Page 7 | AIBU to be miffed about Chester Zoo?

Stillinshock123 · 2025-12-17T18:13:57+00:00

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?

MannersAreAll · 18/12/2025 14:55

Ablondiebutagoody · 18/12/2025 14:15

They are just following Labour's lead. Rinse the workers to pay for the benefits class.

The £1/£3 ticket scheme has been running in multiple zoos and other venues for considerably longer than the current government has been in place.

London Zoo, for example, was doing it in early 2023.

Absolutely nothing to do with "following Labour's lead"

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 14:50

Coffeeandbooks88 · 18/12/2025 14:13

I would be interested to know too.

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What a charming idea. There is nothing I would like to do more than share my personal financial details with some strangers on the internet, PhDs, financial consultants and all.

Do you really struggle with the idea that a whole new group of people are struggling financially in the current climate and that they may have already made many, many cuts and savings? Are you really so selfish you think only those who already receive Universal Credit need (more) help.

It’s not about the zoo tickets. Please try to see a perspective out of your bubbles and try to understand the growing resentment. It will be another Brexit moment if you don’t and there are some parties which would love to slash benefits. Considering the issues now might be a massive help in the long term.

Kirbert2 · 18/12/2025 14:47

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 14:38

It’s not just about the zoo tickets. It’s about a country that has over focused on one group whilst allowing another group to become even more financially disadvantaged. I get that it is worrying for those who have always received help to consider that they may need to accept less so more people can receive a little, but it is something that needs considering.

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That isn't what charity is though. Charity is for a minority who are considered more in need, not for everyone.

I received a £100 Christmas grant from a local charity due to my circumstances. Should people resent that too? Should the charity offer it to everyone?

XenoBitch · 18/12/2025 14:43

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 14:38

It’s not just about the zoo tickets. It’s about a country that has over focused on one group whilst allowing another group to become even more financially disadvantaged. I get that it is worrying for those who have always received help to consider that they may need to accept less so more people can receive a little, but it is something that needs considering.

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Accept less? It is a £1 ticket. It is charity funded, so you are not paying towards it or subsidising anyone.

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 14:38

XenoBitch · 18/12/2025 14:05

They are a £1 for two weeks that started yesterday. Is anyone really thinking about going to the zoo this time of year anyway?

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It’s not just about the zoo tickets. It’s about a country that has over focused on one group whilst allowing another group to become even more financially disadvantaged. I get that it is worrying for those who have always received help to consider that they may need to accept less so more people can receive a little, but it is something that needs considering.

Kirbert2 · 18/12/2025 14:17

Coffeeandbooks88 · 18/12/2025 14:13

Hope the weather is okay for you!

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Fingers crossed! We'll make the best of it anyway.

Probablyshouldntsay · 18/12/2025 14:17

Kindly OP, I work with some very deprived children in the local area, who now have the opportunity to go. It will be their first time.
If yours have been able to go annually, just be grateful that you’ve been able to give them that opportunity.

Ablondiebutagoody · 18/12/2025 14:15

They are just following Labour's lead. Rinse the workers to pay for the benefits class.

Coffeeandbooks88 · 18/12/2025 14:13

Jasmineismymonster · 18/12/2025 14:00

Perhaps if you list your household income and expenditure, we can suggest ways to cut back? 😊

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I would be interested to know too.

Coffeeandbooks88 · 18/12/2025 14:13

Kirbert2 · 18/12/2025 14:12

It's what we're doing on Xmas Eve now. 😂

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Hope the weather is okay for you!

Kirbert2 · 18/12/2025 14:12

XenoBitch · 18/12/2025 14:05

They are a £1 for two weeks that started yesterday. Is anyone really thinking about going to the zoo this time of year anyway?

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It's what we're doing on Xmas Eve now. 😂

XenoBitch · 18/12/2025 14:11

SunnySideDeepDown · 18/12/2025 14:08

It’s for the children OP, not the parents.

If we’re going to allow for social mobility and lifting people out of generational poverty, then the children need cultural and learning opportunities.

It is for anyone on UC/PIP. A childless couple could go. If it was close to me, then I would go.

Catterbat · 18/12/2025 14:10

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 13:47

It also gets tiresome hearing those who receive so much help still complaining. It is even more tiresome that many of them are seemingly unable to recognise that there are other poor people who aren’t receiving any help and who are really, really struggling because of it. If you receive benefits at the moment, you are probably doing much better than a lot of people around you.

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That is literally bollocks.

SunnySideDeepDown · 18/12/2025 14:08

It’s for the children OP, not the parents.

If we’re going to allow for social mobility and lifting people out of generational poverty, then the children need cultural and learning opportunities.

XenoBitch · 18/12/2025 14:07

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 13:47

It also gets tiresome hearing those who receive so much help still complaining. It is even more tiresome that many of them are seemingly unable to recognise that there are other poor people who aren’t receiving any help and who are really, really struggling because of it. If you receive benefits at the moment, you are probably doing much better than a lot of people around you.

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The amount people on benefits can get varies so much according to so many factors that is is not fair to make a blanket statement that people on benefits are probably doing better than a lot of people around you.
Remember that the people on the higher amounts also have disabilities or disabled children. Even if you take money out the equation, their lives are already more difficult.
But yes, begrudge them £1 entrance to a zoo.

MrsKeats · 18/12/2025 14:07

There are important things going on in the world. Get a grip.

Owlbookend · 18/12/2025 14:05

Anyway, merry Xmas to all. I hope anyone who is able to access the £1 tickets has a lovely day out. 🦁🐯🐒

XenoBitch · 18/12/2025 14:05

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 13:55

You offer them at £10 to all families, thereby promoting a feeling of fairness and social cohesion. This has a positive impact on mental well-being and a happier, less divided society where all feel seen and valued. 🙂

It’s not just about the zoo tickets.

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They are a £1 for two weeks that started yesterday. Is anyone really thinking about going to the zoo this time of year anyway?

Owlbookend · 18/12/2025 14:03

Maybe the zoo could have structured a diffrent offer. However, im still unclear why offering this one makes anyone worse off. With all the terrible things going on in the world it seems a very strange thing to get upset about. I understand some people who are struggling cant access it, but are there lives really made worse because others can?

Jasmineismymonster · 18/12/2025 14:00

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 13:47

It also gets tiresome hearing those who receive so much help still complaining. It is even more tiresome that many of them are seemingly unable to recognise that there are other poor people who aren’t receiving any help and who are really, really struggling because of it. If you receive benefits at the moment, you are probably doing much better than a lot of people around you.

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Perhaps if you list your household income and expenditure, we can suggest ways to cut back? 😊

Owlbookend · 18/12/2025 13:57

It literally is about zoo tickets.
How is anyone's life made worse by a zoo offering cheap tickets to families on UC for a limited time? What 'general attitude' does it highlight?

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 13:55

Owlbookend · 18/12/2025 13:40

Or to put it more simply - how is anyone's life improved by the zoo not offering these £1 tickets?

You offer them at £10 to all families, thereby promoting a feeling of fairness and social cohesion. This has a positive impact on mental well-being and a happier, less divided society where all feel seen and valued. 🙂

It’s not just about the zoo tickets.

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 13:51

Owlbookend · 18/12/2025 13:37

The vast majority of people on UC are on low incomes.
Some people not on UC are also struggling.

For a limited time period the zoo is offering £1 tickets to people on UC. I (and some other people) think this is a positive thing because some children from poorer backgrounds can have a nice day out at Xmas.
It is unfortunate that all struggling families cant access the offer, but the zoo isnt in a position to do full means assessments and audit applications.

It seems a very strange thing to be upset about (particularly if you can afford to visit the zoo yearly). Would it really be better if nobody can access the offer? Frankly, that seems a bit mean-spirited at Xmas time.

It isn’t about the tickets to Chester Zoo. It is a general attitude that this highlights. It is not unreasonable for people to complain about a situation that is continuously unfair. Equally, I don’t blame anyone for taking what is offered.

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 13:48

Your circumstances are no worse than others who receive no help.

BustopherPonsonbyJones · 18/12/2025 13:47

Catterbat · 18/12/2025 12:50

It gets so tiresome hearing people whine about poor people getting help. The reason people claim universal credit is due to the fact their income is very low. If you’re not entitled to claim it then your income is not very low. How hard is that to understand?

And to begrudge people help with their rent!?

Tell you what. Quit your jobs and get a job as a care worker, 12 hour shifts on minimum wage. Then adopt a disabled child or two. Then move into a private rented house that costs more than a mortgage, so you’ll never get on the property ladder and never have any assets or be able to retire until you’re 80.

Might be shit but at least you can get a cheap ticket for the bloody zoo.

It also gets tiresome hearing those who receive so much help still complaining. It is even more tiresome that many of them are seemingly unable to recognise that there are other poor people who aren’t receiving any help and who are really, really struggling because of it. If you receive benefits at the moment, you are probably doing much better than a lot of people around you.