Chester Zoo is the setting of many TV shows, films, and photoshoots. From the BAFTA-nominated series ‘The Secret Life of the Zoo’, to programmes spanning major networks like the BBC and Netflix, we’ve extensive experience working with production crews and we’d love to welcome your next film, TV or photography project.
A UNIQUE FILMING LOCATION
Home to 27,000 precious animals from 500 species, we’ve over 100 immersive, vibrant and diverse spaces. The zoo features recreations of some of the world’s most unique landscapes – including Madagascar, Latin America, Sumatra, Bali and India – as well as exquisite gardens, stunning Grade II listed buildings, restaurants, play areas and education hubs, set in 128 acres.
But we’re not just a wildlife filming location, our wider estate features lush countryside and dense woodlands that are home to many UK species, as well as residential houses, farms and barns on a further 520 acres – we’re a versatile setting for film, TV and photo opportunities.
Located in Chester, we’re a convenient North West commercial filming location that welcomes projects all year round.
Take a look at our lookbook to browse our spectacular spaces
MORE THAN A LOCATION
As one of the biggest visitor attractions in the UK welcoming two million visitors every year, we can provide extras like a vast carpark and unique site access, world-class security, production crew workspaces, talent dressing rooms, catering and lots more.
EXPERTS ON HAND
We offer more than an exquisite UK filming location, our experts can cover a range of interviews topics, from animal behaviour and biology, education and policy, to science, conservation and the natural world.
YOU’RE SAVING SPECIES
We’re a not-for-profit hub for global conservation, so when you choose us for your commercial filming location, not only will our dedicated team give you a wonderful experience, but you’ll help to create a future where nature can thrive.
PRICE GUIDE
Our prices vary depending on high and low seasons, intimate animal experiences, closing parts of the zoo, our experts’ time, archive footage and anything else you might need. We’ll work with you to build your bespoke package to suit all costs and budgets to make sure you’re getting what you need during your time with us.
Shows we’ve featured on:
Channel 4 | The Secret Life of the Zoo
CBeebies | Steve and Aneeshwar go Wild
CNN | Call To Earth | The Edge of Extinction
BBC Live Lesson | Primary Science – Creatures and Colours
Blue Peter | Richie digs ELEPHANT POO!
Blue Peter | Adam & Lindsey meet a CUTE RED PANDA!
Blue Peter | Mwaksy learns how to be a PUPPETEER
Boots Opticians | Zoo TV Advert
The One Show | Weighing Animals at Chester Zoo | Instagram | Twitter
The One Show | Baby rhino at Chester Zoo | Instagram | Twitter
BBC 1 |The Earthshot Prize: Repairing Our Planet
CBeebies | Teeny Tiny Creatures – Millipedes | Grasshoppers | Caterpillars
BBC radio 1 Breakfast with Greg James at Chester Zoo | Twitter | Instagram
BBC Earth Kids First Chance to See | Eastern Black Rhino | Rothschild’s Giraffe | Sumatran Orangutan | Okapi
BBC Earth: Weird Animal Searches | Can sloths kill you? | Do Komodo Dragons Eat Their Babies? | Why do lemurs sunbathe? | Do rhinos eat people? | Are red pandas friendly?
BBC The Dengineers | Orangutan Den
BBC Something Special: The Zoo
BBC Bitesize | Comedians get a ‘real job’
CNN International | The UK zoo in the midst of a baby boom of rare species
CNN International | Call To Earth: The Edge of Extinction
So, if you’re a location scout or location manager looking for the perfect setting, or a production company who would like to explore an idea, fill out our contact form below or get in touch with Vicky Ashdown, our AV Production and Talent Manger, at: v.ashdown@chesterzoo.org | 07483042575.
We can’t wait to hear from you.