Chester Zoo is closing one of its popular animal exhibits after more than 70 years

Chester Zoo is to close one of its popular animal exhibits after more than 70 years.

That’s right, it looks like it’s officially the end of an era… as, according to reports by sources such as Liverpool Echo and the MEN, the UK’s biggest charity zoo – which is home to more than 31,000 animals living across 128 acres of zoological gardens – is set to close its beloved aquarium building for good after it’s been open to the public for more than seven decades.

The aquarium building at the Cheshire-based attraction dates all the way back to 1952, but due to what has been described as “advancements in building methods” and a number of other factors, the site appears to no longer be suitable.

The zoo’s aquarium is currently home to seahorses, brittle stars, blind fish, pipefish, anemone, clownfish, and more, as well as some other forms of “unique wildlife” like coral.

But Liverpool Echo says it understands these creatures will “find new habitats to flourish in” when the building closes its doors in 2026.

The publication says Chester Zoo members have been informed of the closure decision via letter.

The letter read: “With such advancements in building methods, technology and requirements for modern zoos, our expert team of structural engineers agree that from 2026, our aquatic species in the aquarium will be finding new habitats to flourish in, under the care of our dedicated aquatic team.”

The zoo says the closure is also due to the fact that, for the last 25 years, it has been developing “other aquatic habitats” throughout the zoo and teaming them with many different species.

The news that Chester Zoo is closing its aquarium building comes after the family-favourite attraction announced last month that its exclusive ‘after hours’ evenings are returning by popular demand on selected dates this summer, and they’ll be giving visitors the chance to see all the animals in “a whole new light”.

Tickets to the beloved events are now on sale, and they’re evening running at 50% cheaper than they do during the day.

Read more:

• Chester Zoo’s ‘after hours’ evenings are returning with tickets 50% cheaper than during the day
• Blackpool Pleasure Beach announces closure of legendary ride after 64 years
• Plans approved for new safari lodges at Chester Zoo where visitors wake up next to giraffes

It also comes after the zoo was recently named the best in the UK for 2024 after it received more than 11,000 ‘excellent’ ratings and glowing reviews on TripAdvisor.

Featured Image – Nadine Marfurt (via Unsplash)