Colchester Zoo Colchester Zoo news 2025

DesertRhino150 said:
Unfortunately, there is no publicly available stocklist. However, I will be going again tomorrow and will try to count the number of vultures in that aviary for you.
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That’s incredibly kind, if you forget then that’s totally ok! Don’t put it at the detriment to your visit!
 
ajmcwhipsnade said:
I hope this is not a silly question but is the stocklist avaliable anywhere? If not how many vultures are in the large aviary next to kingdom of the wild?
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The last I heard I was told there were about 8 Ruppell's griffon vultures, and 2 African white backed vultures who were offshow as the female only arrived last year and was still being introduced. This was a month or so ago I think so may not be completely accurate.
 
ajmcwhipsnade said:
I hope this is not a silly question but is the stocklist avaliable anywhere? If not how many vultures are in the large aviary next to kingdom of the wild?
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Got back from another visit to Colchester Zoo this morning - I definitely remember seeing seven Ruppell's griffon vultures in the Kingdom of the Wild aviary, with four adults and last year's juvenile perched out in the open and, more excitingly, there were now two adults sitting on two different nests.
 
DesertRhino150 said:
Got back from another visit to Colchester Zoo this morning - I definitely remember seeing seven Ruppell's griffon vultures in the Kingdom of the Wild aviary, with four adults and last year's juvenile perched out in the open and, more excitingly, there were now two adults sitting on two different nests.
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Thank you for the information! Is it no longer a mixed species aviary?
 
One other thing I have been wondering, which I forgot to check at the zoo today, is whether there is any indication that the 2023 masterplan is still in effect. All reference to it has been scrubbed from the zoo's website - it was originally still on the webpage about Colchester Zoological Society, but was removed earlier this year. I forgot to look and see if the map of the masterplan is still directly opposite the entrance doors as it was previously.

I'm left wondering if the zoo is just quietly ditching the idea after the planning permission to prepare the ground to the right of the zoo was rejected.
 
I had my second visit of the year to a very busy zoo yesterday, with a few updates to go through.
  • First of all, to add to what @DesertRhino150 said above, the masterplan map was indeed gone from the entrance area. The idea seems to have indeed been quietened down for now, but I don't think there needs to be any rush currently anyway with the current capuchin enclosure in the works, as well as the brand new African lion exhibit planned. There is also still the aquatic section of Worlds Apart/Penguin Shores that the zoo wouldn't do themselves a disservice by working on before anything else, but I'm not sure what was planned to follow the lions in the masterplan anyway.
  • The aforementioned redevelopment of the Buffy headed capuchin enclosure near the entrance continues to make rapid progress, and from what I could tell the original outdoor enclosure was all but completed and the viewing area was well under construction. Note also some of the gardens in this area around the exit to the zoo and in front of the viewing area have been removed, making this space feel more open.
  • In Worlds Apart the glass on the Solomon islands skink enclosure was misty and the Goeldi's monkey brothers and Golden headed lion tamarins were shut inside, possibly in both cases because of the cold weather.
  • A fair bit of planting was noticeably cut back throughout the zoo, including the right hand side outdoor enclosure in the Worlds Apart walkthrough and in front of the entrance to Penguin Shores. Through a window in the mock rock some fencing was visible in the unused penguin enclosure, so it is possible it is still functioning as a backstage/ storage area for now.
  • However it was nice to get photos of both of last years' penguin chicks at Inca Trail.
  • The Amur leopard cubs were out and active when I first passed by their viewing area on the way along the top of the zoo, it can be a very crowded area around the barriers when the cubs are visible but can also die down quite quickly after the cubs disappear with their mum Esra to head back inside. I came back to the area later at round 20 past 4 and the cubs were soon visible again, although they were less active and the area wasn't as busy, I managed to get a few photos that are just good enough for me to upload to the gallery, but I'll focus on getting some better ones next time.
  • When the elephants were indoors, the main cow area was split into two and Zola had one half, with Tanya and Opal together on the left hand side of the space. This isn't often the case with Zola normally taking up part of the bull area, located behind the Discovery Den and at the far right of the house.
  • The Pygmy hippo pool in the on show outdoor enclosure was still drained, but I imagine Venus isn't keen on using it in this weather anyway :p.
  • I believe the electric fence/barrier in the Kingdom of The Wild paddock in the area adjacent to the Vulture Valley aviary is a new addition since I was last at the zoo.
  • Only 4 rhinos out, I think the young bull Tayo may have been the one separated? The remaining zebra mare was out in the paddock as usual alongside the other species.
  • I arrived at the hyena enclosure during the encounter, so was able to get some great views and photos of the two females. Jasiri had some minor injuries that were mentioned by a sign on the viewing area (to her ear and side), but she still seemed to be sharing the space comfortably with her sister Kivuli.
  • It was still only the Chester female Oni on show in Aardvark Burrow, with Oq and her offspring likely still in the birthing area.
  • At Island Dwellers, only the male Philippine spotted deer, Bongat and one year old son Flynn, were on show out in the paddock, with Flynn standing almost right next to the open air viewing area. This allowed me some close up photos and videos and probably my best zoo experience of the year so far (although that itself doesn't say much), however he distanced himself from the visitor area very quickly when he heard the loud footsteps of a child running along the path towards the enclosure. I am unsure where the female spotted deer and her new calf were, hopefully all is well.
  • Both Binturong were out and active climbing in their enclosure, which is very possibly a first for me at Colchester Zoo. When I moved to the ground level viewing area, they were still visible from afar and the 7 Asian short clawed otters also made a brief appearance running around as a group.
 
I thought it would be worth mentioning that as well as Twycross (who seem to have withdrawn from the scheme altogether), Belfast and Dublin also no longer appear in the table of reciprocal zoos you can visit for free with a Colchester pass, quite unfortunate given the timing of chimps and bush dogs moving between the zoos to Northern Ireland, however I don't think it will make me much less likely to attempt a visit. Rotterdam was also on the list fairly recently and isn't any more, though this change could've feasibly been made a few months ago and I just haven't taken much notice.
Zoo Passholder T&Cs - Colchester Zoological Society
 
Went for a visit to Colchester Zoo this morning. These are the things I noticed:
  • The capuchin redevelopment is looking even better. There is still definitely some work to be done on the other side of the enclosure (nearer to the Kalahari Capers play area), but the changes are noticeable.
  • Very interestingly, and I think noteworthy enough for its own segment here, the front wall of the old Parrot Rock display seems to have been knocked down and replaced with vertical metal posts - seemingly the exact sort used to hold in glass windows elsewhere in the zoo. Hoping that might mean another animal will be using that enclosure.
  • Pleased to see that new planting has been added to the poison-dart frog enclosure in Worlds Apart.
  • The pennant coralfish or longfin bannerfish was back in the coral reef tank in Rajang's Forest today - it must have been off-display for some reason.
  • Got my first ever view of the Amur leopard cubs today.
  • In fun wildlife news, the animatronic Tyrannosaurus model in the dinosaur section has been shut down temporarily, because a robin has built a nest inside its mouth.
  • Although the Sensation Station was closed this morning, I did notice that the giant Malaysian leaf insects have gone off-display and been replaced by the giant spiny stick insects.
  • Another pleasant enclosure upgrade - both the Aldabra giant and African spurred tortoise indoor enclosures now have a layer of soil placed over much of the tiled floor.
  • The far end of the Colenso Village livestock walkthrough was closed and is being redeveloped. I could not see either the Cameroon or Somali fat-tailed sheep in the remaining walkthrough section with the pygmy goats.
  • A male and female cheetah were mixed together this morning - the female was doing a lot of calling, but the male seemed to be rather standoffish and didn't really approach her at all during the time I was watching.
  • I saw all three aardvarks mixed together in the public indoor area today, including my first view of the recent youngster.
 
DesertRhino150 said:
  • A male and female cheetah were mixed together this morning - the female was doing a lot of calling, but the male seemed to be rather standoffish and didn't really approach her at all during the time I was watching.
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As I don't think it's been mentioned yet, I thought I'd add that the male Cheetah (Azizi) who has most recently been living opposite Dragons of Komodo, has now been moved back to the enclosure at Edge of Africa. The plan is to reintroduce him to his brother Abasi (so it is possible it is those two you saw today) and then mix them both with the female Anika, so she can choose which of the males she prefers. I assume this means that the attempts that have been made already to introduce Azizi and Abasi separately with Anika have not led to successful breeding.
 
Colchester Zoo have released their January 2025 monthly report today. These are the things of note:
  • Returning species: On 2nd January, 25 Denison's barb arrived at the zoo. They are off-show while they are in quarantine. The rosy barbs that arrived in December have moved into the River's Edge aquarium, where I expect the Denison's will go as well.
  • On 8th January, male pancake tortoise 'Banana' transferred to Ventura Wildlife Foundation.
  • On 16th January, male aardvark 'Koos' and three female warthogs were moved to Chester Zoo.
  • The Deputy Team Leader for the Reptile section attended a BIAZA meeting about native herptile conservation, as the zoo is planning to collaborate with more native species breeding programmes now that the Fischer's estuarine moth project is on pause.
  • With regards to the maneless (or half-maned, as the report calls them) zebra, the EEP has identified a new male to arrive fairly soon and an additional female will arrive in 2026.
  • The king vulture chick has been sexed as a male and named Luther.
 
DesertRhino150 said:
Colchester Zoo have released their January 2025 monthly report today. These are the things of note:
  • Returning species: On 2nd January, 25 Denison's barb arrived at the zoo. They are off-show while they are in quarantine. The rosy barbs that arrived in December have moved into the River's Edge aquarium, where I expect the Denison's will go as well.
  • On 8th January, male pancake tortoise 'Banana' transferred to Ventura Wildlife Foundation.
  • On 16th January, male aardvark 'Koos' and three female warthogs were moved to Chester Zoo.
  • The Deputy Team Leader for the Reptile section attended a BIAZA meeting about native herptile conservation, as the zoo is planning to collaborate with more native species breeding programmes now that the Fischer's estuarine moth project is on pause.
  • With regards to the maneless (or half-maned, as the report calls them) zebra, the EEP has identified a new male to arrive fairly soon and an additional female will arrive in 2026.
  • The king vulture chick has been sexed as a male and named Luther.
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Many thanks for your continued and comprehensive updates from Colchester. They are appreciated!
 
Went for a visit to Colchester Zoo this morning. Things of note that I saw:
  • The development of the capuchin area has shifted focus - now areas of the path are being re-laid, and you can now walk along temporary routes right next to the new outdoor viewing area, which has been planted and had new benches added. The temporary route also passes the old Macaw Rock - no glass windows have been added yet, and the interior has also been left unchanged. I'm not so certain now that anything will live here, but still live in hope that something like the off-show armadillos or skunks could still move in.
  • The Goeldi's monkeys were outside, and were mixed with the tamanduas. The coppery titis were still confined to their indoor area for the time being.
  • NEW BIRTH: The white-lipped tamarins have recently had two babies.
  • The development at the end of the Colenso Village livestock walkthrough has completed. I did not enter, so I don't know what has actually been done. But I did see that the Cameroon sheep at least are still in residence.
  • I don't know why, but three of the viewing windows for the smaller of the two on-show tiger enclosures along the central covered walkway have been covered over.
  • For whatever reason, the breeding pair of grey crowned cranes have been moved from the dik-dik enclosure in Edge of Africa to the cheetah enclosure across from the Komodo dragons - probably the biggest crowned crane enclosure in the country at the moment. No idea where the third cheetah is now.
  • The newly-arrived Denison's barbs have now gone on-display in the open-topped tank in Rivers Edge.
  • One of the smaller dens in Chimpanzee Lookout has had temporary barriers put up and has been partially covered over, presumably to provide a quiet place for the incoming male chimp to be housed while he settles in.
  • In Iguana Forest, it was interesting to see that one of the female green iguanas was digging a deep hole in the substrate. Possibly nesting - I don't know if they dig for any other reason.
 
DesertRhino150 said:
Went for a visit to Colchester Zoo this morning. Things of note that I saw:
  • The development of the capuchin area has shifted focus - now areas of the path are being re-laid, and you can now walk along temporary routes right next to the new outdoor viewing area, which has been planted and had new benches added. The temporary route also passes the old Macaw Rock - no glass windows have been added yet, and the interior has also been left unchanged. I'm not so certain now that anything will live here, but still live in hope that something like the off-show armadillos or skunks could still move in.
  • The Goeldi's monkeys were outside, and were mixed with the tamanduas. The coppery titis were still confined to their indoor area for the time being.
  • NEW BIRTH: The white-lipped tamarins have recently had two babies.
  • The development at the end of the Colenso Village livestock walkthrough has completed. I did not enter, so I don't know what has actually been done. But I did see that the Cameroon sheep at least are still in residence.
  • I don't know why, but three of the viewing windows for the smaller of the two on-show tiger enclosures along the central covered walkway have been covered over.
  • For whatever reason, the breeding pair of grey crowned cranes have been moved from the dik-dik enclosure in Edge of Africa to the cheetah enclosure across from the Komodo dragons - probably the biggest crowned crane enclosure in the country at the moment. No idea where the third cheetah is now.
  • The newly-arrived Denison's barbs have now gone on-display in the open-topped tank in Rivers Edge.
  • One of the smaller dens in Chimpanzee Lookout has had temporary barriers put up and has been partially covered over, presumably to provide a quiet place for the incoming male chimp to be housed while he settles in.
  • In Iguana Forest, it was interesting to see that one of the female green iguanas was digging a deep hole in the substrate. Possibly nesting - I don't know if they dig for any other reason.
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Great review as always, especially exciting that the White-lipped tamarins have had offspring already after just over a year since their arrival.
You may notice a few posts upthread that I mentioned that all 3 Cheetahs are now in their Edge of Africa enclosure, in an attempt to encourage breeding between Anika and either of the brothers, coming up to 2 years that she has been at the zoo.
 
DesertRhino150 said:
I don't know why, but three of the viewing windows for the smaller of the two on-show tiger enclosures along the central covered walkway have been covered over.
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It was to hopefully stop the two females from roaring and staring each other down so much. As they come into heat they’ve both been very vocal and staring at each other through the windows. One sits on the platform in the large enclosure then they could see each other.

DesertRhino150 said:
One of the smaller dens in Chimpanzee Lookout has had temporary barriers put up and has been partially covered over, presumably to provide a quiet place for the incoming male chimp to be housed while he settles in.
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Also got told that Napoleon, the incoming male chimp, was supposed to be arriving this week or next week. He is apparently very large and stocky. One of the female chimps also has a large bald spot on her back. Talia, the youngest female, was sat behind her and biting at the same spot.
 
Can you see the red bellied lemurs somewhere? We didn't see them with all the rest in the massive enclosure, and the map on the app takes me to a bush area we can't get to?
I've not seen a keeper in a while to ask.
 
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