Colchester Zoo looks at fighting extinction in their new Christmas Advert ahead of changing to a conservation charity in 2025!
On Tuesday 5th November at 3:00pm, Colchester Zoo will release its second Christmas Advert after working with Essex-based production company, Deadline Communications, for the second year in a row.
Over the past year, Colchester Zoo has taken a step back, looking into the past to help save the species of the future. Back in April 2024, Colchester Zoo opened its first dinosaur-themed area within the park where guests can immerse themselves amongst creatures of the prehistoric era. This new area has not only helped to attract new visitors to the site, but also shows the effects of extinction!
Following on from the opening of Dinosaur Realm, it was only right that this year’s Christmas toy at The Santa Experience at the Zoo would be none other than a woolly mammoth, another extinct species, which has set the message of this year’s Christmas Advert.
The advert is 2 minutes in length, titled ‘A Mammoth Adventure’ and follows a young boy called Cole who is passionate about the natural world around him, including animals that have since, become extinct. After visiting Colchester Zoo, Cole is inspired by the species he learns about, and dreams of a woolly mammoth called Wilbur who helps save Christmas.
“We are exceptionally excited to release our second Christmas Advert and for the chance to work with Deadline Communications once again. By producing this advert, we are hoping to inspire future generations to think about the conservation of animals and the importance of preventing extinction, as well as fuel their passion for knowledge and adventure at the zoo.
This Christmas Advert has been made even more special as it combines real-life elements filmed at the Zoo along with a short animation where our Christmas toy, Wilbur, is brought to life. It’s been thoroughly enjoyable to watch Cole and Wilbur’s story develop from paper to the digital screen with the help Deadline Communications and film director, Simon Frith!”
Amanda Willis, Digital Design & Marketing, Colchester Zoo
Future of the Zoo
The Colchester Zoo management team have also been busy behind the scenes throughout 2024, as the current, privately owned zoo, looks to transition into a conservation Charity, known as Colchester Zoological Society, that not only supports animals at the Zoo and native species, but also endangered species around the world!
Where to Watch
The Colchester Zoo Christmas Advert will be part of an online marketing campaign. The advert will first launch on Tuesday 5th November at 3:00pm via the Zoo’s social media platforms, Facebook and Instagram. The advert will also feature on Colchester Zoo’s newly launched website and will be displayed around the park on their digital screens.
Closer to You
Following the success of last year’s song which was specially created just for the Zoo, Deadline Communications has once again worked closely with a local songwriter and singer, to produce a brand-new Christmas song for their advert. The Christmas Advert features a brand-new song, written and performed by Josie Beth, titled ‘Closer to You’. Josie is already a musical sensation after featuring on Radio One with hit single ‘It’s Me’ and BBC Introducing! The lyrics have been carefully written to capture the full meaning of the story referencing ‘getting closer’ to Cole’s Christmas wish, of discovering an extinct animal and ‘believing’ in Santa.
‘Closer to You’ will be available for download on all major music platforms (Spotify, iTunes and Amazon Music) on Monday 4th November to coincide with the launch of Colchester Zoo’s Christmas Advert.
Visitors will also have the chance to listen to the song sung by Josie herself during one of the Zoo’s Magic of Christmas events. Keep an eye on the Zoo’s socials for more details soon!
“This project was the quickest turn around I have ever had… I began writing the song and drafting ideas on the 11th September and the song was mastered and ready to go about a month later! I am really excited to be a part of the advert this year and Merry Christmas to you all!”
Josie Beth, Songwriter/Singer
The Team behind the Magic
Colchester Zoo were delighted to be able to once again produce another Christmas Advert with Deadline Communications, bring their story to life.
“After producing such a heart-warming advert for our 60th anniversary in 2023, it was a true delight to be able to work with the team at Deadline Communications again. From the initial meeting where the story shaped, through to the final product, Simon brought the vision to life from paper to the digital screen!”
Melissa Dench, Business Development Manager, Colchester Zoo
“It’s lovely to be invited back to create a second Christmas ad for the zoo. As an Essex-based company ourselves, it’s great to be able to support a local business, especially one that does so much good work for conservation.”
Simon Frith, Director, Deadline Communications
Shop the Advert
Cole and Wilbur’s adventure will come to life at Colchester Zoo’s Magic of Christmas event where children can receive their very own Wilbur the woolly mammoth soft toy by purchasing a ticket to The Santa Experience. Visitors that do not purchase a Santa Experience ticket can still discover more about the adventurous duo by visiting the Elf Tales at Colchester Zoo’s Magic of Christmas event or by purchasing the storybook upon visiting the Zoo or when purchasing your tickets online! You can also meet the giant tortoise featured in the advert by taking part in a Keeper Shadowing Animal Experience.
