Chester Zoo Chester Zoo Discussion, Speculation & Questions 2018

[TeaLovingDave]

Do you automatically become a life member after a certain point of repeatedly renewing?

30 consecutive years, as long as you are also over the age of 50.

However, you can also achieve a similar effect by purchasing Platinum Membership, which is basically the cost of 10 years membership up-front, as this is also lifetime and not restricted by age. However, this option lacks one or two benefits compared to automatic life membership, such as the ability to get a certain number of guests into the zoo for free.

 

[AardvarkJosh]

Do you automatically become a life member after a certain point of repeatedly renewing?

I have read it somewhere that you do after a number of years but I can't find it now, sorry.

 

[SHAVINGTONZOO]

There is a mysterious symbiosis of membership years and age - if it is as simple as 30yrs + being over 50 then I was diddled!

But it does mean that your annual subscription can also be viewed as an investment for the future.

 

[SHAVINGTONZOO]

Many more years of free admission I'm sure!!!

It'd be nice to be able to visit in 2040 to celebrate 80 years of visiting!

 

[agnmeln]

Very nice! I didn’t realise that this was even possible before. It’s lovely to be rewarded for your loyalty.

 

[Waddi]

30 consecutive years, as long as you are also over the age of 50.

However, you can also achieve a similar effect by purchasing Platinum Membership, which is basically the cost of 10 years membership up-front, as this is also lifetime and not restricted by age. However, this option lacks one or two benefits compared to automatic life membership, such as the ability to get a certain number of guests into the zoo for free.

Life Membership means free Membership awarded to Adults who have been a Member of the Zoo for more than 25 consecutive years (not including any period of Junior Membership) and are over 60 years of age, entitling the holder to free lifetime access to the Zoo together with the standard benefits of Membership stated on our Site from time to time and free admission for one guest;

Terms & Conditions | Chester Zoo

 

[gentle lemur]

Do you automatically become a life member after a certain point of repeatedly renewing?

Not unless you're still alive

 

[agnmeln]

Not unless you're still alive

But surely you wouldn’t be able to renew from beyond the grave?

 

[bongorob]

My membership expires on 2nd January 3000. I hope I don't forget to renew it.

I achieved Life Membership before the age of 60. (57)

 

[North Entrance]

Do you automatically become a life member after a certain point of repeatedly renewing?

25 years continuous ADULT membership without a lapse in membership or payment (paid employment at the zoo prohibits membership of NEZS and so counts as a break in any continuous period of membership). The other criteria of being over 60 years old no longer applies.
You can buy Platinum (Life) Membership for just over £1000 with the option of paying over two years by monthly Direct Debit. ... Platinum membership however does not allow you to take a guest in with you free whereas the 25 year 'earned' Life Membership does.

 

[bongorob]

I have taken guests in for free on sevral occasions. Sadly, on three visits gate staff have at first refused entry to my guest. I should not have to argue with these people, it is up to them to know their job, not for me to tell them what to do.

 

[TeaLovingDave]

On a related note, I just compared the current membership prices to the one I paid back in 2012; an increase of more than 50% in only six years.....

 

[Shorts]

On a related note, I just compared the current membership prices to the one I paid back in 2012; an increase of more than 50% in only six years.....

Without going into too much detail at the moment (I'm getting ready for work), I don't think Chester's unique in this respect. I think a lot of entrance prices have increased significantly (i.e. considerably above inflation) in recent times -I know Twycross' prices are considerably higher than they have previously been (now just under £20, including gift aid, whereas they were less than a tenner "around a decade ago").

That said, I don't think zoos are unique in these significant price increases, it seems the whole leisure/entertainment sector has followed this trend in recent times -e.g. (music/comedy) gigs and cinema entrance prices.

I think I did a review of zoo prices a few years back and when I get some time, perhaps this weekend, I'll dig them as out as a benchmark to compare with current prices.

 

[agnmeln]

I might have a look if I still have my entrance ticket from August 2013 (I tend to keep things like that) and see how much the cost has risen in 5 years.

 

[SMR]

My membership expires on 2nd January 3000. I hope I don't forget to renew it.

That always raises a few eyebrows when entering other zoos and showing one's membership letter.

 

[Welsh Zootographer]

That always raises a few eyebrows when entering other zoos and showing one's membership letter.

 

[Charlie Simmomds]

Based on a tweet by the zoo I believe they have a new male anteater called Ono. Can anyone definitely confirm this?

 

[bongorob]

they were looking for one, so if they say they have one, I'd say they do have one

 

[agnmeln]

Ah, that’s good news! I’m really fond of giant anteaters.

 

[Charlie Simmomds]

Ah, that’s good news! I’m really fond of giant anteaters.

As am I, though Blackpool was the best time I’ve ever seen one. I do like anteaters in general and would like to see the zoo potentially obtain tamandua, I feel they’d be a good species for the zoo.