Our Mission
The role of the Zoo is to support and promote conservation by breeding threatened species, by excellent animal welfare, high quality public service, recreation, education and science.

Animals and Plants

We care for over 7000 animals, representing over 400 different species. Conservation is at the heart of the zoo and so around half of these are threatened. The Zoo is continually developing the highest standards of conservation and care of its animals and plants, making a real contribution to saving them from extinction.

Our Animals and Plants

[CZW_YELLOWFLOWERS_M.] These pages are designed to give you more detailed information on some of our animals and plants. We will be updating the details regularly so keep checking for the latest news - see the What's New section on the left of this page.

2006 will be an exciting year for the Zoo as we will be progressing with major new developments.
These include an expansion to the Elephant House - Elephants of the Asian forest, a new Tsavo cafe and a new home for our Orang-utans - Realm of the Red Ape.



Chester Zoo offers an unrivalled range of services and amenities to ensure a relaxed and enjoyable visit. Our staff are always on hand to provide help and advice.

Visitor Information

[CZW_KOMODO_M] Chester Zoo offers a fun and stimulating day out for everyone, no matter what age or ability. As well as our 500 different species of animals and award-winning gardens, we offer first class facilities that ensure your day out really is as enjoyable as possible.

The Zoo is completely wheelchair and pushchair accessible, and all of our toilet facilities have disabled access, as well as plenty of Parent and Baby changing rooms. And parents will be delighted to know that our new Fun Ark adventure play area, near the Ark Restaurant, is a great place for children of all ages to let off steam!

There is a wide range of shops, cafes and ice-cream kiosks located around the Zoo; which cater for all tastes and budgets. At our Fountain Shop a fun and professional face-painting service is available during peak periods.

In order to ensure you see everything you wish to on your day out, there are clear signs and large maps located across the Zoo. We also sell comprehensive guidebooks that can help you make the most of your day, as well as providing interesting information about the animals.

Our staff are always on hand to answer your questions and help you make the most of your day out. Enjoy your visit!

GUIDED WALKING TOURS
Pastfinder Tours leave from the Chester Visitor Centre and Town Hall Tourist Information Centre. Times vary by season, please check with the TICs (see above). Fee charged.

Ghosthunter Trail - a night journay around haunted Chester, 19.30 every Thursday Friday and Saturday, June to October inclusive.from the Tourist Information Centre at the Town Hall. Fee charged.

Roman Soldier Patrols - a "Roman soldier" in full battle regalia guides visitors around the Roman fortress of Deva. Tours run June-August, Thursday, Friday and Saturday from the Chester Visitor Centre and the Tourist Information Centre, Town Hall.

OPEN TOP BUS TOURS
Guide Friday run regular guided open top bus tours of the city centre. Tours last 55 minutes but the ticket is good all day, so you can hop of and back on again later.

England

Cheshire Cheshire map

Roman Amphitheatre, Chester

The Roman Amphitheatre at Chester is the largest yet excavated in Britain (though only half of the structure has been uncovered). It lies beside the Roman fort of Deva, and it served as an entertainment centre and training ground for the troops of the 20th Legion stationed at the fort.

The amphitheatre was built around 86 AD, and could hold an estimated 7,000 spectators. Beside the amphitheatre stands a shrine to Nemesis, Roman godess of vengeance. The altar is a replica; the original is preserved at the Grosvenor Museum.