Inside the Experience

As a Chester Zoo member, you’re part of something special. You probably know the zoo like the back of your hand, but there’s always something new to discover. Every trip to the zoo brings you a little closer to the incredible wildlife your membership helps protect.

From the animals you see every time, to the conservation work happening behind-the-scenes, every visit offers a fresh perspective. But if you’re looking to get even closer to the action, our Experiences are the perfect way to dive deeper.

To give you the inside scoop, we caught up with Georgia, one of our amazing Experiences Hosts, to hear what makes Chester Zoo’s experiences so unforgettable.

Inside the Experience

As a Chester Zoo member, you’re part of something special. You probably know the zoo like the back of your hand, but there’s always something new to discover. Every trip to the zoo brings you a little closer to the incredible wildlife your membership helps protect.

From the animals you see every time, to the conservation work happening behind-the-scenes, every visit offers a fresh perspective. But if you’re looking to get even closer to the action, our Experiences are the perfect way to dive deeper.

To give you the inside scoop, we caught up with Georgia, one of our amazing Experiences Hosts, to hear what makes Chester Zoo’s experiences so unforgettable.

What do you love most about being on the Experiences team?

What I love most is working alongside our incredible keeper teams. Their knowledge and passion for wildlife conservation is contagious, and it’s such a privilege to share their work with our guests. Plus, meeting all our wonderful guests and members - whether we’re on a bus tour or laying scent trails for the Komodo dragons - is such a joy. Seeing first-hand how these experiences help people connect with animals on a deeper level is incredible, and it feels amazing to know I’m playing a part in protecting these species. And let’s not forget my colleagues on the Experiences team - we’ve built something really special, and I’m so proud to be part of it.

What does it take to bring a new experience from an idea to reality?

It’s definitely a team effort! We work closely with keepers, educators, marketing and more to make sure every experience is not just exciting, but also enriching – for both our visitors and the animals. We want every experience to inspire, educate and leave a lasting impact on people long after they leave. It takes months of planning and testing to get everything just right, but it’s so worth it.

We want every experience to inspire, educate and leave a lasting impact on people long after they leave. It takes months of planning and testing to get everything just right, but it’s so worth it.

What’s one experience that long-time members would love?

If you’ve explored every inch of the zoo, a behind-the-scenes experience is a must. You could step into the world of a keeper, see animal care up close and discover the conservation work you don’t usually see. It’s a whole new perspective, even for our most dedicated visitors.

We want every experience to inspire, educate and leave a lasting impact on people long after they leave. It takes months of planning and testing to get everything just right, but it’s so worth it.

What’s one experience that long-time members would love?

If you’ve explored every inch of the zoo, a behind-the-scenes experience is a must. You could step into the world of a keeper, see animal care up close and discover the conservation work you don’t usually see. It’s a whole new perspective, even for our most dedicated visitors.

What’s the best-kept secret about the zoo that members can discover through an experience?

The Secret Life of the Zoo Tour! You get to arrive before the gates open and see what happens behind the scenes. From keepers getting ready for the day to animals waking up, it’s a peaceful, rare glimpse into the start of a new day at the zoo - something most visitors never get to see!

What’s a guest reaction to an experience that really stuck with you?

There are so many lovely reactions, but one that stands out to me is a conversation I had with a young girl’s mum after her fruit bat experience. She told me her daughter, who had recently been diagnosed with autism, often felt different and isolated. But during the experience, chatting with our hosts and twilight keeper Perry gave her a real confidence boost. It was a powerful reminder that these experiences are about more than just meeting animals - they help people feel seen and inspired.

Any extra perks for members when booking experiences?

Yes! Members get 15% off all experiences. It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of our mission to help wildlife survive and thrive.

Any extra perks for members when booking experiences?

Yes! Members get 15% off all experiences. It’s our way of saying thank you for being part of our mission to help wildlife survive and thrive.