Colchester Zoo has marked 58 years since its first opened its gates to visitors. 

It’s journey began in 1963, when it first opened under the name of Stanway Hall Park Zoo.

During the 1970s, the attraction fell into financial disrepair and then owner Frank Farrah was left with no choice but to sell up.

Angela and Dominique Tropeano took over in 1983 and have remained ever since, helping it grow into one of the most celebrated facilities in the country.

Not only is it home to hundreds of animal species, some of which are endangered, but through its own charity, Action for the Wild, it assists with conservation projects across the globe.

Read more >> First pictures as Colchester Zoo reopens to the public after three months closed

It also employs more than 250 people, with more than 500,000 visitors estimated to attend every year.

Gazette:

In a post on social media the zoo said: "58 years ago today we opened our gates welcoming visitors for the first time!

"Since then Colchester Zoo has become a place many of us know and love.

"The last year has been a huge challenge for us, but with your support we hope to continue for many years to come!"

Gazette:

The zoo reopened to the public after the third lockdown in April. 

The zoo has been struggling financially due to months of enforced closures over the past year.

Cuts have had to be made to planned improvements, including a new £1.5 million education centre, as well as to the support offered to conservation projects.

 

Some staff have also lost their jobs, however, supporters have raised hundreds of thousands of pounds to support to zoo.

The zoo is operating at reduced capacity to maximise social distancing space.

Gazette:

All tickets must be booked for a specific timeslot in advance whilst some parts of the zoo will remain closed for the time being.

To find out more about the zoo’s reopening plans, visit www.colchester-zoo.com.