Chester Zoo announces 50% off tickets for special summer event

Jon Macpherson
·2-min read

Chester Zoo is set to offer a unique twilight experience this summer, as it extends its opening hours into the evening.

The zoo's Afterglow event will allow visitors to see their favourite animals, from majestic lions and swift cheetahs to intelligent chimpanzees, under the enchanting light of dusk. Scheduled for select dates between August 13 and 25, the event runs from 3pm to 8pm.

What's more, tickets for these exclusive evening openings are half the price of a standard day ticket, yet visitors still grant access to all 37,000 animals that call the zoo home. Zoo conservationists highlight that Afterglow presents a "rare opportunity" to watch the animals during the active period just before nightfall.

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The initiative supports Chester Zoo's vital conservation efforts both locally and internationally. Senior Marketing Manager Anna Barker expressed her excitement about the event.

She said: "Many will know what a special place the zoo is by day, but fewer have experienced it as the sun starts to set. This summer, across two special weeks in August, we're giving people the opportunity to experience the zoo in a whole new way, and an entirely different light.

"Afterglow will be a special chance to explore the zoo when it's usually closed for the evening, and to surround themselves with 37,000 amazing animals as darkness starts to fall. You may get see snow leopards Yashin and Nubra on the prowl through their Himalayan habitat at dusk, or the Asian elephants taking an evening dip at the watering hole, or watch birds as they begin to return to their roosts before dark.

"We're really keen for families, friends and couples to make a real evening of it and so, as if the unforgettable animal experiences aren't enough, there will also be spectacular live music and dance entertainment, as well as other fun activities, games and a tasty selection of food and drink options being freshly prepared and served up. Most importantly though, every ticket purchased contributes to the zoo's vital conservation work globally, supporting us in our efforts to make the world a better and safer place for wildlife. It's a wonderful evening out, which also does good for nature."

The tickets are limited with prices starting from £20 for adults and £13 for children aged 3-17 years old. Zoo members can enter free but need to pre-book. All sections of the zoo will remain open including the animal habitats, tropical houses, walkthrough bird aviaries and restaurants.

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