Colchester Zoo Reopens Key Habitat as New Bus Links Boost Access

A major habitat at Colchester Zoo has reopened to visitors, as new transport links and a conservation-themed bus aim to make the attraction more accessible across Essex.

The “Kingdom of the Wild” area is now open again following maintenance work earlier this year, marking the latest phase of improvements across the zoo.

A popular habitat returns

The savannah-style enclosure allows visitors to see multiple species sharing the same space, including giraffes, rhinos, zebra and ostrich.

The area had been temporarily closed for essential upgrades, with some sections still subject to limited access while work continues.

The reopening is part of wider efforts to improve both animal habitats and the visitor experience.

New bus routes — and a conservation message on the road

Alongside the reopening, Colchester Zoological Society has partnered with First Bus to improve travel options to the zoo.

A new 375 bus service, launching from 12 April, will extend existing routes to create direct links between Colchester, Chelmsford, Maldon and Tiptree.

The changes include:

Extension of the existing 75 route
New through-service (375) connecting more towns
Additional school-time journeys
Late evening services on Fridays and Saturdays

The aim is to make visiting the zoo easier without relying on cars, while also improving wider regional connections.

A bus with a purpose

As part of the partnership, a fully branded double-decker bus is now on the roads, featuring animals from the zoo and promoting its conservation work.

The design highlights the zoo’s role as a conservation charity and encourages public transport as part of its environmental goals.

New bus shelters outside the zoo have also been installed to improve the arrival experience for visitors.

Bigger picture

Together, the reopening of “Kingdom of the Wild” and the new transport links reflect a broader push by the zoo to:

Improve accessibility
Enhance visitor experience
Promote sustainability and conservation

For local residents, it could mean easier day trips — especially for those travelling from Maldon, Chelmsford, or along the Tiptree corridor.

🍓 Strawberry Reporter says:
“Better enclosures, better buses… all that’s missing now is convincing yourself it’s a ‘quick visit’ and not a full-day expedition.”