More than 121,800 people passed through the zoo gates in the month.

The last time the zoo exceeded 120,000 in June was in 1998, when it attracted 128,653 visitors.

Chester Zoo is the most visited wildlife attraction in the UK, with more than 1.3 million visitors last year.

Sharon Leeson, the zoo's head of marketing and development, said: "Last year was a record year for us, and June's bumper visitor figures are putting us firmly on track for another.

"We are the most-visited wildlife attraction in the UK, and the continued success and popularity of the zoo is reflected in our figures.

"We enjoyed a great start to the year and achieved record-breaking figures in both February and May."

Tonight the zoo is hosting its first 'Lazy Summer Evening' event and will remain open until 9pm.

Guests can take a stroll around the grounds, visiting animal houses such as Elephants of the Asian Forest, Spirit of the Jaguar, Realm of the Red Ape and Islands in Danger.

A string quartet will serenade visitors as they arrive, and the waterbus will open to take visitors on a free trip down the zoo's waterway.

Pimms and strawberries will be served on the lawn outside Oakfield Manor House, and for the more adventurous there will be giant games to play including Connect 4, croquet, snakes and ladders and chess.

A second event will take place on August 16, with the zoo remaining open until 9pm on both evenings and entry half price after 3pm.

For more details, go to www.chesterzoo.org or call 01244 650240.