New figures released by the Association of Leading Visitor Attractions (ALVA) show that the award-winning zoo is the second most-visited tourist attraction in the UK where an entry charge applies.
Chester Zoo is already the most-visited wildlife a
ttraction with more than 1.3 million visitors last year alone, and now the ALVA figures also reveal that the zoo is also the 15th most-visited of all UK attractions, including those where entry is free.
The welcome news comes as the zoo celebrates the busiest February in its 74-year history. More than 86,124 visitors flocked to the zoo, beating the previous record of 65,503 in February 1998.
Sharon Leeson, head of marketing and development, said: "This welcome news from ALVA and, indeed, our own visitor figures for the last few months show that the zoo is experiencing an ongoing surge in popularity.
"We are the most visited wildlife attraction in the UK and indeed one of only two tourist attractions in the north of England to make it into ALVA's top 20. We have also moved up a place in the ALVA leader board from last year.
"February has been an exceptional month and has set us up for a record-breaking 2008. Our membership numbers are at an all-time high, which proves that many people want to visit us time and again and are supportive of the zoo's conservation work."
2008 promises to be an exciting year with cheetahs making a return to the 110-acre zoo. One of the most threatened crocodile species – the Philippine crocodile – will be introduced and a walk-through African Aviary will also open
The full article contains 302 words and appears in Evening Leader Wrexham newspaper.
