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.
Admission Enquiries
What are your opening times?
We open at 9:30am every day of the year except for Christmas Day. Our closing times vary throughout the year.
What are your admission prices?
Do you offer a family ticket?
We do not offer a family ticket, as all tickets are priced individually.
Do children need a supervising adult?
Unfortunately we are unable to allow admittance to children under the age of 16yrs without a full paying adult or adult passholder. Children under the age of 16yrs must be supervised by a responsible adult over the age of 16yrs at all times whilst inside the park. Unsupervised children will not be granted admission.
During late night openings children under the age of 16yrs must be accompanied by a responsible adult/guardian at all times whilst on the premises. Unaccompanied children under 16yrs will not be admitted.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
Can I purchase ticket on arrival?
All visitors are not required to pre-book their entry tickets online in advance of their visit. We do however recommend booking online in advance to receive the best price on your tickets.
I’ve seen tickets for sale by unofficial third parties, are these valid if I bought them?
No, tickets purchased from individuals, social media, or online market websites are not valid for resale and will be invalid upon entry.
We are unable to offer any compensation to those who attempt to enter on these tickets so please do not purchase them. Only tickets purchased from official third party companies and Colchester Zoo are valid for admission. Anyone found to be selling Colchester Zoo tickets online will have their tickets immediately cancelled, further action may also be taken against passholders found to be selling complimentary tickets.
How do I find the Zoo?
Our postcode is CO3 0SL.
Are there any charge for the car park?
You are welcome to park in the Zoo’s large car park free of charge. Cars are parked in the Colchester Zoo car park at their owners own risk and Colchester Zoo cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to vehicles, their contents or persons.
Are there Electric Vehicle Charging points located at the zoo?
Colchester Zoo does not have electric vehicle charging onsite however there are few locations local to the Zoo that offer this service.
Locations
SSE Charging Station
Address: Tollgate W, Colchester CO3 8RH
Hours: Vary daily
Fuuse Charging Station
Address: Peartree Rd, Stanway, Colchester CO3 0LQ
Hours: Open 24 hours
Osprey Charging Station
Address: Colchester Retail Park, Retail Park, Colchester CO3 3LL
Hours: Vary daily
InstaVolt Charging Station
Address: The Bannatyne Spa, Kingsford Park, Layer Rd, Colchester CO2 0HS
Hours: Open 24 hours
PodPoint Charging Station
Address: 86 Church Rd, Tiptree, Colchester CO5 0SU
Hours: Vary daily
Pod Point Charging Station
Address: Tollgate Centre Shopping Park, Tollgate E, Stanway, Colchester CO3 8RQ
Hours: Open 24 hours
Tesla Supercharger
Address: Marks Tey Hotel, London Rd, Marks Tey, Colchester CO6 1DU
Hours: Open 24 hours
MER Charging Station
Address: Stane Retail Park, Stanway, Colchester CO3 8DW
Hours: Open 24 hours
Plug-N-Go Charging Station
Address: East of England Co-op Daily Foodstore, Coggeshall 60 East St, Coggeshall, Colchester CO6 1SJ
Hours: Open 24 hours
Please note: Terms and conditions may apply to each charging station. We recommend checking before you travel.
Can I bring my bike/scooter/skateboard into the zoo?
All bicycles, scooters, children’s cars, skate boards and rollerblades are not permitted within Colchester Zoo as this can put yourself and other visitors in danger. A bike rack is available within the car park for your to lock your bicycle should you choose to use this method of transport to and from the zoo.
Three wheeled trikes are allowed into Colchester Zoo only on the condition that parents or guardians use the trike as if it were a buggy and do not allow the child to propel themselves. Visitors who wish to bring in a trike agree that they use it at their own risk and take full responsibility steering it. Colchester Zoo is not liable for any damage or injury.
Can I hire a mobility Scooter, wheelchair or stroller?
Yes, we offer hire options.
Are dogs allowed?
We understand how important your assistance dog is in supporting you during your visit. We have a specific policy that helps us to ensure that all our visitors and our permanent animals have a safe and stress-free time..
No dogs are allowed on any part of the Zoo site including our car park – with the exception of guide and assistance dogs under specific conditions. Colchester Zoo does not allow dogs to be left in cars, even with ventilation and water, anyone found leaving dogs in their car will be refused entry to the Zoo.
General Enquiries
Are there picnic areas within the zoo?
There are many picnic areas available around the Zoo which visitors are welcome to use on a first-come first-served basis. You are also welcome to return to your car for your picnic, you just need to remember to get a wristband at the point of exit to be able to gain re-entry into the Zoo.
Are lockers available within the zoo?
We have a number of lockers available to rent.
What can I do in bad weather?
If your visit day is rainy or cold, we still have lots of exciting enclosures and activity areas to explore.
Can I access internet during my visit?
Colchester Zoo now has free wifi access throughout the park, for the password, please speak to a member of staff.
Can I smoke at the Zoo?
Colchester Zoo is a smoke free family attraction. Smoking and vaping is strictly prohibited within the zoo grounds.
Please only use our designated smoking area located outside of the zoo’s main entrance.
Please be aware that if you do choose to leave the Zoo to use the designated area outside of the Zoo, you will need to collect a re-entry wristband upon exiting through our main shop.
What is your policy on photography?
You are welcome to take photographs of the animals for your personal use. Images may not be used for any commercial purpose without specific, prior permission from Colchester Zoo. Colchester Zoo does not buy images taken.
Do you sell big cat poo as a deterrent for foxes?
We are unable to sell cat dung for health and safety reasons due to the raw meat contained in their diets. We do, however, sell ‘Zoo Poo’ which is a herbivore based manure from our elephants and rhinos, which is good for the garden.
Do you have a lost property department?
We do keep all lost property items found for approximately 3-4 weeks. Once this time is up, any unclaimed items are given to charity organisations. If you have an enquiry on something you have lost during your visit to Colchester Zoo, please call our Administration Office on 01206 331292 ext 221 and a member of staff will be happy to have a look for you.
Can I get married at the Zoo?
Colchester Zoo does not hold a licence for weddings therefore you cannot get married at Colchester Zoo.
Where can I find allergen information about each catering outlet?
Allergen information is available at each each outlet. Please speak to a member of the team regarding any allergen concerns.
Are there sanitary products available?
Please be aware that sanitary products are only available for purchase at the entrance toilets.
Access Enquiry
Do you have any accessibility information?
Find out more about the disabled access Colchester Zoo offers, including adult changing facilities, free admission for assistants, as well as our suggested easier route for wheelchair
Do you have parking for guest with disability?
Yes there is disabled parking available within Colchester Zoo’s car park.
Can I bring my mobility scooter to the Zoo?
Due to the steep hills, you are allowed to use your own an electric scooter, however visitors who wish to do so, agree that they use this at their own risk and take full responsibility for its correct use.
Zoo Pass Enquiries
How can I upgrade to a Zoo Pass?
Upgrade your admission ticket to a Zoo Pass during your visit! If you think you’ll be visiting us more than twice this year then a Zoo Pass may be better value for you and your family. Stop by our Guest Services department today.
Can I visit the zoo without my pass?
No. Please be aware that it is a condition of your free entry that a valid Zoo Pass is shown at the zoo entrance. If you do not bring your card with you admission will be charged and cannot be refunded.
How do I download a digital version of my Zoo Pass?
You can download a copy of your annual Zoo Pass straight to your Apple Wallet or an Android Wallet App.
Animal Enquiries
Do you take unwanted animals?
Unfortunately we are unable to take any animals or unwanted pets. To seek advice on what to do with an unwanted animal or pet, please contact the RSPCA or similar charity. If you simply require reptile advice, please try the Essex Reptile and Amphibian Society on 01621 816721.
Can I hold or touch the animals?
We have a minimum contact policy with most species at Colchester Zoo as it is not in the welfare interest of the animals. Neither is it safe for members of the public to have immediate contact with dangerous, wild animals. Only the Animal Care Team will have contact when absolutely necessary i.e. when veterinary care is required.
Job & Work Experience Enquiries
How do I find out out about current job vacancies?
Need more help?
If you still have a question please feel free to get in touch with our team at enquiries@colchesterzoo.org and we will do our best to answer your query as soon as possible but we do ask for your patience and understanding for any delays experienced.
