Colchester Zoo, located in Essex, England, is home to over 260 species of animals. From mammals and birds to reptiles and fish, this zoo offers a diverse array of wildlife spread across beautifully designed habitats. Let’s break down the numbers and learn more about what makes Colchester Zoo such a fascinating place to visit.
| Category | Number of Species |
|---|---|
| Mammals | 68 |
| Fish | 47 |
| Birds | 19 |
| Reptiles | 34 |
| Invertebrates | 9 |
| Amphibians | 7 |
Colchester Zoo sits on 60 acres of parkland and lakes and is home to some incredible species. Visitors can see animals from across the globe in carefully constructed, immersive environments that mirror their natural habitats.
Key Habitats and Animal Exhibits
Kingdom of the Wild
The Kingdom of the Wild exhibit is one of Colchester Zoo’s most iconic attractions. It is home to white rhinos, giraffes, zebras, ostriches, and kudu. This large open space allows visitors to see these magnificent animals roam freely.
Rajang’s Forest
Named after the famous orangutan Rajang, this area gives visitors the chance to see orangutans up close. It even includes an interactive feature where you can “hang like an orangutan” and learn about their behaviour.
Australian Rainbows
This walkthrough aviary allows visitors to feed vibrant rainbow lorikeets. The colourful birds provide a tropical experience for families and bird enthusiasts.
Tiger Taiga
Home to the endangered Amur tigers, the Tiger Taiga exhibit is a key conservation area. Visitors can watch these beautiful big cats in a natural-looking environment.
Walking Giants
This section houses three of the four largest species of tortoise in the world. It’s an educational and awe-inspiring part of the zoo where visitors can appreciate these gentle giants.
Playa Patagonia
Playa Patagonia is a stunning sea lion enclosure. Its standout feature is an 80-foot glass tunnel where visitors can walk through and watch sea lions swim above their heads.
Wilds of Asia
This exhibit is home to red pandas, gibbons, hornbills, and Komodo dragons. It highlights the unique wildlife of Asia and educates visitors about the importance of conservation.
Plans for New Exhibits
Colchester Zoo continues to grow and improve its facilities. A brand new tropical walkthrough exhibit is currently being developed, which will add seven new species, including a new type of crocodile. The exhibit will feature two floors with an underwater viewing tunnel, allowing visitors to see crocodiles swimming and feeding above them. Outside, visitors can enjoy seeing the crocodiles basking on heated rocks through large glass windows.
In addition to the tropical exhibit, Colchester Zoo is renovating its lion enclosure and plans to refurbish the hippo habitat. These upgrades will improve the animals’ living spaces and enhance the visitor experience.
Upcoming Expansion Plans
On 12th April 2023, Colchester Zoo announced its exciting new master plan. By January 2025, the zoo will become a charitable trust known as the Colchester Zoological Society. This transformation will allow the zoo to focus even more on conservation and education.
The master plan includes a large-scale expansion with:
- New enclosures for elephants, lions, orangutans, gelada baboons, vultures, and flamingos.
- New species such as western lowland gorillas, bonobos, okapi, and hippos.
- New buildings including a butterfly house and a nocturnal house.
These changes will make Colchester Zoo even more impressive, solidifying its place as one of the top zoos in the UK.
Daily Activities and Visitor Highlights
Colchester Zoo offers over 50 daily displays and activities to engage visitors of all ages. Some of the highlights include:
- Elephant and giraffe feeding experiences.
- Meet and greets with animals like orangutans, penguins, and tigers.
- Adventure play areas for children to enjoy.
- An undercover soft play area for younger visitors.
These activities, combined with the opportunity to see exotic animals up close, make Colchester Zoo a perfect family day out.
Conservation Efforts
Colchester Zoo is deeply committed to conservation through education. Their mission focuses on raising awareness about endangered species and inspiring visitors to take action. The zoo supports various conservation initiatives worldwide, helping protect animals and their habitats.
The addition of animatronic dinosaurs to the zoo reinforces this message by reminding visitors of the importance of protecting today’s species. Dinosaurs may have gone extinct, but conservation efforts can help prevent the same fate for endangered animals.
Ticket Prices and Booking Information
Colchester Zoo encourages visitors to book online before their visit to enjoy reduced ticket prices. Here is a breakdown of the costs:
| Ticket Type | On the Gate | Online Price |
| Adults (16-60) | £19.95 | £16.95 |
| Child (2-15) | £18.95 | £15.95 |
| Seniors (60+) | £18.45 | £15.45 |
| Family of 4 | £76.00 | £64.00 |
| Family of 5 | £90.00 | £75.00 |
| Blue Light/Armed Forces | £16.00 | £13.00 |
Children under 2 enter for free, and carers with valid documentation also receive free entry.
Address and Directions
Colchester Zoo is located at: Hoo Farm, Telford, Shropshire TF6 6DJ
For accurate navigation, enter Humber Lane into your satellite navigation system, as the postcode may direct you elsewhere.
Brown signposts from the M54 Junction 6, A442 at Shawbirch, and A518 at Donnington will guide you to the zoo.
Final Thoughts
Colchester Zoo is a must-visit destination with over 260 species of animals, state-of-the-art habitats, and exciting future developments. Whether it’s watching tigers in Tiger Taiga, feeding lorikeets in Australian Rainbows, or exploring new exhibits, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Plan your visit today and experience the magic of one of the UK’s top zoos.