Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo is an animal park in Colchester, England, covering 24 hectares and housing more than 150 different animal species. The site is divided into themed zones with enclosures for big cats, monkeys, birds, invertebrates and fish, designed to resemble their natural habitats.

The park opened in 1963 as Stanway Hall Park Zoo and went through a difficult period with financial problems during the 1970s. The Tropeano family took over the facility in 1983 and developed it into its current form.

The grounds house species from different continents, including African elephants, Asian tigers and South American sea lions, kept in areas organized by region. Visitors can attend feeding times and watch keepers working with the animals, offering insight into modern animal care.

The site opens daily at 9:30 AM, and most visitors need around four to five hours to explore all areas. Pathways lead through the entire grounds, and seating is available near the larger enclosures.

The Playa Patagonia section features an underwater tunnel that visitors walk through while South American sea lions swim above their heads. This part of the facility allows an unusual perspective on the animals, as you can watch them from below.

Location: Colchester

Inception: 1963

Opening Hours: Monday-Sunday 09:30-16:00

Phone: +441206331292

Email: enquiries@colchesterzoo.org

Website: https://colchester-zoo.com

GPS coordinates: 51.86250,0.83278

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:28