Colchester Zoological Society Reviews 

My wife and I visited Colchester Zoological Society on 14 July 2026 with our three-year-old child, and unfortunately we left feeling extremely disappointed.

Firstly, I would like to acknowledge the positives. The park itself was clean, well maintained, and the staff we encountered were friendly, approachable and helpful throughout our visit. Unfortunately, those positives alone do not justify the admission price of approximately £75 for two adults and a three-year-old.

We visited the zoo to see animals, yet the overwhelming majority of enclosures we came across were simply empty. These were not cases of animals being hidden from view or choosing not to come out, which is understandable and part of visiting any zoo. Rather, many enclosures appeared to contain no animals at all. After walking considerable distances around the park, it became increasingly apparent that there was a genuine lack of animals occupying many of the exhibits.

The African area was undoubtedly the highlight of our visit and provided the experience we had expected throughout the zoo. Sadly, it was the exception rather than the rule.

As paying visitors, we feel that we purchased tickets based on the reasonable expectation of seeing the animals advertised throughout the zoo. If a significant proportion of the collection is unavailable for viewing—whether due to maintenance, animal movements, welfare reasons or any other circumstance—this should be made abundantly clear before visitors purchase their tickets. Customers should then be able to make an informed decision as to whether they wish to proceed with their visit or return on another day.

Charging full admission while failing to disclose that such a substantial number of exhibits are empty is, in our opinion, both misleading and unfair. Families save and budget for days out like these, particularly during school holidays, and the cost of admission represents a significant expense. It is therefore reasonable to expect an experience that reflects the price being charged.

We left feeling that the visit did not represent value for money, and had we been informed beforehand about the number of empty exhibits, we would almost certainly have chosen to visit on another day.

I would appreciate your response explaining why so many enclosures were empty during our visit and what steps you intend to take to ensure future visitors are made aware when a substantial number of animals are unavailable to view. I also ask that you give appropriate consideration to compensation or a refund in light of the experience we received.

We genuinely had one of the best days ever at the Colchester Hen Do Experience Day! From start to finish, everything completely exceeded our expectations.

The bride had the most amazing time and was smiling all day long. Kelly was absolutely incredible and truly made the experience - her enthusiasm, knowledge, and personality were outstanding. She made us all feel so welcome and special throughout the day.

We loved getting to go behind the scenes; meeting the penguins, meerkats, and giraffes, all of the games and activities were so much fun, and the food was brilliant too. The whole team looked after us so well, and it felt like such amazing value for money.

The facilities and care for the animals were superb!

If anyone is considering booking this for a hen do, do it - we will be recommending it to absolutely everyone. Thank you for such a special and unforgettable day!

Parking at the zoo is a joke. A complete free for all with no one guiding you in so no one parks responsibly. We got to the zoo early, parked up and when we got back to our car. People had parked front and back of us, blocking us in completely. We went back to the office and they called out the owners number plates over the tannoy, but they were completely ignored. We had to leave for an engagement elsewhere and had to get someone to pick us up. Had to leave our car at the zoo and go back later in the evening.
A combination of people having no common sense and the zoo neglecting their responsibility to its patrons.
Absolutely disgraceful!

Been a couple times now with my nephews and neices as a big family and has been a nice day out every time. Staff are always helpful and motivated to help when needed. The last trip we did was Mid October and despite the slightly cold climate I had no damper on my day. Well done to the team.

I had a surprise gift experience with the Tiger Tiaga at Colchester Zoo.Amazing day The keeper Rihanna (hope spelt it right)was so good she spent time answering questions and did not rush anything everything was done perfectly thank you .I really think Colchester Zoo requires alot more funding they so deserve it and the staff work so hard.Adam and kieron are also good at their jobs they were so welcoming .

I looked online and the cost showed £75. Arrived and was charged £113 for 3 adults and my 3-year-old grandson.
Severe lack of animals, all in enclosures and terrible food.
Such a waste of money.

Very enjoyable day for us two Seniors. We were given a map, which was useful, but just one criticism, there were not enough signs to direct you to the exit. Our feet were beginning to ache and we had seen everything, so we just wanted to get to the exit. The map just showed us where we had been before, until we got to the train and saw a exit sign but then there were no more. We just saw the top of the old house so new we were not far away. Our at last.

Went to Colchester zoo , more than two thirds of the animals were no were to be seen ,listened to other people complain about the same things so I put a complaint in and received a sarcastic reply about me not knowing the layout even though I’ve been going there for years ,the real animals have been replaced by plastic poorly made dinosaurs, me and my wife paid good money to see real animals not plastic poorly made dinosaur’s,there are other zoos with more visable real animals not plastic .

Have been here 3 times.

Always had fun and loved visiting.

On my last visit this year, would have been helpful for the app to have updated restaurants etc so you don't waste your time hoping to get food and find it closed.

Staff have always been polite and friendly.

Animal feeding experience is worth the £20 for 5 people.

Colchester zoo is fantastic, great value for the money I paid. I can't think of one negative about the day me and my family had on the day of our visit

You actually get to see all the animals clearly without bring completely mobbed by tourists

We thoroughly enjoyed our day and the staff were so lovely and helpful. The encounters were fab and so much going on even on a weekday. We’ve been to a good few zoos across the UK as we came from Northumberland and visited whilst on holiday and this is the best we’ve been too so far. There is a lot of pride in the zoo and people maintaining the grounds and you can tell the animals are well looked after, some of the enclosures are fabulous. We spent the day there and still didn’t see everything! So many food places too. Totally recommend!

We visited the zoo today to celebrate a 70th birthday and a golden wedding anniversary there were 9 of us in the group all ages from 2 to 70.
The zoo was an amazing park but unfortunately we didn’t get to see many of the animals there were no monkeys, lions,cheaters,wallaby’s or bears about, a lot of outside cages was empty, when we went to see if they were inside they weren’t in there either. We did see the African animals outside and the flamingos. Not sure if this is normal or if the animals were being kept in for a reason but after driving for 90mins to get there we were a little disappointed.

Just taken the half day animal experience and it was brilliant, far better than expected. We had the afternoon experience that started with being greeted by very friendly staff who explained what we were to expect . We were a bit early so had a wander around part of the zoo then back to a very nice private room for lunch. After lunch we were met by Kelly who was exceptional,
She took us on a great tour of various animal she was so friendly and informative it was like going with a friend but one who made everything interesting. We were never rushed and cannot praise her enough
If you like animals then book one of their tours

Had a tiger zoo experience and was brilliant and zoo keeper Nicola was also brilliant. Very friendly and great knowledge about the tiger.

The zoo is great however it took over an hour to leave the carpark. With a toddler this has tainted the entire trip. It is not good enough, no one was managing the chaos. We traveled two hours to visit the zoo we will not be re visiting.

Excellent day out, friendly staff ,loads to see and well maintained enclosures. Really good selection of animals with the leopard cubs being the main attraction for the time being.They are worth the visit alone.

Today I was lucky enough to do the Aardvark experience with keeper Ben. I have done many different animal experiences with many different zoo's over the years but this was one of the absolutely best yet. The Aardvarks were adorable, I got to feed them mealworms and give them cuddles and the keeper was so knowledgeable and passionate about them. Thank you so much to Ben for making the experience such a special and memorable one! I look forward to booking in another experience at Colchester zoo soon!

We ran to get to the goat walk and arrived 6 minutes before it should have closed but the mean lady had locked it 5 seconds before we got there and despite my daughter crying, wouldn’t let us go through. Unnecessarily mean despite being an expensive experience.

Absolute poo cuz we went to the frightnight and they wouldn't let us in because we didn't have a guardian and it didn't say that on the terms and conditions.

Again, if i could, would not even give them the star i had to give them.
They are thieves, nothing more, nothing less. Decided whilst i was down that way with family, to visit the zoo. Booked tickets online and paid. NO EMAIL, NO TICKETS. Checked bank, payment taken. Checked all emails, junk files etc, nothing!!! Tried phoning, no one answers. Sent email, took so long to reply it was too late as returned home by then. Same response as i see others have had. They do not refund e-tickets. So i replied not acceptable. It is their mistake and as it is their error, NOT MINE, i want the £90+ back!!! Then told it has been passed on to another department and they will contact me. NOTHING!!! not heard a word, no reply what so ever and i have sent them several emails on this matter.
Am i wrong to ask for the return of my cash due to their mistake? Errors happen, own up to them and respond and make right. I do not want replacement tickets, I AM NO LONGER IN YOUR AREA TO BE ABLE TO VISIT AND IT IS TOO FAR TO DO A DAY TRIP!!!
By purchasing the tickets and them taking payment from me for a service they are offering, we enter into a contract between us. One that they have not fulfilled or rectified. I could even say that the money they need to return is not even a refund!!
A refund is for something you have received and then returned. I HAVE NOT EVEN RECEIVED ANYTHING TO BE IN A POSITION TO RETURN ANYTHING. therefore you will be RETURNING THE MONEY YOU TOOK FROM MY BANK ACCOUNT FOR A SERVICE YOU DID NOT PROVIDE.

What really annoys me about this whole ongoing issue is their arrogance, that they are not in the wrong as they do not make mistakes!! Mistakes happen, it is part of life. Just be big enough to accept that, own it AND MAKE IT RIGHT.
My advice, stay clear of their online booking system like a plague. Like a thief, they will take your money and it is gone for good when they make a mistake, because they do not make mistakes and for that reason, will not return your money to you.
Customer service is atrocious as basically, they just ignore you. If they do respond to this review, it will be. WE CANNOT RESOLVE THIS MATTER ON THIS PLATFORM and invite me to fill in the correct form on their site.
THE FORM I HAVE ALREADY FILLED OUT ON THEIR SITE!!!

THE ONE THEY HAVE BEEN IGNORING!!

You have been warned about their underhand tactics to steal your money. Just because they put it on their site concerning no refunds. If it is their error, you are entitled to get your money back. I JUST HOPE THEY TREAT THEIR ANIMALS BETTER THAN THEIR CUSTOMERS but i will not hold my breath on that.