Business leaders took a walk on the wild side during a safari and barbecue evening at Chester Zoo, sponsored by local solicitors Knights.
The invited guests were able to see behind the scenes of the world-renowned zoo and talk to staff about their work.
One of the main attractions was a visit to the Spirit of the Jaguar, which was redeveloped in 2011 to house a superb aquarium and sloth enclosure, in addition to the resident big cats.
Over canapes, a member of the jaguar keeping staff joined guests to discuss the animals’ care before a barbecue was served at Oakfield Manor where other staff were on hand to give the visitors an insight into the zoo’s daily life.
Sally Wightman, managing partner at Knights, which operates from three UK offices in Cheshire, Staffordshire and Gloucestershire, said the law firm was delighted to help bring the city’s business community together in such a dramatic setting.
David Beech, CEO of Knights, said: “The zoo is a major asset to Chester and an important part of the city’s tourism industry.
“The evening offered business leaders a unique opportunity to gain a better understanding of the important work being carried out by its hard working staff as well having the chance to network and talk to each other in a relaxed atmosphere and setting.”
The zoo’s managing director, Jamie Christon, said it had been honoured to share its facilities with prominent members of the local business community.
She added: “With more than 1.4 million visitors a year, Chester Zoo is a successful tourist attraction as well as a globally respected conservation education charity.
“With our latest major development, Islands, opening next year, now seems a perfect opportunity to share some stories from the past and, more importantly, our plans for the future.”
