The Enchantment of Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo is one of my all time favourite places. I've built up so many wonderful memories here over the years and countless visits. Last year, Sam & I actually had an amazing opportunity to work here as part of the Wild Rumpus design team for the first Enchantment event. We helped with making the props, dressing the sets and we even ended up being an owl steward during the event itself!

 This year, Sam was back working with the team again, so my sister and I hitched a lift with him and spent the day wandering around. It's especially nice sharing the experience with someone who's never been before... you never know what you're going to see! 

Emerald Cockroach Wasp! 

This trip's highlight for me was this Emerald Cockroach Wasp, something I'd not seen before. After reading the name, I couldn't tear my eyes away from it; I also just had to get a photo! Which believe me, was a huge challenge as they are constantly moving, leaving just a flash of those beautiful colours behind, wow!  

    

After a morning of lazy river boat & monorail rides, we stood watching the baby orangutan play for a good while, before catching up with Sam for a lunch break. These fearless little birds kept us company hoping for a few crumbs. Feeling more energized after our shortbread treat, we went to find the enchanted animals before Sam headed back to work...

 

One of my favourite places in the Zoo is the butterfly house- it's always a challenge taking photographs as the humidity causes the lens to fog up immediately but I was pleasantly surprised with these close ups. 

 

"Orangutans, giraffes and moths & don't forget those sleepy sloths! All doze off in a different way, we saved the zoo hip hip hurray! "