Chester Zoo will host the immersive Sir David Attenborough experience, Our Story with David Attenborough, from October 17, with tickets priced from £15. This marks the first time the attraction has been staged outside London.
The experience is described as a 'spectacular journey' featuring natural history footage, scientifically-accurate animation, 360-degree projections and an original score. Created in collaboration with Open Planet Studios and Sir David, who also narrates, it recounts the four-billion-year history of Earth, shares recent stories of humankind and nature, and ends with an inspirational message of hope.
Experience details and venue
The 50-minute experience has been seen by almost 250,000 people at London's Natural History Museum, where it featured 17 projectors and 50 speakers. It includes a score from composer Nick Powell.
The attraction will be staged at the zoo's former Ape House, which originally opened in 1969. Primates at Chester Zoo have since moved to modern habitats like the Realm of the Red Ape exhibit.
Reactions from officials
Dom Strange, Chief Operating Officer at Chester Zoo, said: "Our Story is about the biggest story there is - the story of our planet and our place within it. That makes Chester Zoo a natural home for this extraordinary experience. We're hugely excited to bring it to Chester, and particularly proud that we're the first place outside London where people can experience the full exhibition."
He added: "We want people to leave feeling inspired by the incredible world we're part of - but also empowered to play their own role in protecting it. That's at the heart of everything we do at Chester Zoo."
Dr Doug Gurr, Director of the Natural History Museum, said: "Our Story with David Attenborough has been one of the museum's most successful experiences, immersing audiences in a wondrous exploration into our relationship with planet Earth."
He added: "The museum's mission is to create advocates for our planet and we and Open Planet Studios are keen to take the experience to as many people as possible. We are delighted that Chester Zoo is joining us on that journey to share this cinematic story with their visitors."
Zoo updates and ticket information
This year has been an important year for Chester Zoo, marking a series of arrivals and updates to the popular attraction, which first opened its doors back in 1931. In June, baby buffalo Mentari was born, whilst baby roloway monkey Lagertha was born in the spring. In August, five bush dog pups - hailed as 'furry little potatoes' - emerged from their den.
Last summer, a new conservation experience home to rare giraffes, zebras and antelope opened at Chester Zoo which offered the chance for guests to stay overnight in luxury safari lodges.
Our Story with David Attenborough will be shown at 50-minute daytime slots between 10.30am and 4.30pm from October 17. Tickets for the experience are priced at £15 per person via the Chester Zoo website. However, tickets do not include entry to the zoo and separate zoo admission or membership is required for all daytime showings. Zoo tickets start from £22.72 in advance online.
The experience lasts 50 minutes and is not recommended for children aged under four. The zoo will be offering daily relaxed sessions at 12.30pm to allow younger children to move around, which will be listed on their website.
There will be evening sessions when the zoo is closed, therefore not requiring zoo admission, between Thursdays to Sundays at 5.30pm, 6.30pm and 7.30pm. These tickets will cost £20 for adults, and £15 for children.
