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.
Colchester Zoo is dedicated to encouraging, supporting and conducting research that improves captive animal management, benefits conservation and contributes to the body of scientific knowledge about animals and their habitats. The World Zoo and Aquaria Conservation Strategy highlights research as a major role for modern zoos.
Click the below headings for information about how to be involved in research at Colchester Zoo:
Colchester Zoo’s research includes both animal-based studies and visitor studies. Animal-based studies can focus on behaviour, welfare, nutrition, husbandry, environmental enrichment, ecology, reproduction and conservation. All animal-based research undertaken in the Zoo is non-invasive and mostly conducted through observation of the animals in their captive environment.
Research studies assist Colchester Zoo in a number of ways:
- Helping develop animal management practices, by assessing effects on animals, such as: enclosure design, diet and social groups
- Benefiting conservation of species and habitats, by improving the success of captive breeding programmes and in-situ programmes
- Promoting conservation through education, by assessing visitor attitudes and perceptions
Application Process
The Research Coordinator works closely with animal management staff and the Education team to identify priority topics and Colchester Zoo encourages applications for research within these priority areas.
Below is an archive of research which has been conducted at Colchester Zoo. For more details of any past projects, or to find out more about research at Colchester Zoo, please contact our Research Coordiantor: Wendy@colchesterzoo.org
All applications received will be assessed by the Zoo Director and Zoo Curator. Animal Management staff will accept applications on the basis of the subject area, including the value to science, ethical considerations, and the logistics of the study, including staff time and resources.
Please see the BIAZA Research Resources (click to open) for more details about research in BIAZA institutes, as well as resources and other information to help you develop your research project.
Application Form
All researchers wishing to conduct a project at, or in association with Colchester Zoo, must submit an application form.
All applications should be sent to the Research Coordinator a minimum of one month in advance of the perspective start date.
Research Handbook
Please review the research handbook for guidelines and procedures all researchers must follow at Colchester Zoo. It also outlines our priority research areas and the applicable research fee.
Example Case Studies
Past Research Projects
Below is an archive of research which has been conducted at Colchester Zoo. For more details of any past projects, or to find out more about research at Colchester Zoo, please contact our Research Coordiantor: Wendy@colchesterzoo.org
