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f you’re looking to get up-close and personal with some exotic wildlife, Chester Zoo is king of the jungle.

There are no less than 9,000 animals here, from all over the globe, including spectacled bears from South America (whose fur pattern makes them look like they’re wearing glasses) plus lions, tigers and rare black rhinos.

In fact there are 400 species to see in total – 150 of which are classified as endangered – and the zoo has various successful breeding programmes in place, putting it at the forefront of conservation on an international scale.

Finding your way around the 110-acres site is simple. The zoo is divided up into different zones so you can work out exactly where your favourite animals are. Head to Spirit of the Jaguar if you fancy getting a glimpse of these elusive big cats from South America – or drop by the Realm of the Red Ape if orangutans are your thing; it’s set up exactly like an Indonesian rainforest.

Just decide where in the world you want to go, then hop on the monorail that whizzes you around the site. Simple.