Information & FAQs
Please find answers to your frequently asked questions and queries below.
Any enquiries regarding a booking, payment or other general information about an order or question about your visit should be made by calling 01206 331292 ext 461 from 9.30am until the zoo’s closing time. Our hours are available to view here.
Admission Enquiries
Tesco Reward Partner Codes.
Simply turn up on the day you would like to use your Tesco Reward Partner Codes and head towards our signed Ticket Office. A member of our team will then be able to process your codes into entry tickets. Please ensure that you bring with you your Tesco Reward Partner Codes and not the order confirmation email. Those who turn up without their Tesco Reward Partner Codes will either have to pay in full for admission or will be turned away. Find out more here.
Three wheeled trikes are allowed into Colchester Zoo only on the condition that parents or guardians use the trike as if it were a buggy and do not allow the child to propel themselves. Visitors who wish to bring in a trike agree that they use it at their own risk and take full responsibility steering it. Colchester Zoo is not liable for any damage or injury.
We are unable to offer any compensation to those who attempt to enter on these tickets so please do not purchase them. Only tickets purchased from official third party companies and Colchester Zoo are valid for admission. Anyone found to be selling Colchester Zoo tickets online will have their tickets immediately cancelled, further action may also be taken against passholders found to be selling complimentary tickets.
During late night openings children under the age of 16yrs must be accompanied by a responsible adult/guardian at all times whilst on the premises. Unaccompanied children under 16yrs will not be admitted.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
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.
General Enquiries
We strongly advise all visitors riding the Lost Madagascar Train and entering the Lemur Walkthrough to wear a face mask for the safety of the animals and visitors.
Please only use our designated smoking area located outside of the zoo’s main entrance.
Please be aware that if you do choose to leave the zoo to use the designated area outside of the zoo you will need to collect a re-entry wristband upon exiting through our main shop.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.
Access Enquiries
Please read Colchester Zoo’s terms of entry ahead of your visit.
Tickets: Please be aware that any guest visiting with a disability will be required to purchase the relevant adult, senior or child admission ticket (online in advance). Colchester Zoo will then admit an assistant FREE of charge upon request when verification of disability is shown.
Due to the steep hills you are allowed to use your own an electric scooter, however visitors who wish to do so, agree that they use this at their own risk and take full responsibility for its correct use. Colchester Zoo is not liable for any damage or injury. You can download our Easier Route map here.
Charity Fundraising Request
We are willing to support the local community and region for fundraising purposes by making complimentary tickets available, but to enable us to manage the process of donating tickets to organisations, the following conditions and criteria must be met:
• Colchester Zoo will issue tickets to either organisations or other registered charities whose work clearly supports or relates to our own mission, preventing extinction, or to school and registered community groups in the local area.
• We are only able to donate tickets to local organisations and charities. We are not able to donate to third parties who are holding events on behalf of other nominated charities or causes.
• Two child complimentary tickets valid for 3 months from the event date will be donated to successful requests. These tickets are not valid for resale and cannot be extended or exchanged.
• Only one set of tickets will be allocated to successful organisations in any 12-month period.
•Applications must be made at least 4 weeks prior to the event date.
If you meet the criteria and would like to apply for fundraising tickets, please complete the online form below and email it to admin@colchesterzoo.org for consideration.
REQUEST FORM
Zoo Pass Enquiries
Please ensure you read our updated terms and conditions prior to purchasing your pass.
Animal Enquiries
Zoo Keeper and Experience Enquiries
Job and Work Experience Enquiries
COVID-19
Passholders are no longer required to pre-book an entry timeslot.
There are no closed areas due to COVID-19 restrictions.
Please be aware, some of our outlets may only accept cash or card due to technical restrictions.
You can do this before your visit or on the day but we advise pre-booking online before your visit to avoid disappointment. You can pre-book your free time slot here.
Need more help?
If you still have a question please feel free to get in touch with our team at enquiries@colchesterzoo.org and we will do our best to answer your query as soon as possible but we do ask for your patience and understanding for any delays experienced.