Everything you need to know if you’re visiting Chester Zoo next week

Chester Zoo is set to reopen from Monday 15th June but it’s going to be a bit different than normal. 

The latest announcement from the government that zoos and other outdoor attractions will be allowed to reopen from Monday 15th June was hugely welcomed by the public.

For the past few weeks, hundreds of thousands of people have been donating millions of pounds to save Chester Zoo as it remained closed due to lockdown restrictions. 

But finally, they are allowed to be open as long as social distancing can successfully be put in place! 

So how different will your visit to Chester Zoo be? 

Well, you’ll have to pre-book online in a new booking system that has been created specifically for the reopening. 

And once you arrive the many changes will be apparent, from floor markings to indicate two-metre distancing to self-scanning ticket lanes to get in.

There will also be multiple hand sanitisation points and new signposts, protective screens and service areas for visitors. 

Although the zoo spans 128 acres and is the UK’s biggest charity zoo, there will be much fewer people allowed to visit at once. 

Normally, the zoo will see 15,000 on a usual weekend in June but for now, there will be a cap at just a few thousand people. 

Indoor animal habitats, for instance the reptile enclosure, will be closed as well as indoor restaurants and cafes. Outdoor food and drinks kiosks will be open as normal for takeaway.

Chester Zoo has also added more picnic benches to accommodate enough people to sit comfortably and with enough distance. There will be fully trained staff ensuring people keep their distance too. 

Hard surfaces such as touchscreen computers and cash machine will be covered and out of use and viewing windows will have a one metre standoff marking to avoid anyone touching screens. 

Jamie Christon, Chief Operating Officer at Chester Zoo, said: “We plan to heavily limit visitor numbers, and all visitors, and members, must book online in advance.

“We’ve installed self-scanning ticket lanes, floor markings, one-way systems, multiple cleaning and hand sanitisation points, a huge amount of signage and protective screens in all of our key locations and service areas.

“We’ve also trained staff to ensure that social distancing rules are followed at all times. People will be safer here than in public spaces, as we know can manage numbers and social distancing.”