staff are. Quite a large number of the Zoo staff engaged to offer advice and directions are in actual fact volunteers. This in itself speaks volumes as to the Zoo’s popularity. In addition to the expert guidance provided, the staff also always seem to provide it with a smile on their face.

To illustrate, on one occasion while disembarking from the short, pleasant boat trip The Islands, I offered a suggestion.

“I know what’s missing” I mentioned to the helpful Zoo attendant.

“What’s that?” she replied.

“You could do with that life size, rubber shark from Jaws in the water while casually sailing round The Islands. Even better if it ‘popped up’ now and then. That would keep everyone on their toes!!” I added. Of course I was joking (or was I?).

The Zoo attendant responded with a smile and a “what a good idea, I’ll mention it at our next planning meeting”

Having visited a few times since that exchange I was hoping to hear the Jaws theme music around The Islands (not really). But alas, no Jaws theme music….and no shark!! But a very pleasant initial exchange from a Zoo attendant who was happy to listen to all sort of request (or nonsense!!).

Chester Zoo – The Animals

There is somewhere in the region of 20,000 or so different animals at Chester Zoo. It would therefore be nigh on impossible to mention all of them. A quick mention to some of the more popular ones though.

Immediately to the left of the entrance you will find the ever popular elephants.

Chester Zoo’s African Elephants

Elephants At Chester Zoo

The elephants seem to revel in their spacious surroundings and their exposure to their adoring public.

These so very intelligent and mesmerising African elephants will certainly catch your eye as soon as you enter the Zoo. You may see them taking a dip in the pool or splashing around in the mud. While observing their behaviour, also take note of the social interaction between the different family members. It is fascinating to note that these family members span across four generations.

If, by any chance, you can’t see the herd outside then they will be found in the Asian Forest. As well as the elephants, you will also find other fabulous wildlife in the Forest. To gain access to the Forest, just follow the path round, amble past the beautiful birds and through forest vegetation. Inside you will find an array of exotic plants, including paw-paw, mango, star fruit, bread fruit, teak and ginger.

Quite an experience in its own right. And this is just a few yards and a minutes after gaining entrance to the Zoo. This alone provides ever increasing evidence to the justification of the award of “Chester Zoo Named Third Best In The World”. Beyond this however there is still so much to see and do.

Rare Eastern Black Rhinos

Rhinos At Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo was proud to announce in June 2017 the news of the birth of two incredibly rare Eastern black rhino calves. A double celebration indeed as they were both born in the same week. Very importantly, this has boosted global numbers of the critically endangered species.

Both new arrivals were safely delivered onto soft sand following 15 months long pregnancies.

Watch this amazing footage showing the arrival of the first calf…….

Only minutes after the youngster was getting to its feet. This is so amazing to see.

This new baby was born to proud, 20 year-old Mum, Kitani on Monday 19 June. The second birth saw the other arrival exactly one week later – on Monday 26 June. On this occasion the proud mother was 10-year-old Zuri.

Read more about these special arrivals HERE

Everyone’s Favourites – Chester Zoo’s Meercats

The ever so popular Meercats at Chester Zoo

A stone’s throw from the Rhinos enclosure are the adorable Meercats. As appealing as it is to see the famous Aleksandr and company appearing before and after Coronation Street, a visit to the real Meercats at Chester Zoo is an even better spectacle.

Take a look at this fascinating video……

A very popular event at Chester Zoo is the “Meercat Encounter” For a small fee you can experience what it will be like to meet these very friendly and fascinating animals. Unfortunately however, all the Experience Days bookings have been filled up for 2017. There is always next year however. For more details – Click HERE.

Giraffes

Chester Zoo – Baby Giraffe

Always very popular anyway, Chester’s giraffes have attracted even more interest since April. The reason being is because of the birth of a five feet tall baby giraffe. This video captures the stunning moment a rare Rothschild’s giraffe calf enters the world – and the new baby’s first adorable wobbly steps.

Eight year old mother, Orla, and baby are doing just fine. The birth was even more great news following on from the birth of male, baby giraffe Murchison on Boxing Day, 2016. You can read more about these spectacular events HERE.

New arrivals at Chester Zoo are always exciting moments. In very recent times, the Zoo has not only witnessed the birth of baby elephants, giraffes and rhinos, but many more happy moments have been enjoyed. See more HERE.

Chimpanzees

Boris The Chimp – Famous Chester People

Many avid viewers of the popular TV programme “Secret Life Of The Zoo” will know who Boris is. He is an undoubted star of the programme (I wonder if he has his own agent??) and really enjoys entertaining his adoring public. Not only that, does he help direct the programme as well?……

Boris and his journey to Chester Zoo is well worth reading about. We have covered his eventful life story HERE in our “Famous People From Chester” page. Of course, the Chimpanzees enclosure is not only all about Boris. There so many other characters for you to enjoy. They do all like an audience.

There are so many beautiful and exotic animals to be seen at Chester Zoo. Whenever you have the chance you really should go pay the Zoo a visit.

Islands

Islands at Chester Zoo