Face Coverings at Colchester Zoo

Following government guidelines, from Friday 24th July, visitors to Colchester Zoo will be required to wear face coverings if you wish to enter The Outpost Gift Shop, our Guest Services Office or when entering our catering outlets.

We also encourage you to wear face coverings throughout your visit especially within indoor areas.


You are not required to wear a face covering for the following reasons as outlined in the government guidelines:

  • Young children under the age of 11
  • Not being able to put on, wear or remove a face covering because of a physical or mental illness or impairment, or disability
  • If putting on, wearing or removing a face covering will cause you severe distress
  • If you are travelling with or providing assistance to someone who relies on lip reading to communicate
  • To avoid harm or injury, or the risk of harm or injury, to yourself or others
  • To eat or drink, but only if you need to
  • To take medication

There are also scenarios when you are permitted to remove a face covering when asked:

  • If asked to do so by shop staff for the purpose of age identification, we may also require this when taking a photo if you are purchasing a Zoo Pass.
  • If speaking with people who rely on lip reading, facial expressions and clear sound. Some may ask you, either verbally or in writing, to remove a covering to help with communication

To read the full updated Government guidance for the public on wearing face coverings please click here.

We have face masks available for visitors to purchase for a small donation, however these will be limited, therefore we will kindly ask all visitors to bring their own face coverings.

Thank you for your cooperation.

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