Chester Zoo is releasing tens of thousands free tickets to school children

Chester Zoo is giving away 30,000 free tickets to schools in a bid to inspire a new generation of young conservationists.

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

Conservation education experts from the zoo are especially keen for the tickets to help schools in disadvantaged areas.

The scheme is in support of the charity’s continued efforts to prevent extinction – with educators keen to highlight the vital role that young people have to play in creating a more sustainable future for people and wildlife.

Staff at the wildlife charity are leading calls for educational reform and are championing a move to see conservation education, including issues such as climate change and sustainability, embedded into the curriculum nationwide, having already seen it work successfully in the north west of England.

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 1 November 2022 and 28 February 2023, during the Cheshire West and Chester region term time. Home educators are eligible to apply as a group through a Home Educators’ Network.

To apply, download an application form and send it to [email protected] by 28 February 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 www.chesterzoo.org/education