CROSS-BORDER TOURISM PROMOTED AS NORTH WALES POLITICIAN PRAISES MAJOR ATTRACTION
SAM ROWLANDS, Member of the Senedd for North Wales, has visited the newly opened Heart of Africa zone at Chester Zoo — the largest zoo habitat ever created in the UK.
Mr Rowlands, who also chairs the Senedd’s Cross-Party Group on Tourism, was given a tour of the 22-acre development by Cameron Stephenson, the zoo’s Senior Public Affairs Advisor.
He said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to be shown around the new Heart of Africa zone by Cameron Stephenson, who explained the vision behind this amazing development.
“It’s great to have such a wonderful tourist attraction located so close to North Wales. I enjoyed a fantastic experience and was particularly pleased to hear that a number of people from North Wales are employed at the zoo.
“As the zoo continues to grow, I’m confident there will be even more job opportunities for local people. That’s why I continue to push for improved transport links from North Wales to the North-West — we need infrastructure that supports both tourism and employment.”
The Heart of Africa is Chester Zoo’s most immersive experience to date, designed to recreate the diverse grassland habitats of central Africa. It spans the size of 17 football pitches and features a vast savannah landscape where visitors can see northern giraffes, Grevy’s zebras, roan antelopes and ostriches living side-by-side.
Alongside the wildlife, Pamoja Village brings the culture of Africa to life, with authentic street food, storytelling, and educational experiences that highlight the relationship between people and wildlife across the continent.
The zoo is also launching The Reserve, a new luxury lodge accommodation set in the heart of the African landscape, with bookings now open ahead of its August opening.
Mr Rowlands added: “Chester Zoo is already a world-class attraction and the new Heart of Africa zone adds yet another compelling reason to visit. I hope more visitors heading to Chester will also be inspired to explore what North Wales has to offer.”
