Some areas of the Zoo are CLOSED to allow us to prepare for our Halloween events. ... read more
Until 3rd November, there will be restricted access at Bears of the Rising Sun (lower viewing) and our Elephant Bushwalk will be closed.
From 14th October 2024, our Woodland Hollow will be closed.
This habitat includes a straight underwater viewing tunnel measuring up to 24 metres long. The acrylic tunnel allows visitors to view our Sea Lions from underneath the water.
Along with outside viewing, the development included a huge filtration system, filtering 500,000 gallons of water every two hours. About 136 tonnes of reinforced steel and 1,025 cubic metres of concrete were used in the project.
Playa Patagonia is one of the largest construction projects undertaken by Colchester Zoo. The pool is filled with saltwater and does not use chlorine, which reduces the risk of health problems such as skin irritation and eye ulcers.
In the year
2013
this habitat opened
In the year
1963
our first sea lion arrived
Underwater tunnel is
24m
in length
The main pool is
4m
in depth
Animals in Playa Patagonia
Patagonian Sea Lion
Otaria byronia
From: South America
Status: Least Concern
Quick Fact: Unlike seals, sea lions use both their fore and hind limbs for ‘walking’ or moving on land, mainly using their front flippers for swimming. Their use of both flippers gives them greater manoeuvrability on land than seals.
Find me in: Playa Patagonia
Mammals
Adopt an animal at Colchester Zoo
You will be helping to fund our work, as well as our charity, Colchester Zoological Society, which assists conservation projects all over the world!
