ARE you ready for a brilliant day out? Enjoy a whole day filled with excitement and discovery at Bristol Zoo Gardens where, from the smallest and rarest tortoise in the world to the largest ape, there are over 300 exotic and endangered species to explore in beautiful gardens.

The Terrace Theatre is the perfect backdrop for the Zoo's new enchanting summer show, The Magic Garden.

Throughout the summer holidays watch beautifully choreographed carnival puppets reveal the mysteries of the butterfly life cycle to music at 12noon and 1pm weekdays and 1pm and 3pm weekends.

And there is still time to survive Monster Creepy Crawlies, Bristol Zoo Gardens 'monster' exhibition, which runs until Tuesday, September 7, giving every visitor a unique opportunity to go on an expedition to the wonderful world of bugs. Seventeen species, half of them with movement, are shown at human scale - most about two metres long!

Visit Zona Brazil, to experience the stunning and diverse species found in the threatened coastal rainforests of Brazil, or the award-wining Seal and Penguin Coasts, with fantastic underwater viewing.

Other favourites include Gorilla Island, the Aquarium, the Reptile House, the interactive Zoolympics trail, feeding time talks and the Children's Adventure Playground.

There's plenty of hands-on fun in the Activity Centre with face painting, badge making, brass rubbing, touch table items, and the very popular animal encounters where you might get the chance to meet a snake. Opening hours: Open daily from 9am until 5.30pm in summer (4.30pm in winter). Closed Christmas Day.

Entrance prices: Adult £9.50, child (3-14) £6.00, concession £8.50, under 3s free. New family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) £28.00 For further information visit www.bristolzoo.org.uk or call 0117 974 7300.Try a great expedition to the zoo