Chester Zoo launches new wellness programme

Chester Zoo has launched a new programme designed to help visitors improve their wellbeing by immersing themselves in nature and around animals.

Experts at the zoo will run a series of wellness activities from 17 January until the end of March, including "wild walks", buggy fitness sessions for parents, nature play activities, and immersive animal talks.

Alongside the wellbeing initiative, Chester Zoo scientists are undertaking a study examining how zoo visits affect guests' wellness.

The study has been designed by conservation scientist Bridget Johnson, who is carrying out research supported by Nottingham Trent University.

Johnson, who is preparing to survey Chester Zoo visitors, said: "There’s a real and growing body of evidence that spending time in green spaces, surrounded by plants and animals, is good for you.

"There’s also evidence that the more immersive the experience is, and the more actively engaged with it, the greater those benefits tend to be."

How zoo visits improve wellness

Immersive spaces at Chester Zoo such as Monsoon Forest and Butterfly Journey "can help people feel more connected to nature and support wellbeing", she said.

Johnson added, "One study showed that salivary cortisol (stress hormone) levels dropped when people went through a lemur walkthrough.

"Other studies show that blood pressure can reduce around waterscapes."

Lyndon Howson, Chester Zoo’s wildlife and wellbeing officer, said: "One of the best things you can do is to slow down and notice what’s around you.

"That might be a bird, a leaf, the sound of rain in a puddle or the scent of a flower."

Information about Chester Zoo's scientific survey will be released in the coming weeks.

Wellness is expanding as a lifestyle trend around the world. At the same time, demand for green spaces is growing as visitors look for ways to connect with nature.

Images courtesy of Chester Zoo