Penguins Having Fun & Playing - Very Cute - Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is a zoological garden at Upton-by-Chester, in Cheshire, England. It was opened in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family, who used as a basis some animals reported to have come from an earlier zoo in Shavington.

It is one of the UK's largest zoos at 111 acres. The zoo has a total land holding of approximately 400 acres. Chester Zoo is currently operated by the North of England Zoological Society, a registered charity founded in 1934.

The zoo receives no government funding. It is the most-visited wildlife attraction in Britain with more than 1.3 million visitors in 2007. In the same year Forbes described it as one of the best fifteen zoos in the world.

It has 400+ species and 8000+ animals including some of the most endangered in the world. From the magnificent elephants and rhinos to the delicate butterflies, there is a different animal to see around every corner of this amazing 110 acres of award-winning gardens.

Visit the tropics this winter and feel the warmth! Our animal houses Tropical Realm; Islands in Danger and Realm of the Red Ape are just a few of our indoor spaces you can escape to this season. Enjoy daily animal talks, children's play areas, themed gardens and a choice of restaurants and kiosks -- there's something to suit everyone's tastes. Kids and grown ups will love the Zoofari monorail, it gives you a giraffe's eye view of the zoo. Or, take things a little easier and relax on the Waterbus.

If it's present ideas you're after, take a look online at our new range of animal encounters and experience days. There's something for everyone including lots of gift ideas for friends and family.