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?

I think that depends on your definition of struggling financially. There’s the mumsnet version - only going to the zoo once a year because school fees have gone up and there’s no way you could move to a cheaper area because it would mean spending an extra 10 minutes on the train, and then there’s the actual version. Having no money to put the heating on, struggling to feed the kinds 3 meals a day, and only being able to go to the zoo if it costs a quid.

Exactly.

We did an animal related badge with beavers earlier. I cannot tell you how little those kids knew about animas. How few had been to the zoo and actually seen animals.
in order for future generations to conserve wildlife, they need to understand what we are losing - we need everyone to get behind it, not just the wealthy.

Chester Zoo often have great deals and offers, I went for very cheao when schools were closed for poling once.

I think your attitude is bloody miserable OP, to begrudge people on UC for getting a discount because you can only afford to go once a year is so self centered.

It’s only for a fortnight, when the weather is poor and they’re competing with countless Christmas entertainments! They’re also offering half price tickets for friends and family of members at the same time; they’re obviously struggling for visitors right now.

I work full time (around 45 /50 hours a week on average) and claim uc. I haven't been to the zoo since I split with my sons abusive father four years ago because I can't afford it. I haven't been on holiday or bought clothes or shoes for myself that I didn't desperately either but I suppose that's beside the point.
Hth.

Ive just booked tickets for tomorrow! Thanks!

Imagine being this much of a dick
God this world is depressing at the moment

Agree. But reading this thread, it is clear that many people think it is unacceptable to think like that. Not claiming benefits, you must be rolling in cash!

I don’t think some people appreciate just how fed up other people are to work and effectively fund others peoples lifestyle choices.

Is being on PIP a lifestyle choice?

What do you mean 'why shouldn't it be first come first serve'? It's not applicable to you because it's in conjunction with a charity supporting disabled people on benefits.

Do you really think your life would be better if those people who used the scheme were unable to do so? If it didn't exist your general standard of living wouldn't suddenly elevate.

I'd rather have my health and the ability to work and choose what I do with my life and be free of pain than have a one off £1 trip to a questionable zoo anyway.

Apologies I meant the lifestyle choice of working 16 hours per week to qualify for UC benefits. I know a number of people who CHOOSE to do this.

I'd love to know how my registered blind, severely disabled child is making a 'lifestyle choice', I am pretty sure that, given a choice, he'd choose not to be disabled and in pain every day.

My husband and I both work, don't claim UC but do get high rate DLA for our severely disabled daughter. I'd rather pay full price for her to go to Chester Zoo, than have her live a life with severely disabilities. Getting to go to Chester Zoo for a quid isn't really a perk. Be thankful you obviously have no idea.

Okay I can see that Mumsnet think I’m an entitled person who feels the disadvantaged should have nothing good happen to them (completely untrue).
Aside from missing the broader picture that we are all struggling and that everyone could benefit from a discount/lower ticket rate over Christmas as a thanks!

I am happy to have at least notified some of those who were not aware of the offer - I hope you have a lovely time

I imagine life is tough for families in receipt of those benefits. I'm glad their dc get to have experiences too.

Your dc don't need the special tickets, they have already got to go!

I'm sorry but no, 'everyone' is not struggling in the same way. Especially when you consider it isn't just for those on UC but also those on PIP and with children disabled enough to receive DLA.

They were doing a £10 a ticket offer around October, November time I know because I went. They do loads of offers throughout the year. Mums go free on Mother’s Day. Dad on Father’s Day. Cheap kids tickets etc etc. This is for those who genuinely cannot afford it even with those offers

It's a question of how you'd prove that you're in need of a low cost ticket if you're not in receipt of this benefits.

How would you stop this on household incomes of more than £100,000?

Or should it be joint incomes over £70,000 since £35k is roughly average earnings?

The cost of living is hurting everyone but where do you draw the line? There are always winners and losers and on this occasion, you're on the losing side.

Chester Zoo also have offers for schools to book free tickets (always late autumn / winter). It's great that some children get to go who would otherwise miss out.

Chester Zoo is also running a promotion allowing those who visit this month to have another visit in January or early February for free. So it is simply untrue to say that there is nothing for those who are not on benefits. It isn't as cheap as the £1 tickets, admittedly, but they would rapidly run out of money if they let everyone in at that price.

The £1 a ticket promotion only runs for two weeks in December and they are only making a limited number of tickets available per day. Those using these tickets do not qualify for another free visit.

The whole point of doing this now is that it's 2 weeks in December that are quiet for full price tickets due to the weather. There's a reason Theme Parks close completely between November and Feb half term!

They do offers in autumn and winter all year round. They did £10 tickets at the end of October. Places like Paulton's Park do cheaper Christmas tickets with limited rides open. Note they aren't doing £1 summer tickets, when you won't get wet through in the Northwest rain.

It’ll be a cold day in hell before I’m annoyed that children who’s families don’t have much money get to go to the zoo for a £1

Is this some kind of GCSE Ethics question?

Honestly!?! Check yourself OP.
How AWFUL you can only afford the zoo once a year, your poor kids 😢

Thanks for the the heads up though... off to book 👍😆

You assume most on benefits can get there.
I couldn't have even managed the transport costs when I was on benefits.
I guess if they get a lift there and back, then they can manage to buy lunch there or something.
Basically for many this is the only way their kids could ever go.
Why begrudge them that?