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Join us for a late summer evening at Colchester Zoo!

Enjoy a magical twilight spectacular as we remain open until 9.30pm on Saturday 25th September!

If you would like to visit us, you will need to pre-purchase your tickets ONLINE IN ADVANCE. Passholders are NOT required to book.

As the temperature drops and the senses sharpen you will have the chance to see some of our animals in a whole new light, as some bed down for the evening whilst for others the night is just beginning!

If it’s your appetite that needs satisfying, you can always stop by Penguini’s with other outlets also available! 

Our Lost Madagascar Road Train will be running into the evening however it will not be stopping at our Lemur Walkthrough.

Do bring a torch with you for extended opening events. Animal viewing cannot be guaranteed after dark.

Additional Encounters timetable:

Check out our fantastic evening timetable packed full of fantastic talks and feeds!

4.50pm – Orangutans, Rajang’s Forest
5.00pm – Red Pandas, by Wilds of Asia
5.10pm – Tamanduas & Marmosets, Worlds Apart
5.10pm – Africa Species, Kingdom of the Wild (outside paddock)
5.20pm – Chimpanzee, Chimpanzee Lookout
5.40pm – Sea Lion Scatter Feed, Playa Patagonia
5.40pm – Mandrill Monkey, Edge of Africa
6.00pm – Cheetah, Edge of Africa
6.00pm – Komodo Dragon, Dragons of Komodo
6.20pm – Humboldt Penguin, Inca Trail
6.40pm – Tiger Taiga, Amur Tigers 
6.40pm – Sea Lion Scatter Feed, Playa Patagonia
7.00pm – Smooth Coated Otter, Otter Creek
7.00pm – Spotted Hyena, Edge of Africa
7.00pm – African Elephant, Elephant Kingdom (inside viewing)
7.20pm – Meerkat, Suricata Sands
7.40pm – Sun Bear, Bears of the Rising Sun (Lower viewing area)
8.00pm – Sea Lion Scatter Feed, Playa Patagonia

Essex Bat Group:

The Essex Bat Group will also be joining from 7.00pm – 8.30pm at the Lake by Wrap Bar until so why not stop by and learn more about these fascinating creatures!*
*This activity is run by an external group and Colchester Zoo cannot guarantee their appearance.

Magic Iain:

Magic returns once to the main stage next to Penguini’s Terrace*
Shows will be taking place at 5:00pm and 7:30pm
(Running time approx. 30mins)

Tales under the Stars

Join us at 5:30pm until 8:00pm at the Elephant Paddock near Safari Snack Shop to hear some magical stories!

Zooniversity Challenge

Join us for this fun themed quiz as we ask questions about some amazing species including those which are nocturnal!
Stop by the stage at 6pm to take part!

Zoo Crew Party

Stop by the stage at 8pm as some of the Zoo Crew come out to say hello during and enjoy a dance and games with you all!

Please be aware that some areas of the zoo will be closed from 6pm including not limited to Chimpanzee Lookout. 

No smoking is permitted within the park after 5pm.

Zoo Passholders do not require a ticket for this event just their valid zoo pass as usual.

All dates, times and event information is subject to change. Terms & Conditions apply.