Colchester Zoo is now a charity - what has changed?

Colchester Zoo is home to 160 species across its 60-acre site

Colchester Zoo begins life as Colchester Zoological Society from 1 February.

The zoo - which is more than 60 years old - says the changes will help to secure its future.

But what does it mean for the zoo and its visitors?

Why has it changed?

Colchester Zoo has been privately owned since it was launched on 2 June 1963, with a charitable arm added in 2004.

When it announced the upcoming changes in 2023, Colchester Zoo had struggled financially during the Covid-19 pandemic, posting a drop in profits, but recovered afterwards.

Directors said generous donations during the pandemic - as well as VAT relief from central government - helped the zoo to stay afloat.

Charities generally do not have to pay corporation and capital gains tax.

By becoming a charitable trust, the zoo says it will be able to ensure "a first-class visitor experience" will remain as a "key destination" in the city "for future generations".

The Colchester Zoological Society will also be eligible to claim Gift Aid, meaning it will receive a 25% larger donation without costing visitors any extra.

Will things change for the animals?

The zoo is home to more than 160 species across 60 acres of parkland and lakes.

By increasing donations, the zoo said it will help with not only the continuous development of the site, but vital conservation projects across the world.

The zoo says that since 2004, it has supported initiatives such as the Elephant Orphanage Project in Zambia and the Red Panda Network in Nepal.

A spokesperson for the zoo said in 2023 that it planned to expand, with "better and bigger facilities" and "many habitats tripling in size".

What does it mean for visitors?

The zoo says people "won't notice a vast difference" when they visit, with most of the changes being behind-the-scenes. But they have reassured visitors with Zoo Passes that they will remain valid.