We need your help for the future!
Despite Colchester Zoo reopening since the pandemic we are still feeling the negative financial effects that this had whilst we had to close.
We are heavily reliant upon ticket sales and visits to come out the other side of this but we experienced plummeting visitor numbers during the pandemic. Without your visits and support we simply would not be able to achieve our mission of helping protect species through education and conservation projects.
We continue to do our utmost to cut costs wherever possible but the day to day running of the zoo is still high especially in the current cost of living crisis we are all facing.
The zoo has always endeavoured to reinvest into the park whether that be to bring something new for visitors, or to redevelop and improve areas for animals. Unfortunately, during COVID this had to stop whilst we covered monthly bills and tried to re-build our cash reserve to help us should we find ourselves in another situation where the zoo has to close due to a pandemic or other unforeseen circumstances. Since reopening after the pandemic we have started to reinvest in some areas of the park where possible by upgrading and redeveloping facilities and viewing areas however we have not been able to invest in developments which had been planned prior to COVID.
During the pandemic unfortunately, we were unable to access the Government’s Zoo Animal’s Fund, as we did not qualify for any of the Government grants and could not gift aid any donations we received as although we have a charitable arm, Colchester Zoo is not. This is why your support was vital and so important for the future survival of Colchester Zoo.
There are many ways you can support Colchester Zoo and its charity Action for the Wild. You can become a Passholder, adopt one of our amazing species, join us for an Animal Experience, donate directly to us, come for a visit or leave a legacy in your will – find out more below!

Purchase Zoo Passes
Purchase a zoo pass to gain unlimited visits to Colchester Zoo, plus many more amazing benefits!

Adopt an Animal
Adopt you favourite species at Colchester Zoo!

Take part in an Animal Experience
Get closer to some of the most amazing species with one of our exciting animal experiences!

Donate Today
If you would like to make a donation to us, please click below

Visit Us
All visits to Colchester Zoo help to fund our work both at the zoo and worldwide via our charity, Action for the Wild.

Leave a Legacy
If you love our conservation work and would like to leave a legacy, please find out more below.