AIBU to be miffed about Chester Zoo?

[Stillinshock123]

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?

🍿

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.

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

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

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

I work and claim UC… go on……

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..

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.

Posted where? Thanks for letting people know though OP.

Oh I suppose it was on their website!

Argument void I said above about being aware of people who work and also claim UC. I’m talking about inclusivity for everyone as everyone is struggling financially (aside from mega rich or politicians ✌🏽)

No worries it’s an amazing offer and I hope everyone has a lovely time xx

On their website.

Universal Credit Zoo Tickets | Chester Zoo

I've just booked for Xmas Eve thanks to OP. Will be a lovely day out for £3 plus petrol.

You and your family get to experience this every year. To families on lower income a trip to Chester zoo is unaffordable.

I can’t understand why you would want to deny these families something which you can clearly afford to do. Take a minute and check your privilege

I work full time in a school (maybe I support your kids) and get topped up with UC because the pay is so low. Wouldn't go to a zoo though, because I may be poor but at least I have empathy for other living things. YABVVU.

Zzzzz. Working families get UC and yes we did enjoy our trip to Whipsnade this year.

Maybe you could adopt a severely disabled child so you can benefit from a cheap trip to the animal prison.

They do it at lots of venues. We are a family of 7 and for all of us to go to the Tower of London is £155 - I got made redundant in July and the first thing I did was book tickets for all of us for £1 as I was claiming job seekers.

Only once a year? I think that's ok for a zoo trip!

So, because you can't afford it more than annually, you think disabled people and those on lower incomes shouldn't be able to go at all?
The zoo is run as a charity. If it didn't do charitable things it wouldn't be able to retain this status and may either be even more expensive or close.

Is there a limit to how many times you can go? I think if you used the £1 offer to go weekly it would be a bit ridiculous but if it can only be used say once every 6 months then it’s similar to what you can afford anyway OP

If all they've told you is that it's a charity scheme, you've no idea where the funding came from and what conditions might be on it.

Right?! That's a £100+ day out, we'd do one or two of those on our summer holiday when I was a kid and never any other time.

No limits. Wouldn't you get bored if you go every week though? Only limits is six tickets per booking I think.

For everyone else on UC you can go for £1 or less then the entrance price at

• London zoo
• Tower of London
• Hampton court palace
• Kew Gardens
• London transport museum
• Whipsade zoo
• The brand museum

Sorry it’s “London - centric” I’m sure there are others around the country

So you’re jealous of people who, if they didn’t have this offer, would never be able to go? You can afford to go once a year so I’m not sure why you’re complaining!
as a previous poster said- catch yourself on OP and realise your privilege. It’s an ugly trait to be jealous of those in poverty.