A young snow leopard cub walks forward across a rocky path, its pale fluffy coat covered in dark rosettes. The cub’s blue-grey eyes look directly at the camera with a curious, determined expression. It is framed by stone walls and small green plants growing between the rocks

What’s New at Chester Zoo 2025

  • Chester Food Blogs

Written by: Chester on a Plate Tours

Posted: 17 November 2025

New Life, African Adventures & Festive Lights: Chester Zoo 2025

If you’re planning a visit to Chester this year (having booked onto one of our Chester on a Plate Food Tours), I beg you, head over and look at what’s been happening at Chester Zoo. There’s no doubt 2025 has been a landmark year at the zoo full of new arrivals, immersive habitats, and seasonal sparkle is on its way. I haven’t been for a while, but I’ll be heading in December for a full day wander. Plus, to see the lanterns, my nephew is a huge fan.

Meet the kids – New arrivals at Chester Zoo in 2025

Chester Zoo has celebrated some really special births this year, adding even more excitement for families and animal lovers out there. 2025 highlights include:

1. Fossa Pups

A photo of What's new at Chester zoo in 2025, a Fossa pup born at the zoo, the only ones to be born in the UK. The image shows the pup with big ears and a pointy face sitting on a branch looking alert. It is tan in colour with black stripes on its head and body and a long tal dangling down

The UK’s only fossa pups born this year, part of a European conservation programme for this Madagascan predator.

2. Bornean Orangutan Baby

A mother Orangutang is photographed with her new baby born at Chester Zoo in 2025

A rare Bornean orangutan born in October 2025, helping protect critically endangered great apes.

3. Maccoa Ducklings

 

Four Maccoa ducklings hatched in the new African habitat — a first for Chester Zoo and an important conservation milestone.

4. Snow Leopard Cub

A female snow leopard cub, born 10 June 2025 to parents Nubra and Yashin — the first for this species at the zoo and part of big cat conservation

Not only is each new arrival at Chester Zoo exciting and beautiful, it is testament to the dedication to conservation, research, and endangered-species breeding programmes.

Heart of Africa: An Immersive Experience

Chester Zoo’s new Heart of Africa habitat spans around 9 hectares and houses 57 African species, including giraffes, zebras, rhinos, and antelope. It’s more than just a viewing space. It’s an educational and immersive conservation experience, giving visitors a true sense of Africa’s wildlife.

Whether you’re exploring as a couple or on a family day trip, paired with one of our Chester food tours, this habitat is a well worth a look.

Lanterns & Light – Chester Zoo’s Festive Parade

Christmas has arrived in Chester more or less; the shops are all lit up. The new Eastgate Square is particularly sparkly, and Chester Zoo’s Lanterns & Light trail (13 Nov – 3 Jan 2025) has begun! The zoo’s grounds have been transformed into a wonderland of light twinkling installations, glowing arches, and interactive displays. I can’t wait; we couldn’t make it last year so it’s exciting!

It’s a must for the festive season I think. You get to wander among illuminated pathways, enjoy toasted marshmellows and mulled wine (I’m for the latter), and soak up a bit of magic.

Just a thought: Combine your zoo visit with a Cheese & Wine tour or Evening Food Tour in Chester for a full day-and-night experience! We do have Festive Food Tours running too in case you’re planning a long weekend before the Christmas madness!

Tips for Visiting

  • Book early for Lanterns & Light — it’s very popular.

  • Arrive early to explore Heart of Africa before the crowds. Mad busy.

  • Combine your visit with our Chester food tours, day or evening, for a full city experience.

  • Check opening times for cafés, restaurants, and attractions before you arrive, you don’t want to be disappointed.

Why Chester Zoo Matters

Chester Zoo isn’t just a highlight for families — it’s part of a wider Chester story. Without a doubt, the city is starting to really evolve and thrive, and long may it continue. Undoubtedly my Food Tour in Chester benefits from the stunning independent businesses, and especially the award-winning restaurants. Add to this the attractions, and I’m talking about for young, old and everything in between, Chester is a a destination city worth exploring.

When you visit, you’re not just seeing animals — you’re experiencing a community of conservation and a commitment to protecting rare species.

Insider tip for Chester Food Tour guests:
After visiting the new Heart of Africa habitat, or the festive Lantern Parade, I’d advise you stop at a nearby independent café or bar in Chester city centre. You’ll have a world of choice and it is a decent way to round off your day with coffee, cake, a pint or a wine!

Also, if you want to support independents in Chester, remember, combine it with my Chester Food Tour and have a weekend and a half!.

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