"Sadly the worst visit ever to Colch Zoo."

Terrible state of organisation post lockdown. Has anyone explained to Colchester Zoo staff that there is a very real threat still of a killer virus out there
Baby changing facilities disgustingly filthy and we went in only 4 minutes after someone apparently marked the cleaning sheet as complete on the wall!

Once inside there is ZERO marshalling on social distancing so we find ourselves packed into areas with large numbers. And we booked a slot expecting to be taken care of and given a safe environment to enjoy the zoo and instead there were so many people there and very little in the way of any risk management.

As for the animals.... WHERE HAVE THEY GONE? In over 40yrs a regular visitor to the zoo this was the least I saw here. Hardly any animals, loads shut off..... just what is going on? So sad and disappointed as it was my sons first trip ever to a zoo and we were left feeling concerned for our wellbeing as well as extremely disappointed indeed. Absolute waste of money I am so genuinely upset to say as I really wanted to support the Zoo.

"Re opening visit very disappointing"

We usually love this zoo and have been passholders for 11 years. We went today as a family but we were all disappointed. If I had to pay, even the current reduced entry rate, I would feel cheated. You have to prebook your tickets with timed entry, fair enough. Our time was between 12.30-1pm. Entry was fine. Marshalled by an army of employees. If you are early you will not get in early. Once inside the issues started. The one way system is an absolute nightmare! From the start you are following the route in a massive caravan of people. Social distancing? - forget it this is not remotely possible. There are too many people all going the same way and stopping to see the same animals. Alternative routes are literally blocked off by the zoo. There is only one way to go. As none of the enclosed spaces are open, the hoards of people have nowhere to disappear into. Social distancing on the few food kiosks open, was non existant too, as too few were open for the sheer amount of people. Imagine a really hot day in summer with the zoo packed to capacity. That is what it felt like. We made our way round in 2 hours and left again by 3.30pm. By that time tete was a massive queue of people trying to get into the zoo still. We normally love this zoo but they got the way they organised the re opening wrong. The one way system needs to go. Hopefully with the playgrounds and indoor areas allowed to open from 4th July, the zoo will open these and the crowds can disperse more. Today was Not fun and solely based on that I would not recommend to visit as the entry price if you are paying is still too high. We won't return until more restrictions are lifted to actually allow for social distancing.

"Looking forward to going here again."

Looking forward to going here again.

"PLEASE TRY TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ZOOS…"

PLEASE TRY TO SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL ZOOS IN THIS TIME OF CRISIS

MANY A FANTASTIC TIME HAD WITH OUR GRANDCHILDREN AT COLCHESTER ZOO

( I HAVE NO CONNECTION WITH THE ZOO)

"Building site"

The zoo has so many “new attractions” it’s basically a building site. It’s very pricey for the little to be seen...just because it’s huge doesn’t means it’s worth While and there’s not much going on. Such a shame

"Colchester Zoo! An Excellent Family Day Trip."

Colchester Zoo is worth every penny! Exotic animals, nice enclosures and dedicated staff who genuinely care about their animals.

I've visited Colchester Zoo twice within the space of the past year [in August and March] and can honestly say I highly recommend a visit. The African Experience is my favourite attraction. In my last visit, I went with a large group of friends and the price was unbeatable for the experience we received. I look forward to my next trip.

"The extraordinary animal experience is…"

The extraordinary animal experience is wonderful and great value for money. I did my research before booking this and all other zoo's and animal experience places charge £100+ for just one or two animals. Colchester zoo charges £160 and you get to meet, feed & sometimes even touch loads of animals including elephants, giraffes, otters, meerkats, lemurs, rhinos, tigers, monkeys, penguins and so much more. The staff are excellent and the experience could not be faulted. If you are an animal lover you will really enjoy this. We took my mum for her 75th birthday and we are going again for my 50th. The price includes breakfast, lunch and all the drinks that you need for the day. They even supply gloves when feeding the penguins, otters & elephants. I touched a rhino, gave an orangutang a drink & fed a tiger! It is a whole day but both my mum & I are disabled and we did worry about the long day but it flew by. Mum & I both had mobility scooters and when my one struggled to get up the hill the tour guide lady pushed me up it, and I am not a small lady! I would honestly say that this counts as the best day of my life.