England: Chester Zoo 2016 Visitor Figures Reach New Record

Located in the North-West of the country, England’s Chester Zoo reached a new record in visitor figures in 2016. In comparison to the previous year, this means a plus of 12 percent. The greater revenue will support vital conservation work protecting threatened species from extinction, as confirmed by the zoo’s CEO Dr. Mark Pilgrim: “A huge ‘thank you’ goes out to everyone who walked through our gates in 2016. We rely on our visitors to help deliver 80 vital conservation projects to protect threatened species – and the local communities that live alongside them – all around the world. That work includes a commitment to scientific conservation research, sending our keepers abroad to offer hands on welfare and technical advice in the wild and equipping rangers and field workers with the tools they need to protect endangered animals […],” he said.

The 2016 figures show an increase in visitors from the local area, the wider UK and international tourists. According to the zoo, last year’s satisfaction ratings among visitors reached some outstanding 99 percent. Starting this month, Chester Zoo will launch a new phase of improvements to further its status as a popular leisure destination. This includes a new “Madagascar” play area for family visitors opening this summer. Chester Zoo is home to more than 20,000 animals and over 500 different species. (eap)