Chester Zoo Chester Zoo Discussion and Questions 2024

I understand the dementia cafe will continue, but not sure if same location and the logistics of entry without a ticket / membership card.

 

I’m pleased with this change. With Bembe being at the entrance of HOA in the first place I always thought there was no need for another large restaurant so close by. The new undercover viewing / picnic area is far better for visitors too. The original plans meant having to walk through / behind the restaurant in order to proceed onto the next part of the route which I always thought was very disjointed. The new route is far better and will allow more viewing opportunities. I wonder whether visitors will be able to eat their own food in this area or it’s just for food purchased at the kiosk? I imagine it will be a very popular location for lunch.

I also noticed on the plans that the toilets will be mens / women’s / disabled / and there will be a gender neutral toilet included (for the first time that I’m aware). Good to see the Zoo being so inclusive.

 

That is good news but I'm not sure where it is going to be, given that bembe isn't going to be accessible without going into the zoo anymore, I suppose that they could use the Oakfield in the evening seeing as that is now open some evening for residents of Upton to use without paying to enter the zoo.

 

They could just do the dementia cafe before or after the zoo is open and just allow the people into the restaurant past the gates.

Who knows the zoo may open a small cafe in the entrance zone in the future?

 

But that would mean the zoo employing people just to supervise the dementia cafe, and I can't see that happening, also it would mean the jubilee gates being open for longer and that isn't going to happen for zoo security.
I suppose that there is a bit of space in the car park where they could put a small cafe,near the bus parking as that would mean that they could shake the last bit of spare change out of those visitors just before they leave.

 

Hi all, does anyone know how the free carer entry works now? When I went a few years ago I just had to show a blue badge, nothing more. It says on the website now that they don't accept this anymore, which is fine, we have what they require. It says you must take photo ID - is that to prove that the letter belongs to you or is it to prove that the person is a registered carer? Also I'm trying to book online and there is no carer option anymore, is it best to pay on the day?

 

I suggest that you contact the zoo directly by telephone or email.

 

Hi, I'm visiting the zoo soon and was wondering if the upper aviaries on the raised walkway in the tropical realm are open?

Thanks

 

They are still closed and it doesn't seem like there is any plan for them to reopen.

 

May I ask how many species are in Monkey Islands now? On my visit in December 2021, it was Black-headed Spider Monkeys, Buffy-headed Capuchins, Lion-tailed Macaques and Mandrills, but reports upthread suggests that is where the Roloway Monkeys are held, and I can't recall there being a fifth enclosure, either outdoors or indoors. Is there a fifth enclosure that I am forgetting about, or have one of the aforementioned four species departed and been replaced by the Roloways?

 

The Roloways have replaced the capuchins, which are no longer on show.

 

Just want to double verify this -- during my visit last month it was spider monkeys, macaques, mandrills and roloways. No sign of the capuchin.

 

I think the order they are in is

1.Colombian Black Spider Monkey
2.Roloway Monkey
3.Mandrill
4.Lion-tailed Macaque

I am not sure though as I hardly ever go in the Monkey House.

 

From the elephant end, it's:

1. Colombian Black Spider Monkey
2. Roloway Monkey
3. Lion-tailed Macaque
4. Mandrill

(i.e. the Mandrills have the big island nearest the bats)

 

Maguari I was almost right.