New studies confirm that Colchester Zoo is one of the top wildlife attractions in the country

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Newly released research conducted by Visit England has shown that Colchester Zoo is amongst the most popular wildlife attractions in the country!

The research was based on 2009 visitor numbers to tourist attractions with Colchester Zoo coming out on top for the East of England with 517,178 visitors in 2009, a 9% increase from 2008, and finishing third in the overall list in the country, next to Chester and ZSL.

A second study commissioned by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) has shown the extensive contribution made by zoos to conservation and education. The British & Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) was delighted with the positive findings of the study.

Dr Miranda Stevenson, Director of BIAZA said: “BIAZA zoos have a unique role to play: inspiring over 24 million visitors per year in the wonders of nature and, through zoo breeding programmes and direct conservation action in the wild, making a positive difference to saving species.”

ADAS’ study involved a review of available literature, a survey with responses from 100 licensed zoos (not all BIAZA members) and six case studies for an in depth view of what work zoos are doing, with consultation from veterinary and non veterinary inspectors, local authority licensing officers and zoo operators.

It revealed that zoos in England have a diverse and expanding range of conservation and education projects both nationally and internationally. In the case of Colchester Zoo over £300,000 has been spent on projects with endangered species all over the world, through its charity, Action for the Wild including its own reserve in South Africa.

Rebecca Perry, Director of Conservation, Education and Research at Colchester Zoo commented, “We are very pleased to see that the vital role that Colchester Zoo plays in conservation and education is being recognised and that this message is reinforced by the loyal support that we receive from our visitors. Over 40,000 people now hold Colchester Zoo Gold or Platinum passes and not only does this represent a vital income for us, but also gives us the opportunity to spread our message to a significant percentage of the local community.”




EssexTouristGuide.com 13th September 2010

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