CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR CHESTER ZOO TO BECOME UK’S FIRST NATIONAL ZOO

CAMPAIGN CALLS FOR CHESTER ZOO TO BECOME UK’S FIRST NATIONAL ZOO

From a packed lunch box full of school trip memories to vital global conservation work, Chester Zoo holds a special place in the hearts of Cheshire residents. 

Now, a campaign to have the Zoo recognised as the first National Zoo has been launched by Dan Price, the Labour and Co-operative candidate for mayor of Cheshire & Warrington.

Chester Zoo is the most visited zoo in the country, with more than two million visitors per year - nearly twice the number of London Zoo. It is also the UK’s most visited paid-for attraction outside of London. 

It carries out vital conservation work across the UK and in 20 countries around the world, and engages hundreds of thousands of learners every year through its education programmes.

The recognition would not require additional government funding and would formalise a role it already plays.

Recognition of Chester Zoo as the UK's National Zoo could help drive forward the government's mission to deliver good growth in every postcode by supporting the visitor economy of Chester and the wider region.

Dan Price, Labour candidate for Mayor of Cheshire and Warrington, said: 

"Almost everyone in the North West has a memory of visiting Chester Zoo. It's a much-loved place, and it's doing conservation work that reaches around the world. 

"We've got a National Gallery and a National Theatre, but no national zoo. I want to change that. Recognising Chester Zoo would back a world-class organisation right here in Cheshire, and show that Britain is leading the way on conservation.

“I’m calling on everyone, all over the county to get behind this campaign. Chester Zoo is an organisation that is part of our county’s family, so let’s make sure it gets the recognition it deserves.”

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