From the comfort of their armchairs, viewers of the Five television series Zoo Days got up close and personal with some of the zoo's 7,000 animals and got to know the dedicated keepers and vets.

Now people are going to be given the chance to see a little more of the zoo for real.

Special VIP experiences and tours are being offered, taking people behind the scenes, meeting the keepers and vets, visiting animal houses and areas previously unseen by general visitors and finding out about real life at the 110-acre zoo.

Michelle Duma, of Chester Zoo's development department, said: "Zoo Days gave viewers a taste of what goes into running the zoo but now we are offering people the chance to actually come and see for themselves what makes it such a special place.

"We are offering a once-in-a-lifetime experience to people who are real Chester Zoo enthusiasts and it's an opportunity not to be missed."

The VIP evenings will be held on Friday, July 4 and Saturday, August 16 with four tours and a gala buffet on each evening. The events start at 5pm and run until 9pm and each tour is limited to six people. The cost is £750 per tour or £3,000 to book the whole event, up to a maximum of 24 people.

To book a space or to discuss a block booking, contact Michelle on 01244 650265 or email m.duma@chesterzoo.org