60 Years of Colchester Zoo
2023 is set to be a BIG year for as we celebrate 60 years of Colchester Zoo. We will be hosting a number of celebrations throughout the year, including introducing some exciting new arrivals and a summer packed with Wild Vibe Wonderland entertainment.
L- R: Old Zoo Map. Punch and Judy display on lawn. Rajang at Colchester Zoo.
Although Rajang was not a pure Bornean orangutan he represented them and was an ambassador for the species. Bornean orangutans are classed as critically endangered on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, so we are proud to remember Rajang, as well as raise awareness of our current orangutan residents, Tiga, Mali and Tatau, as part of our 60th celebrations. This will help to highlight the conservation of this incredible species and the ecological impact the world is currently facing.
As well as a year packed with celebratory events, we will also be releasing a range of special 60th birthday memorabilia to mark this joyous occasion, in our Outpost Gift Shop. Exclusive items include a limited edition puzzle, a special Zoo Pass and a historical souvenir guide to name a few.
Limited Edition Zoo Pass

Buy your Annual Zoo Pass now and receive a special edition pass to commemorate our 60th anniversary! Best of all, you’ll be able to visit as many times as you like through the year and join in our special events!
Terms & Conditions apply
60th Anniversary Souvenir Book

Find out more about the future of Colchester Zoo along with memories of the last 60 years in our NEW limited-edition Souvenir Book! PLUS learn more about incredible species of the past and present!
60th Commemorative Hamper

Celebrate our 60th anniversary with our exclusive Commemorative Hamper filled with all of our newest memorabilia including a limited-edition pin badge, historic Souvenir Book and cuddly Orangutan toy to name a few!
60th Anniversary Exclusive Jigsaw

Piece together a part of Colchester Zoo history with our PAW-SOME puzzle. Our engaging puzzle includes four beautiful portrait pictures and provides fun and entertainment for the whole family.
Colchester Zoo Rocks
‘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, have been added to a commemorative garden located at the entrance. The theme for the art was the Zoo and its 60th anniversary; which could be a favourite animal or special memory.
Summer Celebrations

Our summer celebrations are set to be sizzling with parties and parades taking place every day by Wild Vibe Wonderland. PLUS, you will have the chance to meet your favourite Zoo Crew Character, Baby Dinos along with educational activities at The Exploratorium.
Royal Rhinos Adoption

In celebration of The King’s Coronation and His Majesty revealing the name of our latest Rhino calf, Dara, we’ve put together a Limited-Edition Adoption Package, so you can receive an exclusive plaque for the year!
60th Anniversary Candles

Our 60th limited edition candles come in two exclusive scents packaged in a sturdy tin topped with birthday sprinkles. Invite the fresh ocean air into your home with our Seabreeze candle. Fill your house with cozy vibes Tonka Bean and Sandal Wood candle.
Limited Edition Top Trumps

Learn more about the species at Colchester Zoo along with some historical friends with our limited edition Top Trumps! Find out which animals are the most mischievous and who has the highest pong factor!
The Future of Colchester Zoo
It is with great pride that we announce, as of January 2025, the Zoo will become a charitable trust, known as Colchester Zoological Society.
We hope that the Zoo of the future here in Colchester will be one that the local community will be proud of. We strongly believe that this vision will secure a future which will allow us to achieve our mission and revolutionise the Zoo as we know it today.
Join us throughout 2023, with a calendar packed with fun-filled events to help celebrate our birthday.
CLICK TO VIEW OUR EVENTS CALENDAR