Chester Zoo issues statement after people slam ‘totally ridiculous’ prices for safari-style lodges

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Chester Zoo has defended the pricing for its new overnight safari-style lodges as people branded it as ‘totally ridiculous’.

In case you missed it, artist impression images of the highly anticipated 51-lodge wildlife experience at Chester Zoo, called The Reserve, were unveiled last week ahead of its grand opening to the public this August following several years in the works.

The lodges have been crafted using natural and sustainable materials, with the décor being inspired by landscapes in Africa.

Guests can choose from a variety of different lodges to stay in, available for up to nine people.

Already being described as “the ultimate African safari experience right here in the UK”, some of the lodges will be located at the side of a lake, while others will offer views of a private savannah-style habitat that are home to Northern giraffes.

Bookings officially went live last Wednesday (29 January), and demand was “nothing short of phenomenal”, with the website crashing for a brief period and more than 550 bookings made so far.

But merely moments after this, people began hitting out at the prices for overnight stays.

Those working on the “very special” project say a stay at The Reserve will help to fund Chester Zoo’s global conservation projects.

Chester Zoo has issued a statement after people slammed the ‘totally ridiculous’ prices for safari-style lodges / Credit: Supplied

In the off-season, prices for the lodges start from £375, while one-night stays in summer start from £672.50, and then in peak season, for the more luxurious lodges, prices can go all the way up to £2,486, but it’s worth nothing that this does include guided safari tours and going behind-the-scenes with the giraffes.

“As an international wildlife charity we wholly rely on public funding to carry out our species-saving work,” a Chester Zoo spokesperson said in defence of the pricing.

“The Reserve is the latest way that people may wish to help to directly fund our global conservation projects and make a difference to the future of some amazing, but sadly endangered, species.

“A stay at The Reserve includes so much more than a room for the night.

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“Packages include elements such as a range of exclusive behind-the-scenes and animal experiences, breakfast, dinner and out-of-hours access to the zoo, as well as two-day passes and the chance to view wildlife straight from your lodge balcony.”

Find out more and book your stay in the new lodges on the Chester Zoo website here.

Featured Image – Supplied