Chester Zoo’s ambitious £40m Islands attraction will open to the public on Monday, July 13 – later than planned.
When the plans for the biggest development in the history of UK zoos were revealed, the opening date was slated for Easter, but was later pushed back to June.
A spokesman for Chester Zoo explained that the delay is to facilitate a variety of events that they want to hold before the public opening.
He said: “We want to make sure all the visitors get the best possible Islands experience and that, with the other planned events in mind, July 13 will be the best time to open.
“It is a very large and complex build and we’re using the opportunity to add some additional touches, which we’re keeping under wraps at the moment.”
Islands, which will be home to a number of animals classed as critically endangered in the wild, will see visitors set off on an expedition through the recreated South East Asian habitats of Panay, Papua, Bali, Sumatra, Sumba and Sulawesi.
It will also include Monsoon Forest, the largest indoor zoo exhibit in the UK and home to Sumatran orangutans, Sulawesi macaques and a new species for the zoo, the Sunda gharial crocodile.
Jamie Christon, the zoo’s managing director, said: “Islands will see the dawning of a new age, creating an unparalleled visitor experience. Although our fabulous animals will provide a huge draw for visitors, the journey itself – all of the sounds, smells, colours and culture of these islands – will bring everything to life.
“Islands is about immersion – transporting visitors thousands of miles away to experience the splendour of the animals, plants and the cultural aspects of these far-flung places.”
For more information and to book tickets, visit www.chesterzoo.org/islands.
