"Disappointed "

We visited the zoo today to celebrate a 70th birthday and a golden wedding anniversary there were 9 of us in the group all ages from 2 to 70.
The zoo was an amazing park but unfortunately we didn’t get to see many of the animals there were no monkeys, lions,cheaters,wallaby’s or bears about, a lot of outside cages was empty, when we went to see if they were inside they weren’t in there either. We did see the African animals outside and the flamingos. Not sure if this is normal or if the animals were being kept in for a reason but after driving for 90mins to get there we were a little disappointed.

"Great experience "

Just taken the half day animal experience and it was brilliant, far better than expected. We had the afternoon experience that started with being greeted by very friendly staff who explained what we were to expect . We were a bit early so had a wander around part of the zoo then back to a very nice private room for lunch. After lunch we were met by Kelly who was exceptional,
She took us on a great tour of various animal she was so friendly and informative it was like going with a friend but one who made everything interesting. We were never rushed and cannot praise her enough
If you like animals then book one of their tours

"Had a tiger zoo experience and was…"

Had a tiger zoo experience and was brilliant and zoo keeper Nicola was also brilliant. Very friendly and great knowledge about the tiger.

"Tainted visit due to lack of management. "

The zoo is great however it took over an hour to leave the carpark. With a toddler this has tainted the entire trip. It is not good enough, no one was managing the chaos. We traveled two hours to visit the zoo we will not be re visiting.

"Excellent zoo"

Excellent day out, friendly staff ,loads to see and well maintained enclosures. Really good selection of animals with the leopard cubs being the main attraction for the time being.They are worth the visit alone.

"Today I was lucky enough to do the…"

Today I was lucky enough to do the Aardvark experience with keeper Ben. I have done many different animal experiences with many different zoo's over the years but this was one of the absolutely best yet. The Aardvarks were adorable, I got to feed them mealworms and give them cuddles and the keeper was so knowledgeable and passionate about them. Thank you so much to Ben for making the experience such a special and memorable one! I look forward to booking in another experience at Colchester zoo soon!

"Unnecessarily mean zoo worker"

We ran to get to the goat walk and arrived 6 minutes before it should have closed but the mean lady had locked it 5 seconds before we got there and despite my daughter crying, wouldn’t let us go through. Unnecessarily mean despite being an expensive experience.

"Absolute poo cuz we went to the…"

Absolute poo cuz we went to the frightnight and they wouldn't let us in because we didn't have a guardian and it didn't say that on the terms and conditions.

"Legal Theft! You tell me?"

Again, if i could, would not even give them the star i had to give them.
They are thieves, nothing more, nothing less. Decided whilst i was down that way with family, to visit the zoo. Booked tickets online and paid. NO EMAIL, NO TICKETS. Checked bank, payment taken. Checked all emails, junk files etc, nothing!!! Tried phoning, no one answers. Sent email, took so long to reply it was too late as returned home by then. Same response as i see others have had. They do not refund e-tickets. So i replied not acceptable. It is their mistake and as it is their error, NOT MINE, i want the £90+ back!!! Then told it has been passed on to another department and they will contact me. NOTHING!!! not heard a word, no reply what so ever and i have sent them several emails on this matter.
Am i wrong to ask for the return of my cash due to their mistake? Errors happen, own up to them and respond and make right. I do not want replacement tickets, I AM NO LONGER IN YOUR AREA TO BE ABLE TO VISIT AND IT IS TOO FAR TO DO A DAY TRIP!!!
By purchasing the tickets and them taking payment from me for a service they are offering, we enter into a contract between us. One that they have not fulfilled or rectified. I could even say that the money they need to return is not even a refund!!
A refund is for something you have received and then returned. I HAVE NOT EVEN RECEIVED ANYTHING TO BE IN A POSITION TO RETURN ANYTHING. therefore you will be RETURNING THE MONEY YOU TOOK FROM MY BANK ACCOUNT FOR A SERVICE YOU DID NOT PROVIDE.

What really annoys me about this whole ongoing issue is their arrogance, that they are not in the wrong as they do not make mistakes!! Mistakes happen, it is part of life. Just be big enough to accept that, own it AND MAKE IT RIGHT.
My advice, stay clear of their online booking system like a plague. Like a thief, they will take your money and it is gone for good when they make a mistake, because they do not make mistakes and for that reason, will not return your money to you.
Customer service is atrocious as basically, they just ignore you. If they do respond to this review, it will be. WE CANNOT RESOLVE THIS MATTER ON THIS PLATFORM and invite me to fill in the correct form on their site.
THE FORM I HAVE ALREADY FILLED OUT ON THEIR SITE!!!

THE ONE THEY HAVE BEEN IGNORING!!

You have been warned about their underhand tactics to steal your money. Just because they put it on their site concerning no refunds. If it is their error, you are entitled to get your money back. I JUST HOPE THEY TREAT THEIR ANIMALS BETTER THAN THEIR CUSTOMERS but i will not hold my breath on that.

"15.9.24 we did a 4 person extra…"

15.9.24 we did a 4 person extra ordinary experience with Tigers,Giraffes,Meerkats, Lemurs Monkeys. We had a Zoo Keeper called Lisa that showed us round and gave so much information, she was lovely company and explained everything about every encounter we had. Each encounter was amazing and fully recommended. We have learnt so much about lots of the animals at the zoo. My daughters 21st birth present, Too be able to be up close to tigers as always been a dream to her and got very emotional doing it. One she will never forget! Colchester Zoo has always been a favourite of our family too visits, all animals to the biggest to the smallest are all very well looked after and happy. Amazing day for us and will definitely be booking more encounter here, had a private lunch room which was beautiful. Can't recommended this experience anymore, you will not be disappointed. Also go home with a gift each from the shop!