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Animal Talks

How do elephants talk? How many bones are in a giraffe’s neck? Why are giant otters so loud? Find the answers to all these questions and more AMAZING things at our talks.

Take a look below to see what’s happening on the day of your visit, our FREE daily programme includes:

Animal talks: Come along to one of our talks to get to know our animals a little better and find out some of what we think are the most amazing facts about some of our most brilliant species. Animal talks usually last around 7 minutes and generally involve a microphone, with the chance to ask questions afterwards.

Animal chats: These are a quieter chance to meet our Zoo Rangers and ask all of your questions about our animals. Look out for our friendly team and pop over to say hello.

Drop-in ‘Discover’ activities: How much do you know about Elephants and chillies? And have you ever heard of a Jungle Nymph? Our drop-in ‘Discover’ sessions are the perfect chance for all ages to get up-close to some amazing animals and objects and to chat to our Zoo Rangers about the latest conservation updates from the field.

Drop-in ‘Science at the Zoo’ activities: Do you know what an endocrinologist does? And have you ever helped to design a Komodo Dragon’s habitat? We have a dedicated Science team at the zoo and employ the latest research techniques to make sure that our animals are happy and healthy. Explore why science is so important to us and get hands on with real equipment to learn just what it takes to be a Chester Zoo scientist.

Bird Feeds: The chance to get close to some of the zoo’s most beautiful feathered inhabitants whilst they have their lunch. The Zoo Rangers will be on-hand to chat and answer all your questions.

Just so you know, sometimes we might change our talks and activities because of animal needs or the weather.

All of these events are FREE to attend and we have different ones on different days, so be sure to check the schedule below, on our Chester Zoo app or on our info screens inside the zoo. If you have any additional requirements, just speak to our Zoo Ranger team who will be happy to help.


Which day are you coming to see us?

Select day of the week

Monday

Animal Talk

Discover Minibeasts –10:30 - 11:30

...in Butterfly Journey. Did you know… that an estimated 80% of all known animal species are invertebrates? This is your chance to get up close to some of our most impressive invertebrates and explore minibeast features and lifecycles.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Elephant talk –11:00

...at the Outdoor Elephant habitat. Did you know that Elephants don't like the smell of chillies? Find out why this is important for our conservationists and learn what family life is like for our playful young Asian Elephants here at the zoo.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Black Rhino chat –11:30

...at the Black Rhino habitat. Did you know…that black rhinos aren’t actually black? Find out more about these brilliant animals and learn what we’re doing at the zoo and in the wild to protect this Critically Endangered species.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Lemur talk –12:00

...at Madagascar walkthrough. Did you know that ring-tailed lemurs possess both a ‘toilet-claw’ and a ‘tooth comb’ and also regularly engage in stink fights?! Come along to find out all about these amazing and unusual animals.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Tropical Realm bird feed –13:30

...in the Tropical Realm. Did you know…that some of our birds change colour in the Spring? Step into the forest and be surrounded by our beautiful tropical birds whilst they have their lunch.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Cheetah talk –14:15

...at the Cheetah Habitat. Did you know…that cheetahs have ‘sunglasses’? If you’re feeling the need for speed, come along to find out all about these record-breaking predators and learn how our cheetah’s footprints have helped to save the species in the wild.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Giant Otter talk –14:45

...at the Giant Otter habitat. Did you know…that wild giant otter families live in ‘campsites’? This might sound appealing, but these often include massive communal ‘toilets’! Learn more about one of our loudest animals and find out how they are amazingly adapted for their watery lifestyle.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Fossa chat –15:15

...at the Fossa habitat. Did you know… that fossa are Madagascar’s biggest carnivore? These elusive animals lead secretive lives in the threatened forests of Madagascar. Join us to learn more about them and find out how you can help protect their homes.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Penguin talk –15:15

...at the Humboldt Penguin habitat. Did you know…that penguins have spiky tongues? Join us to see our penguins showing off their amazing swimming skills whilst diving for food and find out what your shopping habits have got to do with saving wild penguins.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Discover Lemurs –15:30 - 16:30

...at Madagascar. Did you know...that there are over 100 types of lemur? Drop-in to celebrate these unique and threatened primates and learn the skills you’d need to be a field conservationist in Madagascar.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Cracking Wildlife Crime –15:30 - 16:30

...at the Sun Bear habitat, Islands. Did you know…that the Illegal Wildlife Trade is one of the biggest threats to wildlife across the globe? Join us to find out what the problem is and learn the skills you need to help tackle wildlife crime.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Komodo Dragon talk –16:00

...inside Dragons in Danger. Did you know… that komodo dragons can have up to 60 serrated teeth in their mouths?! Get to know our largest lizard and uncover what other hidden ‘weapons’ make him such a brilliant top predator.


Learn more about this animal!

Tuesday

Animal Talk

Science at the Zoo - Endocrinology –10:30 - 11:30

...at the Black Rhino habitat. Did you know… that the clue is often in the poo? Get hands-on with some of our science equipment and find out how ‘poo science’ (or endocrinology to give it its proper title) is helping to save some of our most endangered animals.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Elephant talk –11:00

...at the outdoor Elephant habitat. Did you know… that elephants don’t like the smell of chillies? Find out why this is important for our conservationists and learn what family life is like for our playful young asian elephants here at the zoo.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Komodo Dragon talk –11:30

...inside Dragons in Danger. Did you know… that komodo dragons can have up to 60 serrated teeth in their mouths?! Get to know our largest lizard and uncover what other hidden ‘weapons’ make him such a brilliant top predator.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Lemur talk –12:00

...at Madagascar walkthrough. Did you know that ring-tailed lemurs possess both a ‘toilet-claw’ and a ‘tooth comb’ and also regularly engage in stink fights?! Come along to find out all about these amazing and unusual animals.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Tropical Realm bird feed –13:30

...in the Tropical Realm. Did you know…that some of our birds change colour in the Spring? Step into the forest and be surrounded by our beautiful tropical birds whilst they have their lunch.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Giant Otter talk –14:15

...at the Giant Otter habitat. Did you know…that wild giant otter families live in ‘campsites’? This might sound appealing, but these often include massive communal ‘toilets’! Learn more about one of our loudest animals and find out how they are amazingly adapted for their watery lifestyle.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Penguin talk –14:45

...at the Humboldt Penguin Habitat. Did you know…that penguins have spiky tongues? Join us to see our penguins showing off their amazing swimming skills whilst diving for food and find out what your shopping habits have got to do with saving wild penguins.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Fossa chat –15:15

...at the Fossa habitat. Did you know… that fossa are Madagascar’s biggest carnivore? These elusive animals lead secretive lives in the threatened forests of Madagascar. Join us to learn more about them and find out how you can help protect their homes.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Discover Lemurs –15:30 - 16:30

...at Madagascar. Did you know...that there are over 100 types of lemur? Drop-in to celebrate these unique and threatened primates and learn the skills you’d need to be a field conservationist in Madagascar.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Discover Elephants –15:30 - 16:30

...at the Elephant habitat. Did you know… that an adult elephant can do up to 19 poos every single day? Pop along to encounter some brilliant elephant artefacts and learn how chilli plants are helping to protect asian elephants in India.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Sumatran Tiger talk –16:00

…at the Tiger habitat, Islands. Did you know…that every tiger has its own individual pattern of stripes? Find out what it takes to be Sumatra’s top predator and learn how you can help save these critically endangered animals whilst doing your shopping.


Learn more about this animal!

Wednesday

Animal Talk

Discover Orangutans –10:30 - 11:30

...at Realm of the Red Ape. Did you know…that we build rope bridges to help wild orangutans? But it’s not just field conservationists who can protect these amazing animals. Find out what chocolate and shampoo have in common and how you can help save wildlife when buying your favourite treats.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Elephant talk –11:00

...at the outdoor Elephant habitat. Did you know…that elephants don’t like the smell of chillies? Find out why this is important for our conservationists and learn what family life is like for our playful young asian elephants here at the zoo.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Greater One-horned Rhino talk –11:30

...at the Greater One-horned Rhino habitat. Did you know... that greater one-horned rhinos communicate using poo? Find out how and why they do this and learn more about the amazing and unusual behaviours of these modern day ‘unicorns.’


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Lemur talk –12:00

...at Madagascar walkthrough. Did you know that ring-tailed lemurs possess both a ‘toilet-claw’ and a ‘tooth comb’ and also regularly engage in stink fights?! Come along to find out all about these amazing and unusual animals.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Tsavo bird feed –13:30

...Inside the Tsavo Aviary. Did you know…that some of our birds build nests as big as a small car? Step into the African bush and be surrounded by our beautiful birds as they eat their lunch.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Chimpanzee talk –14:15

...at the Chimpanzee habitat. Did you know…that chimpanzees have their own cultures? Meet some of our cleverest animals and learn what skills you’d need to survive as chimp. Plus find out how your old mobile phone could help save wild chimpanzees.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Komodo Dragon talk –14:45

...inside Dragons in Danger. Did you know…that komodo dragons can have up to 60 serrated teeth in their mouths?! Get to know our largest lizard and uncover what other hidden ‘weapons’ make him such a brilliant top predator.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Fossa chat –15:15

...at the Fossa habitat. Did you know… that fossa are Madagascar’s biggest carnivore? These elusive animals lead secretive lives in the threatened forests of Madagascar. Join us to learn more about them and find out how you can help protect their homes.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Discover Jaguars –15:30 - 16:30

...inside the Spirit of the Jaguar. Did you know…that without rainforests we probably wouldn’t have chocolate? Find out about some of the amazing ways we are all connected and learn why this important for both humans and jaguars.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Discover Aye-ayes –15:30 - 16:30

...outside the exit to Tropical Realm. Did you know...that an aye-aye’s incisor teeth carry on growing for its whole life? Join us to discover more about the amazing adaptations of this intriguing lemur and how we encourage natural behaviours at the zoo.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Sun Bear talk –16:00

...at the Sun Bear habitat, Islands. Did you know…that Sun Bears’ tongues are around a whopping 25cm long? Come along to find out what they use them for and discover why the smallest of all the bear species is also one of the most threatened. 

Learn more about this animal!

Thursday

Animal Talk

Discover Minibeasts –10:30 - 11:30

...in Butterfly Journey. Did you know… that an estimated 80% of all known animal species are invertebrates? This is your chance to get up close to some of our most impressive invertebrates and explore minibeast features and lifecycles.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Elephant talk –11:00

...at the outdoor Elephant habitat. Did you know…that elephants don’t like the smell of chillies? Find out why this is important for our conservationists and learn what family life is like for our playful young asian elephants here at the zoo.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Meerkat talk –11:30

...at the Meerkat habitat. Did you know…that a group of meerkats is called a ‘mob’? They may look cute, but these are some of the toughest animals around. Find out what skills and features meerkats need to survive in their harsh, wild habitat.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Lemur talk –12:00

...at Madagascar walkthrough. Did you know that ring-tailed lemurs possess both a ‘toilet-claw’ and a ‘tooth comb’ and also regularly engage in stink fights?! Come along to find out all about these amazing and unusual animals.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Tropical Realm bird feed –13:30

...at the Tropical Realm. Did you know…that some of our birds change colour in the Spring? Step into the forest and be surrounded by our beautiful tropical birds whilst they have their lunch.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Chimpanzee talk –14:15

...at the Chimpanzee habitat. Did you know…that chimpanzees have their own cultures? Meet some of our cleverest animals and learn what skills you’d need to survive as chimp. Plus find out how your old mobile phone could help save wild chimpanzees.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Penguin talk –14:45

...at the Humboldt Penguin habitat. Did you know…that penguins have spiky tongues? Join us to see our penguins showing off their amazing swimming skills whilst diving for food and find out what your shopping habits have got to do with saving wild penguins.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Fossa chat –15:15

...at the Fossa habitat. Did you know… that fossa are Madagascar’s biggest carnivore? These elusive animals lead secretive lives in the threatened forests of Madagascar. Join us to learn more about them and find out how you can help protect their homes.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Discover Lemurs –15:30 - 16:30

...at Madagascar. Did you know...that there are over 100 types of lemur? Drop-in to celebrate these unique and threatened primates and learn the skills you’d need to be a field conservationist in Madagascar.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Discover Black Rhinos –15:30 - 16:30

...in the Black Rhino habitat. Did you know… that rhinos sniff other rhinos' wee to get to know them? Pop by to find out more about the ‘Rhino Dating game’ and learn the skills you’d need to be a rhino conservationist both here in the zoo and out in Africa.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Sumatran Tiger talk –16:00

at the Tiger Habitat, in Islands. Did you know…that every tiger has its own individual pattern of stripes? Find out what it takes to be Sumatra’s top predator and learn how you can help save these iconic but threatened animals whilst doing your shopping.


Learn more about this animal!

Friday

Animal Talk

Science at the Zoo - Nutrition –10:30 - 11:30

... inside Spirit of the Jaguar. Did you know... that we have our very own dedicated zoo Nutritionist? Providing healthy diets for all of our unique animals is a massive job. Discover how we recreate the foods our herbivores, omnivores and carnivores eat in the wild.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Elephant talk –11:00

...at the Outdoor Elephant habitat. Did you know…that Elephants don’t like the smell of chillies? Find out why this is important for our conservationists and learn what family life is like for our playful young Asian Elephants here at the zoo.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Painted Dog talk –11:30

...at the Painted Dog habitat Did you know…that painted dogs probably recognise their family by looking at their coat patterns? Find out what life is like growing up in a pack and learn how teamwork helps these brilliant carnivores survive.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Lemur talk –12:00

...at Madagascar walkthrough. Did you know that ring-tailed lemurs possess both a ‘toilet-claw’ and a ‘tooth comb’ and also regularly engage in stink fights?! Come along to find out all about these amazing and unusual animals.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Tsavo bird feed –13:30

...in the Tsavo Aviary. Did you know…that some of our birds build nests as big as a small car? Step in to the African bush and be surrounded by our beautiful birds as they eat their lunch.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Sloth chat –14:15

...inside Spirit of the Jaguar. Did you know... that sloths only come to the ground about once a week? If you’ve ever wondered what life is like upside down or are just intrigued as to what type of animal a sloth actually is, pop along to find out all about these wonderfully weird creatures.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Okapi chat –14:45

...at the Okapi habitat. Did you know... that okapis are closely related to Giraffes? They are strange, secretive and not very well studied. Join us to find out what we do know and catch up on the latest research updates from the field.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Penguin talk –15:15

...at the Humboldt Penguin habitat. Did you know…that penguins have spiky tongues? Join us to see our penguins showing off their amazing swimming skills whilst diving for food and find out what your shopping habits have got to do with saving wild penguins.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Fossa chat –15:15

...at the Fossa habitat. Did you know… that fossa are Madagascar’s biggest carnivore? These elusive animals lead secretive lives in the threatened forests of Madagascar. Join us to learn more about them and find out how you can help protect their homes.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Living with Tigers –15:30 - 16:30

...at the Tiger habitat, Islands. Did you know…that you can find out loads from tiger poo? How would you feel if you had wild tigers living on your doorstep? Find out how we’re using DNA and compost-making worms to help people and wildlife in Nepal.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Discover Aye-ayes –15:30 - 16:30

...outside the exit to Tropical Realm. Did you know...that an aye-aye’s incisor teeth carry on growing for its whole life? Join us to discover more about the amazing adaptations of this intriguing lemur and how we encourage natural behaviours at the zoo.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Komodo Dragon talk –16:00

...inside Dragons in Danger. Did you know…that Komodo Dragons can have up to 60 serrated teeth in their mouths?! Get to know our largest lizard and uncover what other hidden ‘weapons’ make him such a brilliant top predator.


Learn more about this animal!

Saturday

Animal Talk

Discover Minibeasts –10:30 - 11:30

...in Butterfly Journey. Did you know… that an estimated 80% of all known animal species are invertebrates? This is your chance to get up close to some of our most impressive invertebrates and explore minibeast features and lifecycles.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Elephant talk –11:00

...at the outdoor Elephant habitat. Did you know…that elephants don’t like the smell of chillies? Find out why this is important for our conservationists and learn what family life is like for our playful young asian elephants here at the zoo.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Black Rhino chat for kids –11:30

...at the Black Rhino habitat. Did you know…that a rhino’s horn is made of the same stuff as our fingernails? Join us for a special, interactive kids talk and find out if you have the skills it takes to be a Ranger protecting rhinos out in Africa.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Lemur talk –12:00

...at Madagascar walkthrough. Did you know that ring-tailed lemurs possess both a ‘toilet-claw’ and a ‘tooth comb’ and also regularly engage in stink fights?! Come along to find out all about these amazing and unusual animals.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Tropical Realm bird feed –13:30

...in the Tropical Realm. Did you know…that some of our birds change colour in the Spring? Step into the forest and be surrounded by our beautiful tropical birds whilst they have their lunch.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Giraffe talk –14:15

...at the Giraffe habitat. Did you know…that giraffes can sleep standing up?! Get to know our tallest animals and find out why their poo looks like maltesers (and why we think this is super-interesting!)


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Penguin talk –14:45

...at the Humboldt Penguin habitat. Did you know…that Penguins have spiky tongues? Join us to see our Penguins showing off their amazing swimming skills whilst diving for food and find out what your shopping habits have got to do with saving wild Penguins.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Fossa chat –15:15

...at the Fossa habitat. Did you know… that fossa are Madagascar’s biggest carnivore? These elusive animals lead secretive lives in the threatened forests of Madagascar. Join us to learn more about them and find out how you can help protect their homes.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Discover Lemurs –15:30 - 16:30

...at Madagascar. Did you know...that there are over 100 types of lemur? Drop-in to celebrate these unique and threatened primates and learn the skills you’d need to be a field conservationist in Madagascar.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Sumatran Tiger talk –16:00

...at the Tiger habitat, in Islands. Did you know…that every tiger has its own individual pattern of stripes? Find out what it takes to be Sumatra’s top predator and learn how you can help save these iconic but threatened animals whilst doing your shopping Learn more about this animal!

Sunday

Animal Talk

Discover Elephants –10:30 - 11:30

...on the Elephant boardwalk. Did you know... that an adult elephant can do up to 19 poos every single day? Pop along to encounter some brilliant elephant artefacts and learn how chilli plants are helping to protect asian elephants in India.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Elephant talk –11:00

...at the Outdoor Elephant habitat. Did you know…that Elephants don’t like the smell of chillies? Find out why this is important for our conservationists and learn what family life is like for our playful young Asian Elephants here at the zoo.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Komodo Dragon talk for Kids –11:30

...inside Dragons in Danger. Did you know… that Komodo Dragons use their tongues to help find prey? Join us for a special interactive kids talk as we find out what amazing adaptations these largest of lizards need to hunt for food.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Lemur talk –12:00

...at Madagascar walkthrough. Did you know that ring-tailed lemurs possess both a ‘toilet-claw’ and a ‘tooth comb’ and also regularly engage in stink fights?! Come along to find out all about these amazing and unusual animals.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Tsavo bird feed –13:30

...Inside the Tsavo Aviary. Did you know…that some of our birds build nests as big as a small car? Step into the African bush and be surrounded by our beautiful birds as they eat their lunch.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Chimpanzee talk –14:15

...at the Chimpanzee habitat. Did you know…that chimpanzees have their own cultures? Meet some of our cleverest animals and learn what skills you’d need to survive as chimp. Plus find out how your old mobile phone could help save wild chimpanzees.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Penguin talk –14:45

...at the Humboldt Penguin habitat. Did you know… that penguins have spiky tongues? Join us to see our penguins showing off their amazing swimming skills whilst diving for food and find out what your shopping habits have got to do with saving wild Penguins.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Fossa chat –15:15

...at the Fossa habitat. Did you know… that fossa are Madagascar’s biggest carnivore? These elusive animals lead secretive lives in the threatened forests of Madagascar. Join us to learn more about them and find out how you can help protect their homes.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Discover Aye-ayes –15:30 - 16:30

...outside the exit to Tropical Realm. Did you know...that an aye-aye’s incisor teeth carry on growing for its whole life? Join us to discover more about the amazing adaptations of this intriguing lemur and how we encourage natural behaviours at the zoo.


Learn more about this animal!

Animal Talk

Sun Bear talk –16:00

...at the Sun Bear habitat, Islands. Did you know…that Sun Bears’ tongues are around a whopping 25cm long? Come along to find out what they use them for and discover why the smallest of all bear species is also one of the most threatened.


Learn more about this animal!
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