Chester Zoo – free entry for young conservationists

Chester Zoo is offering 30,000 tickets – completely free of charge to schools – in a bid to inspire young conservationists.

Students from nursery, primary, secondary schools and colleges, are invited to explore conservation at the North of England Zoological Society’s 128-acre zoological gardens – as part of an organised educational visit designed to spark a passion for saving species.

The scheme supports the charity’s efforts to halt extinction – with educators keen to highlight the role young people have to play in creating a more sustainable future for wildlife and people.

Charlotte Smith, Director of Conservation Education and Engagement at Chester Zoo, said: “With so many species threatened with extinction, it’s crucial now, more than ever, that we all play our part in creating a more sustainable future.

“Learning about animals with our educational experts in the amazing setting of our zoological gardens can create a lifelong connection to nature, inspiring young people to take action and make a difference to the future of our planet.

“Children and young people have experienced so much disruption during the last couple of years and it’s important that they have opportunities spend time in nature, which has a whole host of mental and physical benefits.

“With an increase in young people’s awareness and desire to be involved in conservation, zoos and schools play an important role in giving them the skills and knowledge to protect the incredible biodiversity of our planet.”

The initiative, which has been running since 2017 and sees tens of thousands of children visit the zoo free of charge, is open to nurseries, schools and colleges which haven’t received free tickets to Chester Zoo within the last three years.

Visits are available on weekdays between November 1, 2022 and 28 February 2022 and home educators are eligible to apply as a group through a Home Educators’ Network.

To apply, download an application form and send it to learning@chesterzoo.org by February 28, 2022.

A range of in-zoo workshops are available at an extra cost and free post-visit learning resources are also available for schools at chesterzoo.org/education