Animal magic: Tales from our company day out at Chester Zoo!

4th October 2023 17:35

On a surprisingly sunny day in September (yes, it actually stopped raining), we downed our tools in unison and zipped down the M56 en masse for our annual company-wide day out!

It was a great opportunity to spend time with colleagues and get to know others from teams around the business, including remote workers and others we don't typically see in person. Some of us travelled by coach, with others in cars, and some travelled from as far away as Surrey to hang with the animals and enjoy a spot of (very informal) team building. Sadly, not everyone could make it, yet still, as we posed for a group photo ahead of going inside, it was quite a joy to see so many faces --and in glorious 3D!

So, why the zoo?

Earlier in the year we were asked by our employee council, Employee Voice to discuss within our teams ideas of where to go, and suitable activities for a company day out. Other suggestions put forward included a day at the races, a river boat cruise, and an escape room type activity – all of which were put into a survey and mailed out for us to have our say. In true research agency style, the survey results revealed the zoo as the top choice, and so off we went…

Our newly-formed social committee did a grand job of organinsing our trip, which included entrance to the park, a delicious lunch for hungry intrepid explorers, and being looked after by the zoo’s attentive hospitality team.

As well as wandering around the grounds of the zoo marvelling at some of nature's finest creations, it was great to learn more about the zoo's ongoing conservation projects and efforts to protect endangered species.

Whilst zoos are not always viewed favourably, it was interesting to learn more about how vital Chester Zoo's work is in ensuring the survival of a number of species. Indeed, animals on the endangered list are becoming increasingly more reliant on the sustainability of zoo populations.

A centre of excellence for conservation breeding and management, Chester Zoo's work and research also helps to maximise the chances of captive bred animals being reintroduced into their natural habitat.

Shining Tor for the win!

After lunch we had the option to take part in a scavenger hunt which taught us more facts about the Zoo and challenged us to go super-sleuthing to find elusive animals around the park. Team Shining Tor scooped the top prize for completing the challenge and won themselves a handsome prize -- free entry to the zoo again next year. Well done to Gill, Amy, Helen, Claire, Addison and Saff!

Take a look at our photos below to see some of the action...