Colchester Zoo has been named a top-rated attraction in England and ranked among the top 10 percent of things to do worldwide in the 2026 Travellers’ Choice Awards. The recognition, announced on 7 May 2026, is based on visitor feedback and authentic reviews left on Tripadvisor over the past 12 months.
This achievement marks the fourth year in a row that the zoo has received this honour. Located on Maldon Road in Colchester, the 60-acre site serves as a major destination in East Anglia, drawing approximately 1.5 million visitors each year. The attraction is currently operated by the Colchester Zoological Society, a charitable trust that took over operations in February 2025.
The zoo is home to over 150 species, including critically endangered animals like Amur leopards and Bornean orangutans. Beyond its role as a local visitor attraction, the organisation manages extensive conservation efforts, including the 6,000-hectare UmPhafa Nature Reserve in South Africa. Since 2004, the society has contributed more than £5 million to conservation projects around the world.
Following the announcement, representatives from the organisation expressed their gratitude to the public. They noted that the consistent stream of positive reviews from the community helps the zoo learn and grow in its mission to protect wildlife and natural habitats.
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