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AIBU?

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Original poster

AIBU to be miffed about Chester Zoo?

609 replies

Stillinshock123 · 17/12/2025 18:13

I need a space to rant but then I welcome feedback and general common-sense.

Chester zoo have posted about £1 deal for those on benefits such as UC, DLA and PIP.

Now, I understand that for some this may be the only opportunity to attend the Zoo given their already ridiculously high prices.

However AIBU to be upset that yet again working families (full time not claiming parts of UC) don’t seem to benefit from much?

We attend the zoo only once a year because of how expensive it is.. so that’s a luxury. So no thanks, no support or discounts.

I emailed them about this, and they replied saying that it’s part of a charity scheme to give back to families who otherwise can’t afford it. But then.. why shouldn’t it be first come first serve?

OP posts:
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LadyKenya · 17/12/2025 18:31

Oh I suppose it was on their website!

LadyKenya · 17/12/2025 18:30

Posted where? Thanks for letting people know though OP.

ForMyNextTrickIWillMakeThisVodkaDisappear · 17/12/2025 18:29

Love Chester zoo, live too far away now to visit but it’s great they offering opportunities like this to people and especially children, to have a great day out that they might not be able to afford otherwise. It’s so sad when people like you OP let bitter feelings seep into your life. You’re envying people on the breadline, full blown poverty, or who have disabilities and conditions serious enough to claim DLA and PIP. That’s both sad and mind boggling to me. Catch yourself on.

FYI, just because someone claims UC, DLA or PIP it doesn’t mean they don’t work hard. Pip and DLA are not means tested. Being a carer to a child or adult is a hard, 24/7 job.

Original poster
Stillinshock123 · 17/12/2025 18:29

Contycont · 17/12/2025 18:19

There's an animal place near us that was close to failing. It only ever got to half capacity at weekends and of course the animals were a big outlay while there wasn't enough footfall.

They announced a pay as you please model with their suggested prices displayed at the entrance. You can pay anything you like and now the car park is full most days. People are more likely to pay for extras like lunch and drinks there too or spend in the gift shop.

It saved it from closure while also allowing families of all income brackets to visit. I think more places should do it tbh.

Edited

This is great and I think Chester zoo could do with something similar… lots of people on FB claiming they are upset and will cancel their memberships due to the costs etc..

OP posts:
Burningbud1981 · 17/12/2025 18:28

I work and claim UC… go on……

JasmineFontana · 17/12/2025 18:28

But you can afford the zoo, you go once a year!

Have you considered writing to your MP about the zoo gap? 😂

Kirbert2 · 17/12/2025 18:20

Thanks for letting me know, OP. Off to book it!

Contycont · 17/12/2025 18:19

There's an animal place near us that was close to failing. It only ever got to half capacity at weekends and of course the animals were a big outlay while there wasn't enough footfall.

They announced a pay as you please model with their suggested prices displayed at the entrance. You can pay anything you like and now the car park is full most days. People are more likely to pay for extras like lunch and drinks there too or spend in the gift shop.

It saved it from closure while also allowing families of all income brackets to visit. I think more places should do it tbh.

Needmorelego · 17/12/2025 18:16

🍿