Accessibility Information

• Toilets: There are accessible toilets around the zoo, including in the car park and just inside the zoo grounds – we have a Changing Places facility accessed by Radar Key.

• Queues: Some areas of the zoo require you to wait in queues that can be quite lengthy and noisy at busy periods – we have a system and team members in place to help with this.

• Ear defenders: These may be useful and appropriate in noisy queues and exhibits. The entrance building and Australian Rainbows walkthrough can be particularly noisy.

• Assistance dogs: Assistance dogs are permitted into the zoo. Therapy dogs are not permitted, please refer to Assistance Dogs section.

• Procedures: We have evacuation procedures and safe refuges in place with trained colleagues who will support you in case of an emergency – please cooperate and follow their direction.

• Doors: We have many glass doors – the majority of which are marked with transfers.

• Enclosures: We have many glass enclosures fronts – the majority of these are not marked and many do not have any obvious barrier in front them.

• Pathways: Pathways can have bumps and rockery edges that are uneven.

• Plantation: Natural hedging is used around some areas and can obstruct views from wheelchairs.

• Payment: Most of our ticket office, shops and catering facilities have contactless card readers for payments up to £100, over this amount you will need to insert your card and enter your PIN.

• Staff: We have a number of colleagues and zoo hosts who have been trained to understand and respond to accessibility and other issues associated with inclusion and diversity. They will be pleased to assist you if you make your needs known to them.

• Information and interpretation boards: These are situated near animal enclosures and carry facts and information about the species. If you need these to be explained, please locate a member of our team and they will do their best to assist you with this.

• Animal Encounters: We have a daily programme of animal talks from keepers and this is usually a good time to see the animals closer and ask any questions you have. The talks are delivered via a loudspeaker however, if you have accessibility issues, please do let a member of the team know and we will try to assist you. We have Audio Encounters to support some of our animal encounters – https://www.colchester-zoo.com/discover/audio-encounters/
 
• Giraffe Feeding Experience: This is fully accessible but you should book in advance. This feed and the majority, but not all, of other Experiences that we offer may be adapted to be accessible subject to the specific requirements of the guests and the area where the experience takes place. Please refer to the Animal Experiences section.

Zoo address:
Colchester Zoo,
Maldon Road,
Stanway,
Colchester
Essex CO3 0SL

By car
• Colchester Zoo is located just south of Colchester.
• Take the A1124 exit (Junction 26) off the main A12 following the brown elephant
signs and using the Stanway Western Bypass.
• Car parking is free and accessible car parking spaces are available close to the
zoo entrance.
• Please display your Blue badges when you use the accessible parking area.
• The main car park surface is grass however, the accessible parking area is on
hardstanding.
• During peak periods the car park may get full – please make a member
of staff aware of your needs and they will do all they can to identify a suitable space for you.

By public transport
• You can get to Colchester Zoo by bus No 75 from Colchester Bus Station
• The zoo is on the outskirts of town and public transport can be unpredictable
• You can get a taxi from various local taxi services that also have wheelchair
accessible vehicles.

Accessible parking spaces are available near to the zoo main entrance. These spaces are designated for holders of Blue Badge Holders.
Blue Badges must be properly displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle with the side showing the wheelchair symbol facing forward.

There is level access from the accessible parking spaces to the zoo main entrance building.

There are accessible toilets in the car park.

The team will be pleased to assist you with annual passes, general enquiries, and experience enquiries. The office is situated on the right-hand side in the main entrance building. The service desk is low however, team members will be please to come around the desk to help deal with your enquiries. All tills are also fitted with a loop system.

Tickets:
Any guest with a disability will be required to purchase the relevant adult, child or senior admission ticket, online in advance to enter the zoo. Colchester Zoo will then admit an assistant FREE of charge, upon request when verification of disability is shown. Please have these available when you arrive at the zoo.

Click here for admission ticket information. 
 
Zoo Passes:
Any guest with a disability will be required to purchase the relevant adult, child or senior Zoo Pass.

Forms of Verification:
• Blue Badge
• PIP Letter
• Current Disability Living Allowance Letter

Click here for Gold Pass prices

Please note: Wheelchairs and mobility scooters will not be available to hire during our Trail of Terror or Enchanted Trail of Light events.

We have a facility to hire a limited number of manual wheelchairs and electric scooters inside the zoo grounds next to the zoo main entrance.

All hires must be pre-booked at least 24hrs in advance before your visit.

Hire Prices:
• Manual wheelchair hire: £5.00
A £20 returnable deposit will also be required on the day of your visit in order for the wheelchair to be released to you. (deposit price is per wheelchair)
• Mobility Scooter hire: £25.00
A £30 returnable deposit will also be required on the day of your visit in order for the scooter to be released to you. (deposit price is per scooter)

If you would like to hire a wheelchair or electric mobility scooter, please complete the Hire Enquiry Form here.

Please be aware that until a confirmation from our team is received, an enquiry is not a confirmed booking due to the high demand. Mobility scooters are available for hire by those over 18 years ONLY.

Most of our ticket office, shops and catering facilities have contactless card readers for payments up to £100. Any balance due over £100, will require you to insert your card and enter your PIN. Our team will be pleased to insert your card for you, however do keep your PIN private and please do not ask our team to enter this for you as they will politely decline.

There are a limited number of storage lockers available inside the zoo near the entrance to the Outpost Gift Shop. Card payment only.

Locker Hire:
• Medium Locker. 4 hours £3.00 or 8 hours £5.00
• Large Locker. 4 hours £6.00 or 8 hours £10.00

Click here for terms of use.

We are keen that Colchester Zoo should be a ‘ZOO FOR ALL’ and so we are developing services to enable guests with sensory impairments to enjoy our fantastic Zoo in a slightly different way.
 
Colchester Zoo is now introducing audio described tours for guests with visual impairment. The tours are available to all ages however we have designed these to be more appropriate for either child or adults so please be mindful of this when making a booking
 
The tour will involve some tactile experiences as you will have the opportunity to access items form our collection of education library and also a walk around the zoo to experience our encounters and sculptures.
 
The cost of the tours is included in your day admission ticket or as a benefit of your annual membership. Because of the nature of the tour places are limited and will be allocated on a ‘first come’ basis. Any guest booking onto the tour may be accompanied by a personal assistant and any child booking onto a tour must be accompanied by an adult for supervision.
 
Date: SATURDAY 4^th November 2023
Time: 10am JUNIOR  2pm SENIOR
Duration: Approximately 2 hours
Cost: The cost of the tour is included in your admission ticket or annual pass. Ticket prices for entry to the Zoo vary slightly by the day, and if you qualify for a concession ticket for an assistant, we will be pleased to arrange this.
 
The tours are led by a member of our Education Team and Customer Engagement Manager.
 
To book your place or enquire further please email customerengagement@colchesterzoo.org or call 01206331292 ext. 222 Tuesdays or Thursdays.

The terrain is naturally hilly with some paths having a steep incline in some places. The majority of the paths around the zoo can be accessed by wheelchair and have a variety of hard surfaces, such as block paving, decking board and concrete / tarmacadam.

We have one very steep hill near the main office building (redbrick house) that we clearly mark as NOT BEING SUITABLE for wheelchairs and mobility scooters.

Due to the extra demand the hills make on mobility scooter batteries, please make sure they are fully charged for your visit.

If you have any questions regarding accessibility, or if you have suggestions that will help us improve our facilities, please let us know by contacting the relevant department.

There is level access to the following:

• We have several accessible toilets around the zoo.
• Changing Places facility is available near Meerkat Hangout and is accessible via Radar Key.
• All of our shops are accessible. Please refer to the shopping section.
• Jungle Tumble. Please refer to the shopping section.  
• Train Station. Please note the Lost Madagascar Express Train has an accessible carriage.
• Kalahari Theatre.
• Sensation Station.
• All of catering outlets.

Our zoo hosts are trained to be Autism Aware. We are also training zoo staff. They will be wearing a badge as to identify themselves. Please also refer to visual story for more information.

The zoo is an exciting place full of noise, information, customers, different levels of lighting etc. however, we understand that these can present some difficulties for guests who have autism and their families or personal assistants. We do our best to understand these issues and have a number of Autism Friendly trained team members (they will be wearing a badge) who will do their best to assist you. You may wish to bring ear defenders to use in some places.

Areas of the zoo that you may wish to take note of are –

• Entrance building: This area can be very busy, noisy and congested. It is also a very brightly lit, open space that can be overwhelming. You may find ear defenders are useful in this area.

• Jungle Tumble indoor play area: This is always busy and noisy with children playing and screaming with excitement. There is a small refreshment kiosk facility in the building. There are also accessible toilets. You may find ear defenders are useful in this area.

NOTE: There is a Health and Safety requirement that socks are worn at all times in this play area so it may be useful to plan for this ahead of visiting.

• Giraffe feeding experience: Our Giraffe feeding experience must be booked in advance. If you require assistance, please speak to a member of the zoo team who will let you know what options are available to support your experience.

• Australian Rainbows: Both our Australian Rainbows (lorikeet free flying enclosure) and our Chimpanzee Lookout animals can, and do, make loud noises. You may find ear defenders are useful in this area.

• Quiet Zones: The zoo has several designated ‘quiet zones’ please refer to the Accessible Guide and Map.

• Face Painting Station: Occasional queues as very popular. Please speak with a zoo host or Jungle Tumble manager if special requirements are needed.

• Exit: The zoo exit is via The Outpost Gift shop. This is a very busy environment with many stimulation items and sounds. If you would prefer to leave the zoo by an alternative exit, please speak to a colleague who will be pleased to assist you.

If you become aware of any other information that would have assisted your visit, please contact customerengagement@colchesterzo.org

We have a hearing loop in areas around the zoo. Tills in the entrance and at guest services are fitted with loop systems.

The majority of our team have disability awareness training via an ongoing professional development programme

Some staff and volunteers have basic Makaton and BSL training.

We have a printed guide of our Lost Madagascar Train commentary – please speak to the train driver on the day of your visit.

Whilst we welcome all guests Colchester Zoo, is not an easy place to visit for guests who are blind or have severe visual impairment.

We recommend that you be accompanied by an assistant dog or sighted guide. Please refer to Assistance Dogs section.

There are accessible parking bays near the zoo entrance, if you have visual impairment, it is worth letting the car park marshals know so they can assist you in locating a space.

If you need assistance during your visit, please make a member of our team aware.

Please be assured that we welcome Assistance and Medical Alert dogs and their owners to Colchester Zoo.

Please read our ASSISTANCE DOG CODE OF CONDUCT and that we ask that owners understand and respect our Code of Conduct as we want to ensure ease of access for you and that your assistance dog is also fully compliant with Equalities legislation. We understand that in many cases people who live with disability and medical conditions feel, and are, discriminated against when accessing services – that is not our intention. However, the request to bring a dog, or any other animal into our Zoo, does mean that you are treated differently than people who do not bring an animal with them.
 
We also understand that an Assistance Dog is not a pet but is an auxiliary aid to enable your visit, just as much as a wheelchair or hearing loop.

We are often asked if the requirements of our Assistance Dog Code of Conduct are contra to the Equality Act? We believe they are not since they are justified, as we must be mindful of the need to balance the rights of guests who need assistance, whilst also ensuring the biosecurity of our site and the animals at our Zoo.
We want owners of Assistance Dogs to feel welcomed and know why we ask for the information we seek, to understand that it is not to disadvantage nor to discriminate against them.
 
We will address the issues that are often raised with us so you are fully aware of why we have the requirements in place. You will note that we ask owners of Assistance Dogs to verify their need for assistance – this is for two reasons.
 
• Firstly, because Therapy /Emotional Support Dogs are NOT allowed into our Zoo. We need to work with owners of Assistance Dogs to ensure the request for the dog to enter the zoo is a reasonable adjustment in relation to their needs for assistance. We would ask you to consider the position of our colleagues at the Zoo entrance who have the task of determining whether a dog presented to them, should or should not be admitted. We know that many disabilities are hidden, so colleagues may be faced with a person with no obvious disability and a dog. We never ask for proof of a guest’s disability, however asking for verification of their need for assistance from their dog makes this clear.
 
• Secondly, because we have lots of information about our Zoo that may be beneficial to share with a guest with specific needs ,such as, large print maps, the availability of audio encounters, areas that are particularly noisy, areas that provide quiet respite, complimentary admission for an assistant etc.
 
• Issues of Biosecurity. We ask for confirmation of an Assistance Dog’s inoculation record and free from rabies status. As owners of Assistance Dogs, we know that you care about your animal and so we assume that you will understand and respect the reasons for these requests in the light of animal welfare. Whilst we can mitigate against many things, we can’t mitigate against spread of disease if it was to enter the Zoo’s animal collection.
 
• Relationship between Assistance and Medical Alert Dogs and animals at our Zoo. We have many walkthrough exhibits at our Zoo where the close contact between Assistance / Medical Alert Dogs have been assessed as being too stressful for our animals to endure. The same is true for particular species that are kept in different exhibits. Your dog may be perfectly well behaved, however some species of animal are territorial and respond with heighted stress / distress to another animals in their space.
 
For this reason, we cannot allow dogs of any kind into these areas . This is set out on our Assistance Dogs map available from at Guest Services.
 
Assistance Dogs in Training
The Directors of Colchester Zoo recognize and support the training of Assistance and Medical Alert Dogs, making the decision that these dogs will be allowed access to our Zoo whilst in training. We ask owners and trainers to please comply with the Assistance Dog Code of Conduct.


Therapy or Comfort Dogs:
These are rather general terms and often used to describe a dog that is used to benefit people in a therapeutic way.  This incorporates quite a wide range of potential activities with a wide range of potential people and guests. Some pets take part in visiting programmes, whilst others take part in structured activities as part of a therapeutic programme or practice. Therapy dogs in the UK are not considered to be assistance dogs. This is because an assistance dog is trained to perform specific tasks to help a disabled person and are usually qualified by one of the charitable organisations registered as members of Assistance Dogs UK. 
Ref : The Society for Companion Animal Studies

Dogs In Cars:
No dogs are allowed on any part of the Zoo site including our car park – with the exception of guide and assistance dogs under specific conditions. Colchester Zoo does not allow dogs to be left in cars, even with ventilation and water, anyone found leaving dogs in their car will be refused entry to the Zoo.

The zoo is a major visitor attraction and we are pleased to welcome over 1 million guests who visit us each year. Queues and crowds are therefore inevitable at busy periods especially at our very popular restaurants, catering, retail outlet, and guest services.

If you require assistance with waiting in line, then please let a team member know and they will explain how they may be able to assist you. This will usually be giving you the option of waiting in the area, within sight of the team, until the majority of the queue has been served. We will call you forward for a more relaxed experience. It is your responsibility to make a member of our team aware.

You also have the option of queuing with all others guests and you remain in control of that decision however, experience tells us the former option usually is preferred by guests. Please be aware that it’s unlikely that you will be moved to the front of the queue ahead of other guests.

We have a suggested Easier Route marked with green arrows on the ground to ensure you don’t miss anything! This is aimed at those with pushchairs, mobility scooters and wheelchairs as it avoids steeper hills but not all within the zoo. You can download our Easier Route map here.

Toilets for those with disability:
All sets of toilets around Colchester Zoo and at our cafes have toilet facilities for those with disability.

Changing Places Facility:
A registered Changing Places changing facility is available for those with additional needs at the toilet facilities near the meerkat enclosure.

The key features of a Changing Places facility are:
– It can be accessed using a radar key
– A height adjustable changing bench
– Ceiling track hoist (a sling is NOT provided and will need to be brought with you on your visit)
– Space for more than one assistant

This facility is intended for radar key holders only. If you do not have a key and require use of this facility please ask a member of staff at the Meerkat Hangout catering facility or Guest Services for assistance. 

For the full terms and conditions of using this facility please click here. For more information on Changing Places please visit www.changing-places.org

Colchester Zoo has a busy calendar of special events held throughout the year.

We want everyone at Colchester Zoo to have a great time and to achieve this we ask that you follow our policies and practices for accessibility, health and safety.
We understand that for some guests, particularly people on the autistic spectrum, their family and friends waiting in line may be more difficult than for others — we will respond to reasonable requests from guests who have specific needs and are unable to wait patiently in line.

We would expect that the majority of guest with specific needs will have the benefit of holding a ‘complimentary assistant’ or ‘+ annual pass’ – please have this ready show this to the queue manager at the event as verification of your need.

We cannot do the impossible and make a busy event quiet however we will listen to how you think we can best support you and if possible, we will try to make reasonable adjustment for you. These may include:
• Asking you to wait near the event so we can call you forward when a space is available.
• Asking you to wait until the main queue has passed so you have a less rushed experience.

It is unlikely that you will be moved to the front of the queue as this may result in your experience feeling rushed as we have pressure to move others into the event
Please cooperate with the requests of staff but also be kind and understanding of other’s needs who are also having to wait patiently.

Access via automatic door.

Access via button-controlled doors. Button is at low-level.

Access via button-controlled doors. Button is at low-level.

This habitat has access via a steep slope.

Level access outdoor viewing platform.
Underwater viewing tunnel – access via slope.

Level access indoor lower viewing area.
Upper viewing area and outdoor viewing has a long and steep ramp.

Access to pool area via a steep slope.

Lower viewing area has level access.
Upper and indoor viewing area access via a gentle slope.

Level access with tight corners for wheelchair and mobility scooter users.

Indoor viewing and tunnel access via a gentle slope.
Upper viewing is accessible only via the spiral staircase.

This habitat can be very loud – ear defenders may be required.

Short steep slope to access this area leading in to Familiar Friends.

This area is filled with free roaming domestic animals. Access is via a latched gates and cattle grids.

Entrance to this habitat is via gates.

Cheetah, Hyena, Mandrill and Warthog are viewable on a slope with raising viewing areas.

Outdoor viewing is on level access, however some viewing may be obstructed due to hedges.

Outdoor viewing is on level access, however some viewing may be obstructed due to hedges. Indoor building is accessible via a steep sloped ramp.

Their is a slope to view their indoor bedding area.

Our train has an accessible carriage that can be in high demand during busy periods. Please speak to the train driver who will be able to assist you.

Undercover viewing has a slight incline

There is a long steep long slope from Call of the Wild up through to Komodo Dragons.

Indoor viewing is accessible via a button controlled draw. Outdoor viewing areas include slopes.

This habitat is accessible, however there is a high level viewing platform that is accessed via stairs. There is also a short slight slope in two areas.

There is a steep slope in between Spider Monkeys and Amur Leopards that is NOT SUITABLE FOR WHEELCHAIRS. Viewing is accessible via an alternative route.

This is our main restaurant and is fully accessible.
• The majority of furniture in this restaurant is moveable and can accommodate wheelchairs.
• There are toilets adjacent to the dining area, including one that is accessible.
• The lighting in the restaurant is quite low level.
• Menus are illuminated and at a high level.
• You will need to carry a tray from the serving area to the till and seating although a member of the team will be pleased to assist with this if requested.
• There is a range of hot and cold food and drinks available.

Our catering facilities do not have audible menus, however a member of the team will be pleased to assist you in making a selection from the menu.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located near Penguini’s Restaurant and Main Stage, this outlet has level access.
• Outdoor seating area.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located near Chimpanzee Lookout, this outlet has level access.
• Indoor and outdoor dining area.
• The lighting in the restaurant is quite low level.
• Menus are illuminated and at a high level.
• You will need to carry a tray from the serving area to the till and seating although a member of the team will be pleased to assist with this if requested.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located near Suricata Sands, this outlet has level access.
• Outdoor, undercover seating area.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located opposite Australian Rainbows, this outlet has level access.
• Outdoor seating area.
• Menus are illuminated and at a high level.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located near Otter Creek, this outlet has level access.
• Outdoor, undercover and open seating areas.
• Menus are illuminated and at a high level.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located next to Scoop and Go, this outlet has level access.
• Outdoor dining area.
• Menus are illuminated and at a high level.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located on the corner of Elephant Kingdom, this outlet has access via sloped ramp.
• Outdoor seating area.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located next to Tiger Taiga, this outlet has access via slope.
• Outdoor seating area.
• Menus are illuminated and at a high level.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located next to Rivers Edge, this outlet has level access.
• Outdoor dining area.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located inside Kingdom of the Wild, this outlet can be access via a steep slope.
• Indoor seating area.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located at Edge of Africa, this outlet has level access.
• Outdoor seating area.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here.

Located inside Outpost Gift Shop, this outlet has level access.
• Limited indoor seating area.
• Menus are illuminated and at a high level.

Find out more about food and drink at the zoo, including food outlet opening hours here

The Outpost Gift store is fully accessible and offers a wide selection of gifts and souvenirs of your visit.

The store is accessible for shopping without the need to enter the zoo.
All tills have loop systems and colleagues are trained to be autism friendly

Your Name*

Phone Number*

Email Address*

Details*

We will never sell or share your personal data with third parties or use it for purposes outside responding to your enquiry.

Be VIPs for the day (or half day) with some of the finest and most intimate close-up animal experiences that a group can enjoy together.

Keeper Shadowing offers the possibility to enjoy an amazing close up and personal animal experience.

Step into the boots of a zoo keeper for an amazing day that will take you closer to the animals than ever before. Venture behind the scenes and find out just what it takes to care for some of the most incredible and endangered animals on the planet.

The perfect experience for children who dream of working with animals one day! Step behind the scenes to meet some incredible animals and enjoy a hands-on experience with expert tuition from our Animal Care Team.

Visual Social Story
We have produced an online, downloadable visual social story. This has been designed with the intent of helping caregivers of individuals with autism and other specific needs to make the most of a visit to Colchester Zoo. It can, however, be utilised by anyone.

Sensory Exploration Trail
We have produced two downloadable sensory trails designed to help you explore the zoo. There is a longer version which includes exploration around the entire zoo. There is also a shorter version which focuses just on exploring the Familiar Friends farm section of the zoo.

* There is audio information around the park for the visually impaired.

* The Entrance Kiosks and Guest Services are fitted with an induction loop hearing system. Please advise a member of staff and switch your hearing aid to T.

* All commercial staff have a pad and pen with them to be able to assist with communicating with deaf people and the very hard of hearing. Please indicate to staff if you would like to use this option.

Double and Triple pushchairs: 
Please note that some users of some double and triple pushchairs may experience problems in accessing some of our standard single doorways.