Chester Zoo celebrates record membership figures

Oct 26 2011 Chester Chronicle

STAFF at Chester Zoo are celebrating a new record.

The zoo has reached an all-time high for its number of members – with more than 38,500 people now enjoying benefits such as unlimited entry, invitations to special talks and events and discount in its shops and cafes.

Memberships and adoptions manager Karolyn Curwell said: “Never before have we had so many people signed up as members and so we’re absolutely delighted – it’s a fantastic feat.

“Our members are really important to us because, as a registered charity, they’re guaranteed year-long support helps us to carry out all of our vital conservation work – helping save species from extinction both here in the UK and overseas.”

The zoo boasts a number of high-profile members, including actor Ian Puleston-Davies, who plays the tough-talking builder Owen Armstrong in Coronation Street.

Mr Puleston-Davies, who has been a member at the zoo for several years, said: “I have been visiting Chester Zoo since I was a child and the anticipation and excitement each visit brings has never waned over the years.

“In fact, now I have my two children in tow, I have the added enjoyment of watching them react in exactly the same way – sheer joy that cannot be bettered anywhere else.

“We are so proud of our local zoo and flash our membership cards with pride.”

The zoo hopes its number of members will increase further as people look ‘alternative’ Christmas gifts.

For more information on zoo memberships visit www.chesterzoo.org/shop/memberships/select.aspx.