If you’ve ever wondered what goes on after dark at some of the UK’s biggest zoos like Chester Zoo, now’s your chance to witness nocturnal wildlife first-hand with the return of the ‘Into The Night’ events.
Bringing back their sunset special – allowing guests nighttime entry – Chester Zoo will host 10 wildlife-filled evenings this summer, where guests will be treated to sights of the zoo’s many nocturnal animals who’d usually be hiding throughout the day. Better still, tickets start from as little as £10.
An elevated experience that’s expected to sell out pretty quickly, the Chester Zoo ‘Into The Night’ experience will not only see tons more animals than can be seen during the day, but also plenty of live entertainment and delicious food, including puppeteers, dancing and walkabout performances, alongside gin sorbet cocktails, delicious kebabs and so much more.
The new sessions are a response to the success that Chester Zoo had the previous time it opened its gates after hours, allowing visitors to adventure around the park from 4pm – 9pm as the sun sets.
Whether it’s a sunset sail across the Lazy River or a peek into what the jaguars and bats get up to in the evening, guests will be given access all areas during the exclusive event, with all animal habitats available to potter around.
Ellie Trigg, Chester Zoo’s Customer Development Manager, said: “The zoo is a totally different place as the sun starts set – for some animals it’s time to bed down while for others the night is only just beginning.
“Our special Into the Night event offers a rare chance for people to come and experience the awe and wonder of all the zoo has to offer in a completely different light. And as if seeing what your favourite animal gets up to when most people have gone home isn’t exciting enough, there’ll also be lots of entertainment, including acrobats, dancers and stilt-walkers.”
What’s more, The Luna Cinema, the UK’s number one outdoor cinema, will be screening three family favourite blockbusters on the 22nd, 23rd and 24th August. Films not to be missed include Grease (PG), Top Gun: Maverick (12A) and The Greatest Showman (PG). Guests are encouraged to fold out the director’s chairs, pop the bubbly and settle in under the stars for a classic, feel-good movie.
As well as enjoying a film, visitors will receive full access to the zoo from 3pm, where they can take in the wonders of the zoo’s 27,000 animals. Doors open at 7pm for The Luna Cinema with films starting at 8.30pm, and tickets can be found here.
In addition, well-known wildlife filmmaker and presenter Bertie Gregory will be making a special guest appearance at the event on 30th June. Having produced and presented several TV shows for National Geographic and becoming BAFTA’s youngest cinematography winner for his work with Sir David Attenborough, Bertie will be delivering a fascinating talk drawing on his experiences.
The unique events will help to raise vital funds for Chester Zoo’s conservation work, which aims to prevent the extinction of some of the world’s most endangered animals. Into The Night is back on selected dates this June and July, with adult tickets from £16, child tickets from £10, and children aged two and under going free of charge. Book tickets here.