I will accept that if something good does come of it then these extras have to be suffered!
I was really just agreeing with the post that said it was a shame that the animals alone weren't enough to bring people through the gate.
Chester Zoo Chester Zoo in 2016 #1
- Thread starter oflory
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I was really just agreeing with the post that said it was a shame that the animals alone weren't enough to bring people through the gate.
I would much rather them have a really really good permanent seperate dinosaur area, maybe with some "living dinosaurs" exhibited with them than the mini golf and remote controlled boats.
We have to accept that zoos do not exist for the gratification of ZooChatters. Zoos rely largely on family groups visiting on a day out and they compete with many other attractions nearby. The primary attraction in a zoo is the animals of course. But the zoo's offer must also include other features for the whole family. The basics of seats, shelters, restaurants and toilets are not enough: we must welcome the gift shops, play areas, coffee shops, dinosaurs, rides, games and even the photo pests - indeed we ought to consider them properly here from time to time, rather than just muttering complaints.
I think Chester has actually done well in this field in recent years. Those dreadful animal balloons have gone - they were quite out of line with the zoo's green agenda (helium is a non-renewable resource). I think Chester was the first UK zoo to have animatronic dinosaurs, and their success is shown by the way so many other zoos have copied the idea. I think the zoo has worked hard at improving the catering and the gift shops and their integration into Islands is another model for other zoos, as is the Lazy River boat ride. The mini golf is more doubtful IMHO and I am in no position to judge the summer activities for the tinies on the Fountains Lawn - but I certainly don't condemn the zoo for providing activities like these, indeed I welcome them. They are enjoyed by many zoo visitors and they don't impinge on my enjoyment of the zoo, so I can only be positive about them.
Alan
I think Chester has actually done well in this field in recent years. Those dreadful animal balloons have gone - they were quite out of line with the zoo's green agenda (helium is a non-renewable resource). I think Chester was the first UK zoo to have animatronic dinosaurs, and their success is shown by the way so many other zoos have copied the idea. I think the zoo has worked hard at improving the catering and the gift shops and their integration into Islands is another model for other zoos, as is the Lazy River boat ride. The mini golf is more doubtful IMHO and I am in no position to judge the summer activities for the tinies on the Fountains Lawn - but I certainly don't condemn the zoo for providing activities like these, indeed I welcome them. They are enjoyed by many zoo visitors and they don't impinge on my enjoyment of the zoo, so I can only be positive about them.
Alan
Seriously though, I agree with much of this. Was delighted to see the end of the helium balloons ... but dismayed by the arrival of the photo pests. I can also claim credit for the departure of "false teeth shaped rock" from the retail offering ...
One thing on which I disagree is the comment that Chester has worked hard on improving the gift shop. In my view it has been "dumbed down" - at one time there was a decent selection of natural history books (and videos, remember videos?). Now it's soft toys, plastic dinosaurs, soft toys, jewellery, soft toys, children's books and ... soft toys.
I miss the books too, years ago there were always some natural history books that were not stocked by local bookshops. But times have changed, we can now get virtually any title from NHBS or Amazon, and most of those high street bookshops are struggling. How could the zoo compete?
The gift shops don't just sell the things you describe, although I'm sure those items all sell well: there is also a lot of nice Fair Trade merchandise, particularly in the shop in Islands - I bought several Xmas presents there, and there are lots of simple items like pencils and badges for kids to buy cheaply as souvenirs. I think that someone has worked hard to source new stock.
Alan
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Going to be a busy Good Friday at Chester:
Advance bookings for tomorrow (Friday) show it’s going to be a extremely busy day here at the zoo. We would like all our visitors to have the best day possible so we do keep an eye on our numbers. If you haven’t already booked please select an alternative date to visit. Tickets already purchased for tomorrow are still valid of course. Thanks for your cooperation!
Advance bookings for tomorrow (Friday) show it’s going to be a extremely busy day here at the zoo. We would like all our visitors to have the best day possible so we do keep an eye on our numbers. If you haven’t already booked please select an alternative date to visit. Tickets already purchased for tomorrow are still valid of course. Thanks for your cooperation!
Very much looking forward to the meeting and have booked 2 places as i'm intrigued as to what the future plans are for the zoo and the timescales in which they are hoping to achieve them by. Does anybody know what the current plans are for the old orang house?
demolition of the 1960s building, RORA is staying for a while.
Can anyone think of a precedent for this? I can't.
I had been planning a brief visit tomorrow morning, but I don't think I'll bother now. I suppose this is an advantage of the pre-booking of tickets and they can order extra catering supplies and perhaps even offer staff overtime. Incidentally the zoo has also e-mailed members to make sure they get the message too.
Alan
The bank holiday weekend in August 2014 that someone decided would be a great idea to offer free child admission when you pre-booked
I think the warning from the zoo is appreciated though
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BlackRhino78
Well-Known Member
great to hear that the zoo is busier & more popular than ever but how refreshing to see an attraction put people's enjoyment before profit! Well done Chester Zoo!
Just got back from a visit today, arrived early and was at the zoo by 9:30. The morning was alright, not too busy at all, but by 1:00 it was really busy, long queues across the fountain lawn just to get into dragons in danger!
*There seems to just be a pair of black storks in the condor aviary
*Some new invertebrates in the 'research station' in monsoon forest, including an amazing golden orb weaver
*The left exhibit of the three large reptile exhibits contains a trio of what are definitely Hypsilurus magnus , though seem to be unsigned.
*Spent 20 minutes looking for blue mantellas, but to no avail.
*There seems to just be a pair of black storks in the condor aviary
*Some new invertebrates in the 'research station' in monsoon forest, including an amazing golden orb weaver
*The left exhibit of the three large reptile exhibits contains a trio of what are definitely Hypsilurus magnus , though seem to be unsigned.
*Spent 20 minutes looking for blue mantellas, but to no avail.
Johnny Morris.
Well-Known Member
I visited today it was an absolute nightmare far to many people, i booked this trip months ago didn't realise it was Easter weekend. I'll not make that mistake again. Good on Chester zoo for trying to deter people from attending though.
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