Whether or not you’re a Dr. Doolittle fan or traveling with children, Chester’s award-winning zoo is well worth a visit. Boasting strong conservation programs, Britain’s largest zoo complex includes the fascinating Islands at Chester Zoo. Six separate Southeast Asian islands have been created to replicate the environments and native flora and fauna of Panay, Papua, Bali, Sumatra, Sumba and Sulawesi. The latest addition is the new Monsoon Forest where birds soar overhead in free flight in a lush rainforest setting. The Lazy River Boat Trip allows visitors to explore at a leisurely pace, while footpaths lead to experiential encounters at the Sunda Gharial crocodile pool, Bali Starling Temple and the Tripa Forest Research Station. Elsewhere, discover rare warty pigs, exotic carnivorous plants and Sumatran tigers. Children are treated to their own log/activity book to help document their experiences. Regularly scheduled workshops and hosted daily talks feature animal experts, biologists and other scientists. The zoo is closed on Christmas Day and Boxing Day, and hours vary depending upon the time of the year. A full schedule, ticket information and directions on how to reach the zoo are available on the website. On-site parking is complimentary, and there are multiple dining venues: Bembe Coffee Shop at the main entrance, an ice cream parlor, June’s Food Court, the Manado Street Kitchen, Oakfield House & BBQ and multiple kiosks — all of which operate on an ethical food program of sustainably produced products and recycling programs.