There were a couple of 'Lazy Summer Evening' events a few years ago. They were so contentious in the zoo that they were only announced at the last minute and as a result, and not helped by inclement weather, weren't well-attended. As a result, and because of the logistics, they've not happened since.I'd love to see CZ open until early evening, could even do a reduced ticket rate for after 5pm entry. Has CZ ever done a twilight event, I recollect elephant bbqs but can't remember any details.
makes the shortfall even more of an issue when it comes to larger collections such as Chester.
Yet again marketing has failed to do the research.
Prior to this first ever breeding at the zoo, 9 male, 9 female, and 8 unsexed Scottish wild cats were born at Chester zoo.
I thought it ridiculous on my recent visit in May that they 'close' at 5.p.m. after which people were being ushered out as fast as possible. They are continually making the Zoo larger and larger (Islands adds at least another hour to see it all) and with such a huge collection it simply doesn't allow time to see everything.
I was at Dudley nearly 30 minutes after closing time and didn't see any keepers ushering people out they were just getting on with putting the animals away for the night.
If you want extra time try going to Chessington on a winter Zoo Day. It closes at 3pm, but I’ve been at the gorillas (which is near the entrance/exit) until 3.30 or later before being gently ushered out.
Updates from a visit yesterday:
The Northern Hawk Owls have produced a chick
Boelens Python are now back on show in Realm of the Red Ape
Six Lined Grass Lizards have gone on display in Monsoon Forest
Red Titi have left the collection
An outdoor enclosure for Sloths is nearing completion at front of Spirit of the Jaguar. The education centre is undergoing a major refurbishment