Chester Zoo

The Chester Zoo opened in 1931, thanks to the efforts of animal enthusiast George Mottershead. Mottershead first visited a Manchester zoo as a child in 1903, only to be horrified by the dank, dark conditions of the enclosures. The Chester Zoo was designed as a modern facility, inspired by the thenemerging European tradition of using moats to separate animals from visitors instead of bars, as well as extensive space for animal enclosures. Since Mottersheads time, the zoo has maintained its commitment to animal welfare, which includes several programs in field conservation and breeding. Today, the 110acre zoo includes awardwinning gardens and more than 8,000 animals.