A Look at Chessington WOA Zoo & Sea-Life

[StealthFan]

As most of you know Chessington World of Adventures is mainly a Theme Park these days, but it still keeps it heritage by continuing to run a thriving Zoo. If it was not for the zoo the park would not be there as we know it today.

 

For all of you park history buffs here is a few pieces of info about the zoo:

- Chessington Zoo, which celebrated its 75th anniversary in 2006, was first opened on the 28th July 1931 by Reginald Goddard who wanted to display his large private animal collection.

 

- In the 40s and 50s, Chessington Zoo offered a fun fair, circus and miniature railway as well as the Zoo, making it one of the key leisure destinations for Londoners and local Surrey residents.

 

- Chessington World of Adventures officially opened as a theme park in July 1987 by HRH Prince Edward.

 

- Over 63 cuddly, furry, bouncy, jumpy, feathery, scaly and downright adorable baby animals are celebrating their first ever Christmas this year!

 

This is only a few facts about the long and wonderfull history of Chessington Zoo. So lets take a look at what the zoo is like today.

Okay that ends it for Part 1 of my look at Chessington Zoo & Sea-Life, check back soon for a look at the Sea-Life Center, Trail of the Kings, Sea Lion show and some closed season park updatess!

For our younger readers, this is what Sesame Street's Big Bird evovled from.

Because the animal looks nothing like its name implys, either that or I'm genetically wrong.

If there is a word in this sign that makes you laugh you are very very immature, just like me.

The zoo puts up signs like this all round the park to let you know about new arrivals and its great fun trying to find them.

These monkeys are so cute!

In here are Monkeys in miniature form. They were shrunk down by the evil wizard who once lived in the burn stub mansion. (HR live there now)

That's correct it has orange legs!

What colour legs do you think this bird will have?

How do you measure up? To the Condors wing span, not your girlfriends ex.

These birds are huge and make alot of noise when flying. But when they do fly it is very impressive.

Now leaving creature features and on our way to the Monkey and Bird Garden you come across a Condor. (The bird not the ride)

Remember if you ever go to visit Chessington you can always stay in the parks own hotel!

There is also a Skunk habitat in Creature Features, but they were not out when I was there. I'm sort of glad about that aswell.

There is also these guys who attack evil logs!

See there is quite a few, but there is even more then just these guys!

Chessington has quite a few "Capybaras" or as I like to call them GIANT Guinea Pigs.

All through out Chessington Zoo there are lots of fun things like this for kids.

This little guy says "It's SNACK TIME!"

Hmmm I wonder what animal will be in this enclosure.

Is it just me or does this one look abit possessed?

If you are lucky you can catch animal feeding times. I caught this little guy eating by pure coincidence.

Alot of the signs in Creature Features are at kids heights so they can learn all about the amazing animals the Zoo has to offer.

This sign is not about TPR members as far as I know!

To celebrate the 75th anniversary of Chessington Zoo in 2006, the park opened a brand new interactive animal area called Creatures Features.

Chessington Zoo is not only avaliable for you to walk around during the main park season they also open the zoo on selected days through out the winter. For more info check the website http://www.chessington.com/chessington_zoo/zoo_days.asp?css=2

[Bootharawwwrrr]

Great update mate, but I think I speak for all of us when I say, upload the freaking closed season photos soon!! Not too fussed about the sea life if I'm honest, really not a fan of fishes.