Chester Zoo named UK’s top zoo, according to new Tripadvisor rankings

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Chester Zoo has been named as the best rated zoo in the UK by Tripadvisor – the world’s biggest travel guidance platform.

The North West zoo, which is home to 37,000 animals from more than 500 species, has topped the list of the country’s best zoos and aquariums after earning consistently good reviews from its visitors.

Drawing more than 11,000 ‘excellent’ ratings, the conservation-focussed zoo has also been revealed as the eighth best zoo or aquarium to visit in Europe.

The new rankings are based on millions of online reviews and opinions posted on the influential travel site.

Jamie Christon, Chester Zoo’s CEO, said: “We’re over the moon to be named the best zoo in the UK.

“It’s an incredible achievement and especially pleasing given it’s based on thousands upon thousands of genuine reviews and opinions.

“It’s a real seal of approval from our visitors and testament to every single one of our dedicated, hardworking, and talented staff that make our conservation zoo the wonderful place it is.”

Jamie added: “We’re always looking to offer new, exciting and authentic experiences that connect our visitors with the natural world, while also putting a much-needed spotlight on the environmental challenges our planet is facing and highlighting what people can do to tackle them.

“Only last month we unveiled a fantastic new habitat for highly threatened snow leopards, featuring special air-conditioned caves and more than 600 tonnes of rock to closely replicate the Himalayas – a place where these stunning animals are fighting for their survival.

“This time next year we’ll be gearing up to open another – a project we’re calling Heart of Africa which will recreate the experience of herds mixing as they do in African grasslands, bringing together a number of different animals including giraffe, zebra, roan antelope, blesbok antelope and ostrich on a large mixed-species savannah.”

The CEO said: “Every time someone walks through our gates, not only do they enjoy all kinds of wildlife experiences like these and a have great day out, they’re also contributing to the vital conservation work we carry out here and around the world.”

“That’s why, as a not-for-profit conservation zoo, this top Tripadvisor ranking means such an awful lot to us.”

“It’s confirmation that we’re getting things right for our visitors – especially important as, together, we’re preventing extinction and making a real difference for wildlife.”

10 best rated zoos in the UK according to Tripadvisor in 2024: