Chester Zoo will close early at 2pm on Thursday, June 25, 2026, due to forecast sweltering temperatures, the attraction announced on its Facebook page earlier this week. The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat in Chester, with highs of 35°C expected in the afternoon.
Amber Warning in Effect
The amber warning covers Chester, Merseyside, Manchester, Stoke-on-Trent, Nottingham, Peterborough, and Norwich, and remains in place until 11:59pm on Thursday. Red warnings are in effect for Cardiff, Oxford, Bath, London, and parts of Birmingham, causing major disruption to travel networks and school closures.
Zoo Statement on Early Closure
In a statement, Chester Zoo said: "We're closing early at 2pm on Thursday, June 25. Due to the extreme heat forecast for the afternoon of Thursday June 25, we’ll be closing early at 2pm for the safety of our visitors and colleagues. If you have pre-booked tickets for the zoo, please check your emails. You’ll find all of the details on what to do. We’ll be open as normal on Wednesday and Friday, and at all times, our team of dedicated keepers will, of course, make sure all of the animals and plants are safely cared for. We do apologise for any disruption to your plans but we really, really hope you understand."
Impact on Visitors and Operations
Visitors with pre-booked tickets are advised to check their emails for further instructions. The zoo will operate as usual on Wednesday, June 24, and Friday, June 26. Keepers will ensure the safety of all animals and plants during the heatwave.
