Tripadvisor website rates Chester Zoo as UK's best facility
The accolade has been bestowed on the facility by Tripadvisor, the world's biggest travel guide platform, which uses reviews left by customers.
Home to more than 30,000 animals and 550 species, the renowned zoo has topped the list of the nation's leading zoos and aquariums thanks to consistently outstanding visitor reviews.
With 11,392 'excellent' ratings, the zoo's strong focus on conservation and unforgettable visitor experiences has also earned it a place among Europe's elite – with the new listings placing it as the third best zoo or aquarium across the continent.
The prestigious rankings are based on millions of traveller reviews and ratings submitted to the globally influential platform.
Jamie Christon, chief executive officer of Chester Zoo, paid tribute to the thousands of workers, from experts to retail workers, who he says make the zoo what it is with the animals.
He said: 'We're absolutely delighted to be named the UK's top zoo.
'This recognition, based on thousands upon thousands of genuine visitor reviews, is a huge testament to our incredible team and everything they do to make Chester Zoo such a special place.
'Every visit helps support our vital conservation work, both here in the UK and around the world.
'As a charity and a national conservation zoo, it means the world to know our efforts are being so warmly received by our guests.
'It's people coming through our gates who enable us to do what we do – lead the charge to save wildlife, protect and restore habitats and safeguard ecosystems.
'Together, we're securing the long-term future of some of the world's most endangered species.'
Earlier this month the zoo opened Heart of Africa – the largest UK zoo habitat ever created.
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Home to 57 iconic African species, the new zone spans more than 17 football pitches (22.5 acres) and recreates a variety of grassland habitats found across central Africa.
It's among the most ambitious zoo expansions ever undertaken in Europe.
It comes ahead of the unveiling of another exciting new development at the zoo this summer. The Reserve, Chester Zoo's answer to a premium safari getaway right here in the UK, will feature 51 luxury African-themed lodges, offering guests the chance to stay overnight at the zoo in support of conservation for the very first time.
Chester was only beaten to top spot in Europe by Spain's Loro Parque and Oceanario de Lisboa, in Portugal.
It beat the world-famous London Zoo into seventh place while Hoo Zoo and Dinosaur World, in Telford was second in the UK and sixth in Europe.
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'The prices were on the menu but it was €40 for one gyros between two, a glass of wine - which was €12, a water and some pitta. 'For that price as well you expect it to be somewhere high-end. But it wasn't.'
