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Opening Times
| Open New Year |
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* Colchester Zoo is a full day out the whole family can enjoy! You may need to visit twice to see everything!
We are open every day from 9.30am except Christmas Day. Closing times vary according to season.
Please note that the Zoo may close up to 30 minutes prior to closing time stated depending on level of trade.
Last admission to the zoo grounds is 1 hour prior to close.
Visit our website for more information.
About
Colchester Zoo’s Animal Experiences offer the unique opportunity to get closer to our animals and learn more about them from our Animal Care Team!
Keeper for the Day:
Step into the boots of a member of the Animal Care Team in one of our three exciting options that take you closer to the animals than ever before!
Escorted by our dedicated animal care team, you will venture behind the scenes and find out just what it takes to care for some of the most incredible creatures on the planet! Our three Keeper for the Day options are listed below with more information to help you choose which package you would like to take part in.
Keeper Shadowing:
Get closer to the animals with a Keeper Shadowing Experience!
This is the perfect experience for anyone who is passionate about a particular species of animal! Offering you the chance to enjoy a personal experience with your favourite species from our selected shadowing species, this makes a great gift for a loved one or simply a treat for yourself.
Kids Zoo Academy:
The perfect experience for all young animal enthusiasts!
These amazing experience are a perfect introduction to life working with animals for any child dreaming of becoming a vet, zoo keeper or wildlife ranger.
With expert tuition from the keepers, your child will step behind the scenes to meet some incredible animals and enjoy a ‘hands on’ lesson that they will treasure forever!
Perfect Moments:
Looking for the ‘perfect moment’ to celebrate a special landmark event?
Whatever the occasion, enjoy a shared, close-up animal experience for two at Colchester Zoo and make memories to treasure forever!
EXTRA-Ordinary Experience:
Book an Extra-ordinary Experience for a day like no other…
Be VIPs as you are guided by an experienced host and taken on the adventure of a lifetime. Exploring the very heart of Colchester Zoo, you will stop off to see a whole variety of amazing animals!
As well as the ULTIMATE full day Extra-ordinary Animal Experience, we also offer a half day option both for the morning and afternoon.
Team Building:
Colchester Zoo provides a unique location for your next team building event that is sure to challenge, stimulate, reward and boost your team’s morale.
With specially-tailored activities, teams can focus on communication, planning, time budgeting, design, debating skills and reasoning, combined with some amazing, close-up animal interactions – this package is a must for any organisation wishing to strengthen and motivate their team!
Hen Parties:
Looking for a unique way to celebrate your final fling before the ring?
Explore LOVE in the animal kingdom with inspiration from our sassy sea lions, passionate penguins, and the chance the meet either our loving lemurs or gentle giraffes!
This Hen Party package includes fun activities and hands-on animal encounters for a group to remember forever!
Facilities
Accessibility
- Assistance dogs welcome
- Autism Friendly - We have a number of Autism Friendly trained team members (they will be wearing a badge) who will do their best to assist you. You may wish to bring ear defenders to use in some places.
- Changing Places
- Changing Places Toilets
- Disabled access - We have a suggested Easier Route marked with green arrows on the ground to ensure you don’t miss anything! This is aimed at those with pushchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchairs as it avoids steeper hills but not all within the zoo.
- Disabled toilets - All sets of toilets around Colchester Zoo and at our cafes have toilet facilities for those with disability. A registered Changing Places changing facility is available for those with additional needs at the toilet facilities near the meerkat enclosure.
- Facilities for hearing impaired - We have a hearing loop in areas around the zoo. Tills in the entrance and at guest services are also fitted with loop systems. The majority of our team have disability awareness training via an ongoing professional development programme. We also have a printed guide of our Lost Madagascar Train commentary – please speak to the train driver on the day of your visit.
- Facilities for visually impaired - We recommend that you be accompanied by an assistant dog or sighted guide. There are accessible parking bays near the zoo entrance, if you have visual impairment, it is worth letting the car park marshals know so they can assist you in locating a space. If you need assistance during your visit, please make a member of our team aware.
- Wheelchairs available - We have a facility to hire a limited number of manual wheelchairs and electric scooters inside the zoo grounds next to the zoo main entrance. If you would like to hire a wheelchair or electric mobility scooter, please email our team at least 24hrs in advance.
Booking & Payment Details
- Credit cards accepted (no fee)
Catering
- On-site catering - Our main food and drink outlet, Penguini’s Restaurant, and Meerkat Hangout are both open every day from 9:30am. Gourmet Sausage and The Waterhole are also open daily from 10:30am. Our other food outlets may be closed on weekdays and in certain seasons, so please check with our Guest Services team as you enter the zoo for all available outlets on the day of your visit. All available outlets are subject to change and supply chains, and may close due to extreme weather conditions and unforeseen circumstances without prior notice.
- On-site light refreshments
- Picnic site - Colchester Zoo has a number picnic benches and tables throughout the zoo for you to use.
Children
- Baby changing facilities
- Children welcome
- Pushchairs available - Colchester Zoo offers both single and double buggies for hire to help the little ones on their journey around the zoo!
Groups
- Education/study area
- Facilities for educational visits
- Facilities for groups
- Mini Coach Parties Accepted
Parking
- Free Parking
Property Facilities
- Dogs not accepted (except guidedogs) - Please check our Assistance Dogs Accessibility Policy that sets our Code of Conduct for assistance dog owners. We do not allow dogs to be left in cars, even with ventilation and water. Anyone found leaving dogs in their car will not be granted admission. We take this very seriously and take our lead from the RSPCA.
- Gift shop - You can visit The Outpost Gift Shop without having to enter the zoo.
- Public toilets
- Smoking not allowed
- WiFi or internet access
Site Features
- Regional Tourist Board Member
Target Markets
- Accepts groups
- Coach parties accepted
Ratings
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