Community Connections Scheme
The aim of the scheme is to provide 5,000 free tickets per year to organisations and community groups who support groups that face financial barriers to visiting the zoo. We want to make visiting the zoo more accessible so that more people can enjoy the zoo, be empowered to live more sustainably and build relationships with local organisations.
Charities, non-profit organisations and community groups who support people on low incomes, who face financial barriers to visiting the zoo, are eligible to apply for an allocation of tickets. You can find more details in the frequently asked questions below.
We will prioritise organisations that meet the criteria above in addition to these additional key audiences:
• Young people aged 12-25
• People with additional needs and/or disabilities
• Global majority
• Groups that work with people within the area of our Networks for Nature Project.
Audiences which are not eligible for this scheme include:
• Schools
• Uniform groups
• Raffle requests
• Individuals
VIEW Nature for Networks project area
We’ve had an overwhelming response and all 5,000 tickets for this year’s Community Connections Scheme have now been allocated.
If you’ve already applied and received confirmation, there’s nothing more you need to do.
If you’ve applied but haven’t heard back yet, eligible applications are still being reviewed. Approved organisations will be added to our priority list for the next round.
If you haven’t applied but your organisation is eligible, you can register your interest below to be notified when the scheme reopens in 2026.
Frequently asked questions
Through this scheme we hope to remove as many barriers as we can, to create opportunities for people to enjoy our zoo. We want to ensure that Chester Zoo is accessible and that everyone has the opportunity to experience our incredible species and conservation work.
Some of the other ways we support our amazing local communities:
Once a year, we run a very special event at Chester Zoo.
We open our gates for the evening and welcome 200 families with children who have life-limiting and life-threatening conditions.
Local charities invite families on our behalf to enjoy this memorable night together.
Creating family memories is so important. We’re proud to play a part in people’s lives and value our place in family traditions.
With this in mind, when someone is receiving palliative care, we offer A Day to Remember to make it easier for families to visit.
To find out more about the criteria and how to apply, please fill in this form.
Each year, we offer free entry for 42,000 school pupils during a set period, helping us broaden the impact of our conservation and education work and inspire the next generation of conservationists.
This offer is open to pupils from Early Years and Foundation through to Year 13.
Independent schools are not eligible to book free places in the first round of tickets.
We’re lucky to have a team of experts who are passionate about conservation and eager to share our mission to prevent extinction.
Where possible, a member of the team may be available to speak at your event, though this will depend on availability and location.
Fill in this form and follow the instructions - we’ll review your request.