Start Date19th Aug 2023 End Date19th Aug 2023
22nd July • 5th August • 19th August • 2nd September 2023 – Open until 8:30pm
SEE MORE, DO MORE as we remain open until 8:30pm for our Summer Nights where you can enjoy the Zoo into the evening.
This Season is set to be our BIGGEST yet with parties taking place every day with Wild Vibe Wonderland in celebration of turning 60 along with whole host of other activities. PLUS, we have lots more fun activities taking place during the day throughout the Summer Holidays.
Why not make the most of the later opening by adding an exclusive evening Animal Experience to your wild adventure from only £85!*
PLUS live music by Cushti on the Main Stage by Penguini’s Restaurant from 5.00pm to 8.00pm!
Passholders: This event is FREE for Zoo Passholders. Simply turn up on the day and bring with you your valid zoo pass to gain entry into the zoo.
Paying Visitors: Paying visitors are no longer required to pre-book tickets, however, we recommend all non-passholders to book their tickets online in advance to receive the best price on admission.
Wild Vibe Wonderland
This zoo-mazing extravaganza will include 2 wonderfully wacky parties per day during the summer holidays on our main stage by Penguini’s. Watch out for the mischievous monkey and prepare your loudest roar as this celebration involves your participation too! Not only will we have zoodles of fun at the parties but there will also be themed parades at various times at different locations within the park.
View our daytime timetable here.
| Wild Vibe Wonderland Party | 6:00pm • At Meerkats |
| Wild Vibe Wonderland Parade | 8:00pm • Near Zoo exit |
Summer Nights Animal Encounters
Learn more about the incredible species here at Colchester Zoo from our Animal Care Team, with a number of special encounters taking place throughout the evening!
View our daytime timetable here.
| TIME | ENCOUNTER |
| 5:15pm | Smooth-coated Otter – Otter Creek |
| 5:45pm | Red Panda – Wilds of Asia |
| 5:45pm | Bornean Orangtuan – Rajang’s Forest |
| 6:00pm | Humboldt Penguin – Inca Trail |
| 6:00pm | Meerkat – Suricata Sands |
| 6:15pm | Mandrill – Edge of Africa |
| 6:15pm | Gelada Baboon – Gelada Plateau |
| 6:30pm | Komodo Dragon – Dragons of Komodo |
| 6:30pm | Ring-tailed Lemur – Lemur Bridge |
| 6:45pm | Malayan Sun Bear – Bears of the Rising Sun |
| 7:00pm | African Elephant – Outside Paddock |
| 7:30pm | Spotted Hyena – Edge of Africa |
| 7:45pm | Patagonian Sea Lion – Playa Patagonia |