Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is a world-class zoological garden spread across 60 acres of beautiful parkland and lakes near Colchester in Essex, England. Open since 1963 and now operated by the newly formed Colchester Zoological Society charitable trust, the zoo is home to over 150 species across more than 30 themed exhibits. Highlights include the Elephant Kingdom, Lost Madagascar with its lemur road train, Playa Patagonia featuring Europe's largest straight underwater tunnel for viewing Patagonian sea lions, Orangutan Forest, Lion Rock, and the Australian Rainbows free-flying lorikeet aviary where visitors can hand-feed colourful birds. Conservation sits at the centre of the zoo's mission through its charity Action for the Wild, which has supported projects worldwide including the 6,000-hectare UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in South Africa. With family-friendly attractions, educational programming, and outstanding wildlife encounters, Colchester Zoo offers an exceptional day out in the East of England.