Chester Zoo, one of the UK’s top tourist attractions, has reported record revenues of £63.1 million for 2024, reflecting a nearly 10 percent increase from the previous year and marking a return to profitability after a deficit in 2023.
According to its latest accounts, the North of England Zoological Society, the charity that operates the zoo, recorded a £2.2 million surplus for the year ending December 31, 2024, compared to a £323,000 loss the previous year.
The zoo welcomed 1.99 million visitors, a one percent increase, generating £20.2 million in gate receipts. Membership also rose to 155,000, contributing £13.8 million in revenue. Trading income from food outlets, shops, and other on-site facilities reached £18.1 million, which is £1.7 million higher than in 2023. Income from donations, gifts, and legacies also increased by £1.6 million to nearly £6 million.
Despite the strong performance, the annual report highlighted financial pressures ahead. Increases in the National Living Wage and National Insurance thresholds are expected to add over £600,000 to annual costs, requiring the zoo to reallocate funds. The zoo employed more than 660 people during 2024.
Chester Zoo is home to around 37,000 animals across more than 500 species, along with approximately 2,500 plant species. It participates in 139 international conservation breeding programs, partnering with 62 organizations in 19 countries. In 2024, it planted nearly 19,000 trees, converting a low-biodiversity field into a new sanctuary for native wildlife.
Capital investment totaled £32.3 million in 2024, the largest in the zoo’s history. Key developments included a new snow leopard habitat, the expansion of the International Centre for Zoo Science, and the construction of the £28 million Heart of Africa. This new attraction opened in April 2025 and is the largest zoo habitat ever created in the UK, replicating the grasslands of Central Africa and supporting global conservation work.
The zoo also revealed plans for The Reserve, a luxury lodge development with 51 units, set to open to overnight guests in August 2025.
Additionally, 2024 marked the first full year of operation for The Square, the zoo’s event venue. It hosted 50 weddings and nearly 400 corporate events throughout the year.
According to Visit Britain, Chester Zoo is the third most visited paid attraction in the UK, following the Tower of London and the Royal Botanic Gardens. It also holds the top ranking on Tripadvisor.
Corporate Director Liz Carnie said,
“The main highlight for 2024 was further growth in our income to a record £63.1 million. This was achieved through a modest rise in visitor numbers and exceeded the increase in our expenditure.”
She continued,
“Our expanding membership, the arrival of snow leopards, enhanced visitor programming, and new revenue streams such as our events venue contributed to this growth.”
“We invested £32.3 million in the zoo during 2024. This is the greatest level of investment in our history and reflects our long-term commitment to the zoo’s sustainability and mission.”
