To think the animals at Chessington theme park live very sad lives?

[TheLastQuestion]

We took the children to Chessington theme park this weekend. In addition to theme park rides, they have a sort of mini-zoo with giraffes, zebras, rhinos, monkeys, tigers, gorillas etc. We didn't walk around the zoo, but two of the rides (zufari and a monorail ride) gave views of the animal enclosures, which were tiny.

I don't know much about animals and conservation, I wouldn't even consider myself an animal lover, but this can't be right?

DH thinks I'm being silly and that the animals have access to much larger and more inspiring enclosures when the theme park is closed. I just don't think this is the case

AIBU? And, if not, what can I do about it?

[Andrewofgg]

Don't go again. Spend your money somewhere else.

[runningonwillpower]

No, I've always felt sorry for the animals at Chessington.

No doubt they receive good care but the enclosures and surrounding theme park shit don't seem a good environment to me, just a lot of hellish noise.

DH thinks I'm being silly and that the animals have access to much larger and more inspiring enclosures when the theme park is closed. You think they all get out to enjoy the rides? It's put a nice picture in my head.

[Ronmione]

Chessington is awful at the moment, that place is really run down, rather than building more enclosures for animals at the other end of the park they should have increased the size of current spaces the animals have access to.

The seal ions have really inadequate space to swim in and very small pens that you over look when you go on the monorail.

I remember hearing on the news ages ago on local radio about a woman who was taking them to court because she was concerned for their welfare

[Ronmione]

I would also complain to chessington about your concerns, I've complained before and they were quick to get back to me

[70isaLimitNotaTarget]

We went a couple of years ago and TBH , I avoided the animals for this reason, I don't think there's any place for them in a Theme Park.

My DC wanted to see the penguins and they did look pathetic (they were moulting) but had water. Not sure what their natural environment is though.

But we loved the Rats Display by the Haunted House thingey. They were brilliant even though we could only see a teeny scrap of fur scurrying along a gang rope

[TheLastQuestion]

We went with our Merlin passes Andrewofgg, so I suspect they've already had their cut of that. I am going to write to them. I doubt it will achieve anything, but it's one more voice I suppose.

You think they all get out to enjoy the rides Now I have that picture in my head too!

[HemlockStarglimmer]

There was a zoo at Chessington years before there was a theme park. Went there a few times when I was very young (1960s). I still think of it as Chessington zoo as I've not been there since.

Sounds very sad.

[Weathergames]

I have always thought this too :(

[SisterMoonshine]

I remember it being a zoo too.
I don't really see how animals and theme park rides go together.