If you have had your share of museum hopping and heritage exploration in Manchester, head to Chester Zoo for a fun-filled day. The largest zoo in the UK, it has a whopping 20000 animals of 500 different species. Started in 1931 by George Mottershead and his family, it is currently run by North of England Zoological Society (NEZS). About 65 km from Manchester, the zoo is counted as one among the top 15 in the world and is equally renowned for its global conservation, research, animal care and passion for protecting wildlife. Chester has the distinction of being the first zoo in the UK to successfully breed Asian elephants in captivity. Spread over 125 acres and housing 170 buildings, the zoo features animal exhibits, shops and restaurants among other facilities. The animal exhibits, including Spirit of the Jaguar, Realm of the Red Ape and Chimpanzee Breeding Centre, are as different as engaging. There are scores of activities for kids and adults alike and there is also a monorail within the zoo to make travel easy.
Do not forget to take a tour of the Oakfield House to witness the ‘behind the scenes’ of how the zoo was started 85 years ago and how it has evolved over the years. Easily accessible by train and road from Manchester, a visit to the zoo is truly an entertaining and fascinating experience.
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