School kids can go to Chester Zoo for free

Under a brilliant scheme to help inspire the next generation of conservationists, Chester Zoo is letting thousands of school kids visit for free.

While the offer isn’t new – having been running since 2017 – it’s still an excellent chance for young children to visit the zoo and get inspired.

This year 42,000 tickets are available, with priority given to schools that have not yet benefited from the free educational trips over the past few years.

Chester Zoo

For the first time, each school will get a free resource pack for their visit, and the zoo is particularly keen to get kids from disadvantaged backgrounds through the doors with the free ticket scheme.

Nicola Buckley, Chester Zoo’s discovery and learning manager, said: “For many school children, a visit to the zoo is what sparks a lifelong conservation journey. These are the conservationists of the future and some will go on to play a vital role in preventing extinction all around the world.

“Over a million species are faced with extinction and we must galvanise the power of our young people to help protect our environment. Bringing school children to the zoo for free is about inspiring the next generation to connect with nature and to find their own ways to be conservationists in their day-to-day lives.

“It’s to help equip youngsters with the skills, attitudes and motivation they need to play an active role in tackling the environmental challenges we face today.”

Chester Zoo

Nursery, primary and secondary school pupils up until year 13 can get involved, and take advantage of free tickets on weekday visits between November 1st 2020 and February 28th 2021 – the visit has to be during Cheshire West and Chester term time.

Chester Zoo is pushing for conservation action to be included in the UK school curriculum, after seeing it work successfully in the North West.

Schools can get involved by visiting the Chester Zoo website here.