A Mesmerizing Time At Chester Zoo

Since opening in 1931, Chester Zoo has become one of the most famous zoos in the world. Having been listed in Forbes' Top 15 Zoos the world over back in 2007, it boasts over 2 million visitors a year and topped the TripAdvsior's list of best zoos in the UK and ranked third in the world. Therefore it is with great excitement and anticipation that my children and I undertake the drive to spend the day exploring. Having last visited when my son was 3, his memory of the lion has fuelled my daughter's imagination in the build up to the day, but will the reality meet both their high expectations?

As we approach the zoo, the flurry of animal pictures keep the children entertained as we join the car parking queue. Thankfully the wait is not too long and soon enough we are parked up and ready to go. Upon entering Chester Zoo we make an immediate pit stop to buy a zoo map, before turning a sharp left to see our first animals of the day - the elephants. An impressive start, both are in awe of the numerous elephants on display and could have spent hours watching their interactions.

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• All Photos: Jeremy Williams-Chalmers

However, Chester Zoo is a very impressive size and if we don't get moving, there is little chance that we will manage to see all the animals, in all their glory. Luckily the monkeys are fairly close by and are a very logical next stop for my own two cheeky monkeys.

After trying to spot the Rhino, we make a beeline for the fruit bats. In the darkened space, both children are both frightened and excited at the magical creatures flying around above their heads. However, it is flying creatures of another kind that strangely have them a little more freaked out. While I was in awe of the beautiful butterflies that came in all colours and sizes, their proximity in the butterfly house proved daunting for my two.

Making our way around the zoo, animals of particular interest appeared to be the orangutans, the cheetah, the sleeping lioness, the tapir and the gorgeous bears, however it was witnessing the playful penguins both above and below water and spotting flamingo eggs that really captivated their imagination.

Having taken a lunch break, albeit oddly timed, we made our way to our final section of the day, the Islands, where there were more delights to be found - with the aviary proving a strong pull for a second visit, and also a rather soothing boat ride, which although didn't allow to spot any further animals, did allow a moment to reflect upon the day we had just had before venturing towards the exit.

While the lioness may not have delivered the glorious pull of my eldest's first Chester Zoo visit, the trip was still full of magical opportunity and exciting proximity to a wealth of gorgeous animals. Both came away saying it was an easy 10/10 for them!