Welcome to Madagascar

“We do not stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing”.

– George Bernard Shaw

There’s so much to discover in our brand new PLAY! space at Chester Zoo. Climb like a lemur and uncover the tree-top hideaways in the Lost Forest, crawl across the scramble nets like an aye-aye and play in the sandy beach like a ploughshare tortoise! (Animal impressions encouraged.) Make a BIG splash in the dry river bed or play hide and seek in the Madagascan grasses. There’s even chance to explore the Madagascar field station and find challenge boxes with a few wildlife surprises to discover.

Having fun is no trivial pursuit. Most of us think of adult play as respite or indulgence, but having fun is no trivial pursuit. In fact, it’s crucial to our mental health and happiness. The project expands the variety and type of play offer that was previously in the zoo and encourages higher forms of imaginary and creative social play within a series of exciting and flexible spaces.

Through creative innovation and careful design consideration it combines and balances all the latest thinking and research in the realms of the psychology of play and communication friendly spaces, with the needs of the zoo and its staff and a fascinating and playful exploration of the wonderful island of Madagascar.

Find out more about the project here