Posted November 14, 2022 in News
Colchester Zoo Rocks 60
‘Colchester Zoo Rocks’ was a local school community project that we put together to commemorate our 60th anniversary in 2023.
For ‘Colchester Zoo Rocks’ each participating school painted stones which, on return to the zoo, were added to a commemorative garden. The theme for the art on the stones was the Zoo and its 60th anniversary; this could have been a favourite animal or special memory at the Zoo.
Every school also received a large ‘boulder’ style rock for them to decorate as they wished within the theme. It could have been that one student was chosen to design the rock on behalf of the school or each student had input in decorating the rock as a collaborative project.
All the painted stones were added to a colourful commemorative garden for all to enjoy at the Zoo! This garden will be in place for 18 months and each participating school will be represented.
We’re delighted to have collaborated with Silverton Aggregates and Long Rake Spar who kindly supported this project with the supply of approximately 12,000 x Scottish Cobbles and around 160 x Cambrian Boulders which were painted by over 11,500 students across Essex, Suffolk and London!
On release of this project, we were pleased to have had an overwhelming amount of interest. Due to the size of the garden and limited number of rocks, we had to work on a first-come, first-served basis, so we are sorry for those who were unfortunately not able to participate on this occasion. However, we do offer FREE education sessions here at the Zoo, including an art session, so if you would like to plan a school visit do bear in mind booking a FREE education session with us too!
In January 2023, our Gardening Team began the new rockery garden which is located at the main entrance to the Zoo for all to enjoy. The garden will remain in place for 18 months to commemorate the great milestone of 60 years in 2023 for Colchester Zoo.
