The animals at the zoo have been put under a sleeping enchantment, and only you can help break the spell.

Wild Rumpus, the team behind the award-winning Just So Festival, have brought their Enchantment back to Chester Zoo. Perfect for little ones from aged three upwards, this delightful event encourages kids to seek out clues from the moths, sloths, giraffes and orang-utans, to collect magic dust and take back to Owl HQ where together they can save the zoo and wake the animals from their slumber.

There are acrobats, stilt-walkers and musicians who will help you on your quest – as well as educators from the zoo with fascinating facts about each featured beast.

I photographed the event last week and you can view the gallery below. Of course, I couldn’t resist taking a few shots of my favourite animals, with a young mandrill stealing the show in an impromptu photoshoot.

If you miss The Enchantment, don’t worry – Wild Rumpus will be back from November 24 for The Lanterns At Chester Zoo with another sprinkling of more festive magic.

By Chris Payne, Head Photographer 

The Enchantment of Chester Zoo is on at Chester Zoo until October 31, 2017.