Zoo Life Magazine - Issue 3 by Colchester Zoo

WAKE UP WITH COLCHESTER ZOO - EXCLUSIVE PASSHOLDER EVENT! Spring Issue 2022

Kids’ Zoo Academy

Experiences that could start a lifelong love of animals

CONSERVATION CONSERVATION CONSERVATION Sharks & moths PLUS a special report from our African nature reserve

A WHOLEUN YEARn’tOmFisFs a Do h an thing witZoo Annual Pass

ISSUE 3

BEST SCHOOL HOLIDAYS EVER Banish the boredom and get exploring!

Spring Into Action! NEW BIRTHS, ENHANCED SPACES AND unforgettable EXPERIENCES

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 ISSUE 3

Contents 06 SHOPPING

14 NEW ARRIVALS

See our baby otters, squirrel monkey and Kirk’s dik-dik and explore our revamped Wilds of Asia!

21 BRINGING BACK THE MOTHS

Find out about conservation work to breed the extremely rare Fisher’s Estuarine Moth

26 SENSATIONAL SHARKS Discover why the tide is turning for the ocean’s most iconic predator

28 AN ACTION-PACKED YEAR AT UMPHAFA!

A round-up of all the great work that took place during 2021 at UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve

52 FEELING PECKISH?

Indulge in some retail therapy and check out our fantastic Kids' Zoo Academy Experiences

Check out a taste-tastic array of food, snacks and refreshments on offer at Colchester Zoo

56 ZOO DATES There’s no reason to be bored 30 ‘I KNEW THIS WOULD BE during the school holidays with our AN EXPERIENCE I WOULD fantastic events and activities NEVER FORGET!’ 60 MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS Assistant Intern Coordinator, David Wilson, on his amazing time carrying out conservation work at UmPhafa

38 DREAM HOMES

Discover how our enclosures are designed to make sure our animals have everything they need

42 'I'M SO PROUD OF WHAT WE'VE ACHIEVED SO FAR BUT THERE'S STILL MORE TO DO'

Let the good times roll 12 months of the year with our fabulous Zoo Passes!

66 EVERYTHING AT YOUR FINGERTIPS!

Download the Colchester Zoo App for all you need to help navigate your way around the zoo

We chat to Conservation Education Manager, Andy Moore

47 ANIMAL FACT FILES

Find out about some of the awesome animals here at Colchester Zoo

21 47 EDITOR Anna-Marie Casas CONTRIBUTOR Hannah Hammond, Amanda Willis PHOTOGRAPHY Stacey England, Micky Andrews, Jamie Reeve, Tom Smith, Libby Page, Barbara Meyer, Josh Dennington ART DIRECTOR Lee Thomas ADVERTISING SALES EXECUTIVE Chantell Keston, Debbie Taylor MARKETING CREATIVE MARKETING MANAGER Dominic Littler PUBLISHING PUBLISHING DIRECTOR Clara Deeks MANAGING DIRECTOR Allistair Hunter OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Tracy Norton-Mead

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Spring Issue

Zoo Life Magazine is published by DS Media on behalf of Colchester Zoo. The contents of this magazine must not be reproduced without permission. Zoo Life is available at Colchester Zoo and Sainsbury’s Stanway Superstore, 1 Western Approach, Stanway, Colchester, Essex.

2022

Kids’ Zoo Academy

CONTACT Zoo Life Magazine DS Media, 7 Faraday Close, Oakwood Industrial Estate, Clacton-On-Sea, Essex CO15 4TR Advertising Enquiries: 01255 221322 Editorial Enquiries: editor@thedsgroup.co.uk

WA WITH COKE UP ZOO - EXLCCLHESTER PASSHOLDUSIVE EVENT! ER

Experiences that could start a lifelo love of animals ng

CONSERVATION CONSERVATION CONSERVATION Sharks & moth

special report s PLUS a African natu from our re reserve

A WHOLE FUN YEAR OF miss a Don’t thing with an Annual Zoo Pass

ISSUE 3

BEST SCHOOL HOLIDAYS EVER Banish the boredom and get exploring!

Spring Into Action! NEW BIRT HS, ENH ANC AND unf org ett abl ED SPA CES e EXP ERIE NCE S

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Experience the Gosfield Difference Gosfield is an independent co-educational through School set within 110 acres of beautiful parkland, where children have the space to grow, are inspired by the breadth of opportunities and achieve outstanding results within an environment where nurturing relationships are at the heart of all that we do.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 ISSUE 3

Welcome

After saying a much-needed farewell to 2021, we can now look forward to a brighter year and we think this is going to be our best yet!

We’ve welcomed 2022 with open arms and have a ZOOPER year planned packed with the return of our much-loved events, encounters, and the development of new areas within the park. We can’t wait to show what we have in store! With normality slowly returning, we have planned FIN-TASTIC days out for the whole family throughout the year, including the return of our exclusive Passholder event, Wake up With Colchester Zoo, and seasonal activities taking place through the school holidays. Why not make the most of the holidays by picking yourself up our annual Zoo Pass? Not only will you have unlimited entry into the zoo for a whole year (except Christmas Day), but you will also receive a whole host of ROARSOME beneﬁts, including discounts in catering outlets, the gift shop and on animal experiences to name just a few! We are constantly welcoming new arrivals and additions to the Colchester Zoo family throughout the year and the past few months have been no exception. Since our last issue, we are delighted to announce the birth of three Asian short-clawed otter pups, a tiny Kirk’s Dik-dik calf and another primate baby. You can read more about these adorable bundles of joy in this issue! As well as welcoming many arrivals, we’ve also taken the time to improve many areas around the Zoo so that we can constantly offer our guests a new experience with every visit, whether you’re a passholder who visits us weekly or a visitor who enjoys a seasonal trip once a year. We’ve kick-started 2022 with the opening of a new catering outlet, Wrap and Roll, and our recently refurbished Wilds of Asia building.

We hope you enjoy reading our first issue of 2022 and we cannot wait to welcome you through our doors for another jam-packed year filled with exciting changes.

From Colchester Zoo Management www.colchesterzoo.org 05

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 SHOPPING

The Outpost GiftShop

Clear the clutter and freshen up your home with our new spring collection! We have a range of exciting new products to help brighten your surroundings, from super soft furnishings to outdoor ornaments to help your garden ﬂourish. We also stock a vibrant collection of puzzles to help break the boredom when the April showers arrive!

Wrendale

Keep hydrated on your journey around the zoo by picking up a Wrendale water bottle. Not only are they adorably illustrated with cute characters, but they are also a great alternative to a single use plastic water bottle, making your purchase environmentally friendly and helping to release your inner eco-warrior!

STAR PRODUCT

Puzzles

Take home hours of fun and entertainment for the whole family with our large collection of colourful jigsaw puzzles. These engaging puzzles from Crocodile Creek will help to build creativity with their unique shapes and bold pictures. They also make an excellent birthday gift for the little monkey in your life. 06 www.colchesterzoo.org

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“Our ‘Star Product of the Season’ is the big cat soft toy range from Keel Toy. These super soft toys are not only a superb, high-quality product, but they are also part of the Keel Eco range which means you can purchase knowing its 100% recycled and 100% huggable! These eco-friendly toys are manufactured and stuffed with 100% recycled polyester from plastic waste and weighted with recycled glass beads. This is the PURR-fect souvenir after a wild day out at Colchester Zoo!”

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 SHOPPING

Garden Ornaments

Brooke Connelly, Retail Manager, Colchester Zoo

Keel Eco Gift Vouchers

Give the gift of memories with a Colchester Zoo gift voucher. Choose from an Animal Experience, Zoo Pass or monetary voucher.

Bring character and charm to your garden with our array of unique ornaments! Our gardening section includes an assortment of outdoor décor to help enhance your patio, from wooden ﬂamingos that will brighten a dull corner to a majestic elephant statue that will ﬁt in perfectly among your shrubbery – our items will help to transform and refresh your garden this spring.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 SHOPPING

The Outpost GiftShop

JELLY CAT Add a touch of irresistible softness to your home with a cuddly toy from Jelly Cat. Their springtime collection is packed with bashful bunnies, farmyard animals and huggable hippos! Whether you’re picking up your favourite animal or looking for a great gift, these unique toys should be on your shopping list.

Books

Teach your little monkey all about the fascinating world of animals with our collection of beautifully illustrated books. Packed with heart-warming messages and fun facts, our range of books will ignite the animal lover in your little one, as well as educate and provide important messages about conservation. 08 www.colchesterzoo.org

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 SHOPPING

Homeware

FUNKY FOOTSTOOLS Cosy cushions

Take home a souvenir of the zoo with our novelty animal footstools! Pick up your favourite animal and let it take centre stage in your home. Not only do they look GRRreat, but these creature footstools are super FUNctional, with storage space and a comfortable space to rest your feet after visiting the zoo.

Add the ﬁnal ﬁnishing touches to your living space with our stylish cushions! Choose from bold leopard print or subtle earth tones to complete your home. Pile them high or add to your sofa for a pop of colour to help create a harmonious home.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 SHOPPING

Try your dream job! Kids’ Zoo Academy offers the perfect experience for all young animal enthusiasts! Does your little one dream of becoming a vet, zookeeper or wildlife ranger? These amazing experiences at Colchester Zoo are the perfect introduction to life working with animals. With expert tuition from the keepers, your child will step behind the scenes to meet some incredible animals and enjoy a ‘hands on’ lesson that they will treasure forever! The experience includes: • Time spent with the animals and keepers • Whole day entry to Colchester Zoo for the child and a supervising adult

My First Animal Experience, £85 per child A fantastic ﬁrst experience to introduce young children to animals (age: 3-5yrs)

30-minute experience: 12.00pm – 12.30pm Featuring: • Insects & Bugs • Small Reptiles • Furry Friends This specially-tailored experience is designed to introduce your little one to animals for perhaps the ﬁrst time! Those taking part will have the opportunity to hold, stroke and see up-close a selection of small animals, including tortoises and guinea pigs! This experience also includes full entry to the zoo for the child taking part PLUS one supervising adult, so you can spend the rest of your day exploring the zoo and learning more about some of the larger animals we care for. Find out more about this exciting NEW experience on our website! Up to 6 additional children (aged 3-5yrs) can be added to the experience for £20 per child – their admission must be paid for separately. One additional supervising adult can also purchase their own admission to the zoo to join the group (this is not included in the experience).

10 www.colchesterzoo.org

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 SHOPPING

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 SHOPPING

Fledgling Keeper, £95 per child

The ideal way for any young animal enthusiast to get involved behind the scenes (ages 6-9)

Zoo Cadet, £110 per child

Afternoon experience: 1.30pm - 3:30pm Featuring: • Giant Tortoises • Wallabies • Horses/Donkeys • Goats A ﬂedgling keeper will enjoy a fun-packed afternoon working with animals, including reptiles, horses, donkeys and wallabies. With feeding, mucking out, grooming and animal training, this action-fuelled experience could just be the start of something special! This experience includes entry for the whole day to Colchester Zoo for the child and a supervising adult. Don’t forget to collect your special souvenir pack from the Experience Reception at the end of the day, which has an array of items to remember your special day!

Perfect for budding zoo keepers to get involved behind the scenes (ages 10-15yrs) Morning experience: 10.00am – 12.00pm

Featuring: • Armadillo • Reptiles • Hyena/Mandrills • Cheetah This specially-tailored programme is designed to introduce an aspiring young cadet to a broad range of zoo keeping skills. Cadets go behind the scenes and learn how to carry out health checks, train animals, design enrichment and more. From the coatis and skunks to our mandrill and cheetahs, this exhilerating experience has it all!

Both the Fledgling and Cadet experiences include entry for the whole day to Colchester Zoo, as well as a refreshment voucher for the participating child. PLUS, after your experience, you’ll receive a special pack, which includes a souvenir book, cuddly toy and a discount voucher to spend in the Outpost Gift Shop (excluding sweets). For all experiences, call our Experience Reception on 01206 331292 ext. 462, or pop in and see us… PLEASE NOTE: You will need to allow at least 48 hours for processing of online applications and conﬁrmation before your visit. It may be necessary to share some of the activities with another participant. The Passholder offer is not valid in conjunction with any other offer. Please see full terms and conditions and essential information on our website at www.colchesterzoo.org before making your booking.

All experience details, prices and included species are correct at time of publishing (FEB 2022) but are subject to change and availability.

12 www.colchesterzoo.org

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 NEWS

Otterly adorable! Meet our new trio of baby otters who have joined the expanding brood at Colchester Zoo... Our Asian short-clawed otters, Ravi and Summer, who welcomed their ﬁrst litter of pups in November 2020, have just added to their family with the arrival of a trio of pups. Dad, Ravi, arrived at Colchester Zoo in September 2011, while Summer joined in August 2020 and the pair have been inseparable ever since! On 21 September, Summer gave birth again after a

gestation period of around 72 days. Since birth, the tiny pups have spent most of their time in the safety of their indoor den with their four older siblings, Rosie, Sally, Sprout and River, helping mum and dad to look after them. The pups – two females and one male – have been named Ruby, Robin, and Rupert.

of the family, exploring their new surroundings.

The pups have grown in conﬁdence and are spending more time out roaming with the rest

We’ll keep you up to date on their progress over the coming weeks, so watch this space!

This species of otter lives in rivers, marshes and shallow estuaries in Asia and is currently listed as ‘Vulnerable’ on the IUCN Red list of Threatened Species, so these new arrivals are great news for the survival of their species.

14 www.colchesterzoo.org

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 NEWS

Monkey business

Our female squirrel monkey, Milu, has given birth to a single infant, sired by our male, Malcolm! Rupert, who can be identiﬁed by his fully pink nose, is proving to be the most conﬁdent out of the three and enjoys playing in the water bowl. Ruby, who is the only pup with a half brown, half pink nose is the most independent of the two girls and will often try to return to their indoor den while the Animal Care Team are cleaning. However, her dad is on hand to stop her from getting into trouble! Robin is the smallest and, due to her size, needs assistance from keepers when it comes to eating to ensure she doesn’t miss out! Robin can be found following mum around their home as she thinks this will help her to get to the food quicker! Unlike Ruby and Rupert, Robin’s nose is fully brown which helps the Animal Care Team to identify her out of the three mischievous pups. Further updates to these stories since publishing can be found on our website www.colchesterzoo.org

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Squirrel monkeys are very social animals and can live in large troops of 30 to 50 individuals, so we are delighted to be able to announce the arrival of another addition to our growing group! Milu is an experienced mum, having previously welcomed two offspring who are still here with us at Colchester Zoo. For now, Milu will carry the new arrival, who was born on 8 November, around on her back until it is strong enough to explore and climb the habitat for itself. The baby is growing healthy and strong and will be sexed and named by our Animal Care Team shortly.

? w o n uk o y id

Squirrel monkeys will live near capuchin monkeys because the capuchins react quickly to danger, alerting all animals nearby.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 NEWS

Wilds of Asia reopens We’re delighted to announce that work on our Wilds of Asia building to enhance both the environment for our animals and visitor experience is now complete. Our maintenance team began work renovating the building last spring, which involved the removal of old enclosures to make room for new features. We have many species of animals that live in this space, from our emerald tree monitor to our lion-tailed macaques, but it was our Burmese python’s habitat that saw the biggest change and has been completely transformed to provide our snakes with an improved home. The land area has been expanded to give our large reptiles more room to rest or engage in other natural behaviours. The pool has also been made significantly bigger to encourage swimming, along with a reconstructed waterfall that leads into a shallow stream to create a comfortable resting area. Newly-installed ultra violet lights, combined with the natural light system, will provide vital UV for the reptiles, as well as encourage plant growth. While our animals will benefit from the many changes introduced, we have also taken the opportunity to improve the visitor experience within this area. This includes a new entrance filled with natural planting, new animal profiles to provide you with the latest information about each species and enhanced underwater viewing of our Burmese python.

We hope you enjoy it! 16 www.colchesterzoo.org

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 NEWS

It’s been a busy time at Colchester Zoo with yet another new arrival joining our ever-growing family! On 19 December, our female Kirk’s dik-dik, Daenerys, gave birth to a single offspring sired by our male, Demetri. Demetri is easy to distinguish from Daenerys as males have horns which can grow up to 11 cm in length. He arrived in September 2016 from Antwerp Zoo, while Daenerys joined Colchester Zoo in November 2016 from Berlin Zoo. Kirk’s dik-diks form a monogamous pair and since their arrival, both Daenerys and Demetri have formed a strong bond and welcomed six offspring together. The tiny new arrival is growing stronger each day and our Animal Care Team have confirmed that she is a female and since named her Carol. Kirk dik-diks are listed as ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Their sandy-coloured body and distinctive markings act as great camouflage, helping them to blend into their natural habitat of dry, dense woodland, thickets and scrublands in Africa. They will often use their camouflage to hide rather than run away when in danger.

Say hello to Carol!

ow? n k ou Did y The Kirk’s dik-dik is the smallest member of the antelope family, measuring a maximum of 45cm high at the shoulder with a maximum body length of just 80cm.

Why not see if you can spot Carol with the rest of her dik-dik family at the Edge of Africa!

18 www.colchesterzoo.org

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CONSERVATION

Bringing back the moths Since 2008, Colchester Zoo’s Action for the Wild charity has been working on a conservation project to breed the extremely rare Fisher’s Estuarine Moth. Found in only two locations in the UK, the Fisher’s Estuarine Moth is a British species of high conservation priority. The moth is completely reliant on Hog’s fennel as its sole larval food plant; a plant species which itself is also under threat. This moth species also depends on long, coarse grass species to lay its precious eggs. In the UK, Hog’s fennel is found in two main locations – the north Essex coast and the north Kent coast. However, suitable habitat for the plant is dwindling as a result of rising sea levels along the coastline, and the plant being mown down and trampled on by dog walkers. In 2006, a project was launched to plant a sustainable network of Hog’s fennel sites. Funding was made available by the Government organisation, Natural England, to encourage farmers and landowners to create swathes where the moth can live. This has involved planting 32 sites along the Essex coastline. In 2008, Colchester Zoo teamed up with Tendring District Council, Natural England and Writtle College to kick-start a captive breeding programme for the Fisher’s Estuarine Moth at Colchester Zoo.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CONSERVATION This enables the species to be established at the newly created sites of Hog’s fennel, without requiring translocation from naturally occurring sites where populations are relatively small and vulnerable. The breeding programme will provide a readily available supply of moths that will ensure the programme’s sustainability long term. Breeding cages are set up in an off-show location at Colchester Zoo. The caterpillars hatch in April and are immediately placed onto a Hog’s fennel plant inside each cage, where they remain feeding throughout the summer until pupation.

Adult moths then emerge between September and October, and our keepers ensure unrelated pairs are mixed for mating. Eggs that are produced are then used for the following year’s captive breeding programme, with any additional ones released into the newly created sites. Since the release of the eggs into the wild, signs of caterpillars feeding and adult moths have been seen at the new sites. Each year, half of the new sites are surveyed and, in 2021, all except one had signs of the caterpillars feeding. Some of these have been populated by the breeding programme, but many have been colonised by the moth naturally as it expands its range over its new habitat.

Did you know? Our keepers use torch light to ﬁnd adult moths and look for the orange reﬂection of their eyes In the wild, it’s tricky to spot a Fisher’s Estuarine Moth as they can be confused with other moth species – by searching near or on Hog’s fennel plants, it makes spotting them easier.

now? Did you k To search for caterpillar feeding, we check Hog’s fennel plants for signs of frass - or insect poop!

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CONSERVATION

2021 at a glance

• 66 caterpillars emerged at Colchester Zoo, which were spread over 26 cages of Hog’s fennel. • Dependant on plant size, one to four larvae were placed on each plant - it’s important not to put too many caterpillars together as they could decimate the root stock. • In early July, our keepers checked each plant for signs of frass – a feeding sign of the caterpillars, which was present on half of the plants. • During the ﬂight season, our keepers checked for moths from 5 September until 12 October every other night.

now? k u o y d i D Keepers can identify males from females, as the females have a pointed back end in order to lay eggs and males are blunt ended.

• Our ﬁrst moth emerged on 18 September and the last on 6 October. • In total we had 14 moths emerge: 11 females and 3 males – this is about average for our larva-to-moth ratio of around 20-25 per cent. • We achieved 5 pairs by moving males around to maximise breeding. • In total, 18 egg stems were laid – some of these will be kept back for the 2022 breeding programme and the rest released at two of the newly created sites in the spring.

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le lays – the fema egg stage e locate in th t rs a e d p e se are relea ich our ke h w , The ss ra g f The moths th o lastic tubes. der a shea r winter in p ve ly o w re e o n the eggs un st e d to th g cages an transported ssy the breedin en be easily lants in gra th p l n e a n c n s fe g g ’s e g f o o H h to tc ba next ng. and staked erge in spri illars to em created site rp te a c e th y for areas read

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CONSERVATION

Sensational sharks Long-held fears of the ocean’s most iconic predator have led to complacency about the cruel practice of shark ﬁnning. But the tide is now turning… When we think of sharks, many of us instantly dive to ‘Jaws’, the 1975 Spielberg classic that cast a monstrous Great White as the movie baddie. Sharks have long stirred up an array of emotions, not least fear – and it is this terror that has driven us to turn a blind eye to the wanton and wasteful slaughter of hundreds of millions of sharks over the past few decades.

Sadly, these magnificent creatures are the victims of a cruel practice plunging epic depths. Harvested at sea, shark’s fins are cut off before the animals are thrown back into the ocean still alive. Without their fins, they are unable to swim and enable vital water to pass through their gills. As a result, they die of suffocation.

estimate of 70 million sharks being killed each year for their fins is outpacing the rate at which they can reproduce. It is now thought that 40 per cent of the world’s shark and ray species are endangered. There are other reasons behind this figure, but finning has been a major issue for too long.

Sharks have a slow reproductive and growth rate and the current

Insets, from top, shark ﬁn soup, the cruel practice of shark ﬁnning, and a basking shark

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CONSERVATION However, things are changing. More often, when people are asked about sharks, they mention their grace and beauty, as well as their awesome adaptations for being one of the world’s top predators. They also mention the word, ‘endangered’ – our understanding of our impact on the planet is increasing all of the time, but the challenge is turning this into positive action.

Porbeagle (Lamna nasus)

The porbeagle is a compact, powerfully built shark which can be found all around the British Isles in the warm summer months. Up to 3.5 metres long, the porbeagle has a narrow, crescent-shaped tail, five gill slits on each side of the body and a distinctive white mark on the trailing edge of its large ‘mackerel blue’ dorsal fin. Generally found in deeper offshore waters, this shark actively hunts in mid-water and will also venture down to the seabed. An opportunistic feeder that will consume almost anything, the porbeagle’s diet consists of bony fish-like mackerel, herring and sardines, as well as squid, shellfish, and even other sharks. The porbeagle is known to exhibit playful behaviour and is one of few sharks seen jumping out of the water in pursuit of prey! Migrating long distances (sometimes more than 1,000, miles) to reach mating grounds, porbeagle sharks gather between September and November to breed. After a relatively long gestation period, the mother gives birth to around just one or two pups. Porbeagle reproduction is ovoviviparous; the unborn sharks hatch inside the mother’s uterus and feed on the unfertilised eggs while still in the womb! Mainly due to overfishing, the porbeagle shark is listed as Vulnerable by the IUCN Red List and is a Priority Species under the UK Post-2010 Biodiversity Framework.

Through public pressure in China, its government has banned shark fin soup at all state gatherings and many hotels and restaurants across the country have followed suit. Here in the UK, shark fin trade has been banned for many years but there were loopholes in the legislation. Thankfully, in August 2021 these were closed to ban all detached shark fin products from entering the UK.

Basking Shark (Cetorhinus maximus)

Basking sharks are found around the UK coastline, and are common off the shores of South-West England, Wales and West Scotland as well as the Isle of Man. They are also found in the coastal waters of Europe, North America, and parts of South America, Asia, and Africa. The second largest fish in the world and the largest in UK waters, the basking shark can reach the same length as a double-decker bus at 12 metres long! Yet, despite their size, they eat some of the smallest animals, zooplankton, which drift in the water near the surface. To catch their food, basking sharks will swim with their mouths open filtering two million litres of water every hour through their gills to catch the zooplankton! Unfortunately, basking sharks are classed as Endangered, due to being hunted for their skin, liver oil, fins, and meat. Still hunted, mainly in Asia for their fins, basking shark hunting was banned in the UK in 1998 and in EU waters in 2007. However, they are still threatened by sea pollution, discarded fishing wire and boat collisions, which are common around the UK.

Around the UK, there are many species of shark that grace our shores. We look at two…

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CONSERVATION

In 2005, Colchester Zoo and its Action for the Wild charity bought land to form the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.

An action-packed year at UmPhafa! We round up our work during 2021 at UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve, from introducing animals to fending off poachers – and it’s all sytems go for 2022!

2021 April

May

• New reserve managers, Anthony Smith and Amanda Warren, take over running UmPhafa.

• Five male African wild dogs arrive to join the females for two months.

• Three female African wild dogs join us for three months – the team is responsible for the initial bonding of new packs before they move to new reserves.

• Game capture is carried out on the reserve to remove species that are over carrying capacity – a total of 53 animals are removed, including zebra, kudu and waterbuck.

• All rhinos are dehorned – a temporary measure to deter poachers from killing these amazing animals for their horns – and a new ear notching system is implemented to ensure we can identify each animal from a distance.

• Our rangers receive in-house telemetry training.

Since then, we have been working to rehabilitate the land and recreate the historical animal populations on the reserve. UmPhafa is a 6,000-hectare reserve encompassing a wide range of habitats, from acacia savannah and bushveld to mountainous terrain. Due to previous agricultural practices, many of the natural inhabiting species were lost. In 2021, Action for the Wild donated £250,000 to ensure the continued running of the reserve, from employing ﬁeld rangers and management staff, to ensuring continued protection of our wildlife species.

June • Three research visits take place over the course of the year to study the life cycle of the African mottled eel. Eels are captured in long nets, weighed, measured, and ﬁtted with a tracker to get an understanding of their lifestyle before being safely released back into their river.

July • Our eight wild dogs leave UmPhafa and are successfully reintroduced into Malawi – the pack are ﬁtted with satellite and radio collars so that their location and habitat use can be monitored and for their long-term protection. • Camera trap footage subsequently shows a litter of healthy pups! • All ﬁrebreaks are completed on the reserve to prevent runaway blazes.

• Relevant staff receive ﬁrst aid training.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CONSERVATION

The year ahead We will continue with our work to promote and protect the wildlife populations on UmPhafa and are delighted that interns will be returning to the reserve once again to help us with our management activities. Our focus will be to continue our efforts to bring cheetah and buffalo to the reserve and to increase numbers of existing populations to maximise genetics. Watch this space!

September • We receive our adequate fence enclosure certiﬁcate which is the ﬁrst step in the process of getting cheetah and buffalo on the reserve, and possibly even black rhino. • A female rhino, Vukela, gives birth to a healthy calf that was later named Tutu after Desmond Tutu. • Renovation work starts at Sully house, which will be the main intern accommodation from 2022 – the work is completed in December. • We help Ezemvelo Wildlife to trap a leopard and remove it from local community land.

October • Our bull rhino is translocated off the reserve, leaving behind numerous offspring – in future, we will bring in a new bull to maximise genetics.

Game Count of Visible Species

November • Water is delivered to the local community due to shortages.

• With restrictions in place in South Africa and a lack of employment, we see a high level of crime – fencing is stolen on seven occasions, 11 snares are found and removed, • The first ever Lappet-faced vulture there are 72 incursion attempts, is spotted on the reserve. 35 instances where poachers Using its tag number, are inside the reserve and 22 we find out that the animals are taken by them. bird was identified as • However, despite an a fledgling at Imfolozi Nature Reserve in increase in poaching, our October 2020 before animal species continue to being seen at Manyoni thrive and breed, with the Reserve on 6 September eland, impala, wildebeest, and flew to UmPhafa kudu and zebra populations in October – a doing very well in 2021! five-hour drive. • The young vulture stays at UmPhafa for three days while he feeds on a blesbok carcass, which has recently been killed by a leopard.

2021

2022

Blesbok

Blue Wildebeest

133

292

Common Reedbuck

Eland

Giraffe

Grey Duiker

Impala

272

380

Kudu

250

459

Mountain reedbuck

Nyala

Ostrich

Red Hartebeest

Rhino

Warthog

130

306

Waterbuck

Zebra

251

337

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I knew this would be an experience I would never forget! David Wilson writes about his amazing experiences as a long-term volunteer at UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve after the Covid pandemic put a temporary halt to his dreams – and how he wouldn’t want to be anywhere else in the world!

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On a sunny day in June 2019, I graduated from Oxford Brookes University. My degree in Animal Biology and Conservation had fuelled my excitement for the subject and left me determined to work in the field of international conservation. Early in 2020, I took the opportunity to embark on a volunteering adventure in Colchester Zoo’s privately owned nature reserve, UmPhafa, located in Kwazulu-Natal province, South Africa. After many weeks of working under the hot sun, experiencing new challenges and making lifelong friends, my fellow volunteers and I could not have imagined how profoundly our lives were about to change. We watched and waited as the world news reported on a new and deadly strain of virus circulating in Wuhan, China, and so began a crescendo of uncertainty and panic. Day by day, we listened to increasingly worrying news reports as the severity of the situation was being realised. My time at UmPhafa came to an abrupt end, as we were left with little choice but to dash to the airport and fly home while we could. The African adventure I’d started with optimism and the promise of personal development and discovery had been put on hold indefinitely. Few of us could have predicted the global hibernation which became a reality over the next 18 months. Upon my return to the UK, I was presented with a radically different country to the one I left. Slowly, as the days turned to weeks, which turned to months, the grim reality of lockdown began to dawn on me. Due to local restrictions, I couldn’t re-engage with the work that I had trained and studied for. A position I’d secured in Thailand went up in a puff of smoke and I had to resign myself to a dramatically different way of life, as we all did. After many months, I was delighted to be contacted by the managers of UmPhafa, who generously offered me the position of assistant intern coordinator once their operations were up and running once more. At long last, I could see a dim light at the end of the tunnel. I finally had a vision and project to which I could now centre my focus and have a goal to work towards.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CONSERVATION Main image, an African wild dog, and insets, our interns set up wildlife cameras and a Lappetfaced vulture

A full eighteen months after my hasty departure from South Africa, I was finally reunited with UmPhafa. It was worth the wait! Upon my arrival at the reserve, I felt as though I had never left, and it took me no time at all to become reacquainted and immerse my senses with the sights, sounds and smells of the African bush. The previous eighteen months of seemingly endless waiting just seemed to melt away as the sheer openness of the environment felt a world away from what I had left behind. To once again have the privilege to live and work within a functioning African ecosystem and landscape of hidden beauties, I knew would be an experience I would never forget. Since my return to UmPhafa, I’ve enjoyed being thrown back into the action of working in wildlife conservation. I quickly gained first-hand experience of one of southern Africa’s most prevalent issues within conservation; human-wildlife conflict. As part of a collaborative effort with Ezemvelo Kwazulu-Natal Parks Board (the governmental conservation body for the province), I was sent as a representative of UmPhafa in an effort to reconcile and preserve our relationship with the neighbouring community. The issue at hand on this occasion was that a local farmer had been losing goats and suspected the culprit to be a leopard from the UmPhafa reserve, venturing into the community lands. As a gesture of sympathy and support, we agreed to help make an attempt to capture the leopard. If successfully caught, the said leopard would be safely translocated elsewhere. However, despite several weeks of baiting, the leopard was never found. Fundamentally, the UmPhafa project is a restoration programme, from what was formerly agricultural land, into a thriving ecosystem. Constant biodiversity monitoring is a key component to measuring the success of the project and forms a large part of our duties here. As a passionate ornithologist, I am forever in awe at the incredible level of avian diversity of all shapes and sizes in South Africa. Not only does UmPhafa play host to over 250 species of birds, but owing to the success of the project, we are also managing to record species unusual for this habitat and geographical range, which include sightings such as the Lappet-faced vulture and the European bee-eater. Presently, my own personal species count stands at 160.

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One of the principal things I have learned so far during my time here is the unpredictable nature of the work involved. No matter how much planning goes into the week ahead, it will almost inevitably be disrupted by another task which requires immediate attention.

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ZOO LIFE SUMMER 2021 CONSERVATION

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CONSERVATION An example would be the time we were rushed off early one morning after receiving word that we would be required to temporarily house a pair of African hunting dogs in less than two days’ time. It became a race against time to repair the boma enclosure which had been purpose-built for the hunting dog rehabilitation programme, which had been broken and battered by gale force winds earlier in the season. Against the odds, after many blisters and sweaty brows, with the fence successfully re-erected and the electrics functioning once more, the enclosure was ﬁt for purpose and we were ready and excited to welcome one of Africa’s most iconic predators. However, as I previously mentioned, sometimes unpredictability is part of the job, and despite our toil in the baking sun, we were informed that our services would no longer be required to house the dogs. Just another day in the bush! Personally, I feel that one of the many highlights of living in this environment is being able to observe its native species in their natural habitat. Whilst operating on foot, you have a rare opportunity to immerse yourself into what one might consider a primal or instinctive way of life. To see how these creatures react to your presence gives you at least some imaginative sense of how our ancient ancestors would have lived. To observe closely and notice even the most indistinct tracks, smells and sounds provides you with a truly immersive experience of living in a vibrant and rich ecosystem teeming with life.

Main image, the elusive leopard and, insets, interns get to work on land damaged by storms and ﬂoods.

Indeed, one truly unique aspect of life here is the rare opportunity to live amongst predators. Namely, one of the continent’s most elusive and charismatic species, the leopard. One of my main duties here, through an intensive camera trapping effort, is to attempt to establish the population dynamics of UmPhafa’s resident leopards. After months of trawling through footage, we have successfully been able to examine and identify a number of individuals and have established a basic outline of certain territories. This seldom seen animal will often leave tell-tale signs of their activities; carcasses, paw prints, and scent marks, which give us an indication of where to lay our cameras. Yet they will not betray their presence easily to watchful eyes. Whilst on duty in the bush, whether it be from an innate primitive ancestral gene, it is all too easy to feel that you are sometimes being watched.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CONSERVATION

Whilst reflecting upon the human perspective of working in conservation, it has been a great privilege to work alongside UmPhafa’s rangers as they conduct their daily patrols; to ensure profound respect for these wildlife stewards as we trekked for mile after mile in the sweltering conditions of the African bush. Despite the harsh landscape and potential dangers they face every day, they dutifully carry out their mission to ensure the wellbeing of UmPhafa’s wildlife. Their tracking skills are something to behold; the ability to spot even the most subtle change in the terrain is exceptionally impressive. Whether it be a single misshapen blade of grass, or a scrape of unearthed soil, the rangers can instinctively make a decision on their next course of action or where to proceed. I would describe it as being able to visualise a different spectrum of colour, which in your own mind you could not even imagine. Yet, to the rangers, it comes as naturally as walking. They have also generously shared with me their Zulu cultural knowledge of South African wildlife and what certain things mean to them. I particularly enjoyed learning about the red-chested cuckoo, whose call heralds the coming of the rainy season. In Zulu, it translates as ‘uPhezukomkhono’, meaning, it is time to work with your arms, as the rains are upon us! Despite the significant challenges faced with Covid, my time thus far here on UmPhafa has been a tremendously interactive learning experience. I am fortunate to have been offered a wonderful and unique opportunity to work in this beautiful environment; a place in which no two days are ever the same and offer something unique. At the end of a hard day’s work, we often sit around a fire, happily reminiscing about the day’s events and sightings and watching animals peacefully wander by under the setting African sun. It is in these moments, that I can think of few places I’d rather be. All that remains now is to welcome our interns back in 2022, so that perhaps they can also experience for themselves the rewarding work and challenges that come with working on UmPhafa.

Main image, the European bee-eater, which has been spotted at UmPhafa, and, inset, our volunteers at work

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ZOO LIFE Stanley SUMMER 2021 CONSERVATION

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 ANIMALS

DREAM homes

A huge amount of thought and work goes into designing our enclosures to make sure our animals have everything they need to lead happy lives.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 ANIMALS Each time we build a new enclosure here at Colchester Zoo, the needs of our animals, visitors and keepers are at the heart of every design: • Animals – the welfare, health, and safety needs for that species • Visitors – your ability to see the animal, learn and feel connected • Keepers – safe access, the ability to provide a high standard of care, and to manage and introduce new arrivals or separate individual animals requiring medical care. The key to good enclosure design is to ﬁnd a balance between the needs of these three groups. For example, ensuring visitors have an opportunity to see the animal, while also meeting the animal’s need for privacy. We also have to ensure that our keepers can see the animals to carry out health checks and work safely in and around their enclosures. Every need of a species is considered when designing an enclosure, such as their behaviour, reproduction, habitat, feeding, and their adaptations. The normal group size of a species is also taken into account when deciding how many animals will live in an enclosure. New outdoor area in Chimpanzee Lookout - includes a heated cave, lots of climbing apparatus and food puzzles to add stimulation and enrichment.

Enclosures 2022 v2.indd 39

For example, a solitary animal, such as a leopard, will generally be kept on its own, whereas

Leopard enclosure with enrichment brush, ﬂowing water feature, foliage shelters and climbing towers.

social animals, such as most primate species, mix in suitable groups. It is important to provide them with sufficient space to sleep, feed, play and to reduce the chances of any conflicts. We also have to ensure our animals can express as many natural behaviours as possible. The unique features of certain animals also need to be factored in when designing an enclosure. Take the anteater, for example, which has a long mouth and tongue but no teeth and has adapted to eat ants deep in their nests. Food is placed in long thin tubes in the enclosure to replicate an ants’ nest. This also provides a great opportunity for visitors to see and learn how an anteater uses its mouth and tongue to eat. We also ensure that the temperature, lighting, and humidity of an enclosure are just right for an animal and attuned to its natural cycles. If an animal naturally lives in a desert, which has hot days but cold nights, an enclosure’s heating cycle needs to reflect this.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 ANIMALS

Playa Patagonia One of the largest building projects undertaken by Colchester Zoo, Playa Patagonia, is home to our Patagonian sea lions. It is one of the largest saltwater sea lion pools in the UK and the 24-metre viewing tunnel is the longest in the country. The main pool is 4m deep and has a capacity of over 2.5 million litres of salt water, while there is also a smaller off-show pool and houses. The pool does not use chlorine, which avoids health problems such as skin irritation and eye ulcers. It also has a sand ﬁltration system to catch solid particles, an Ozone unit alongside a UV system to sterilise the water, and runs 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Komodo Dragons

Australian Rainbows The Australian Rainbows walkthrough enclosure is home to our flock of rainbow lorikeets. The enclosure allows visitors to walk in the large aviary with the lorikeets flying above. A two-door system ensures that the lorikeets stay in the aviary while visitors can come in, and the heavy plastic door flaps help to minimise heat loss. Six off-show aviaries, which can be linked or separated as required, allow the lorikeets some privacy away from visitors and new birds to be introduced into the flock.

The Komodo dragon enclosure is purpose-built with a large ‘greenhouse style’ building and can be sectioned off into two enclosures so the animals can be separated if necessary. The enclosure includes several retreat and basking areas, facilities for creating nesting areas and a range of visual barriers. The ﬂoor is covered in a soft substrate of soil and bark, which enables natural digging and foraging activities and is non-abrasive to the Komodo dragons’ feet and tails. Equipped with a sliding roof system made from UVA transmitting panels, the enclosure can be opened or closed depending on weather conditions. It also has underﬂoor heating systems, heat lamps and radiator systems, with hot and cool spots to help the dragons regulate their body temperature. A sprinkler system is used to help adjust humidity levels when needed and replicate the wet and dry seasons of the dragon’s natural habitat. A 24-hour day and night heating system regulates warmer days and cooler nights, along with seasonal temperature variations experienced naturally in the wild.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 EDUCATION

I’m so proud of what we have achieved so far but there’s still more to do We chat to Conservation Education Manager, Andy Moore, about Colchester Zoo’s conservation education programme for schools, colleges and home-educated students, and why zoos are more than just a place for amazing animals. Tell us a bit about yourself… I was born into a zoo family back in Bristol. My dad and mum worked with animals at Bristol Zoo, and I was lucky enough to grow up around lots of wonderful creatures. After a childhood like this, it was inevitable that I would go on to work with animals in some way. I started as a Primate Keeper at Bristol Zoo and eventually became an Education Ofﬁcer there before moving on to Twycross Zoo and then London Zoo before starting at Colchester. When did you join Colchester Zoo and how did you become Head of Education? I started at Colchester Zoo in 2014 in a maternity cover position within the Conservation, Education and Research team and was then offered the Conservation Education Manager position. I am very lucky to have a great team to work with and a supportive management team.

What does your day-to-day role involve? The core of my role is managing the conservation education team at the zoo. They deliver education sessions to schools, home educators and groups, and create content for all the interpretation around the zoo. We spend a lot of time evaluating our programmes to then adapt and change lessons and activities accordingly. In the early months of the year, we plan for our summer visitor education programmes and tackle different themes each year. The team might also be found designing online resources for students and people interested in our work – no two days are the same! What are the main challenges? I have found the big challenge is alerting people from all walks of life to the range of work Colchester Zoo and zoos in general do! We are not just a place to come and see the

In a school session, Andy talks about animals being used for their fur.

amazing world of animals – we also work to assist conservation programmes for wildlife in the UK and in South Africa. We fund work to save species around the world through our charity, Action for the Wild, and have up to 40 research students from universities helping us ﬁnd out more about our animals’ behaviour, diet, and conservation, as well as how visitors learn about different issues.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 EDUCATION

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 EDUCATION

Left, Andy with team members Lee and Heather, centre, conducting research at an enclosure, and right, some of the zoo’s interpretation

“Our education programme is big, and we have ambitions to grow even more!” I also sit on the conservation education committee of BIAZA where I work with other British zoo educators on a range of issues. Tell us about Colchester Zoo’s education programme, what do you hope to achieve and what are some of the big milestones already achieved? Our education programme is big, and we have ambitions to grow even more! We have developed 60 sessions for schools and colleges across the whole curriculum – I am particularly proud of our award-winning maths sessions. We have developed sessions for home-educated families across the region and now have around 50-70 families that attend sessions each month from August to May. Our online resources continue to grow and are an important

source of information for many students’ homework and coursework. Seven years ago, we started summer education campaigns and plan for these to become more focused on conservation action in the future. We have also developed talks for community groups, such as the Women’s Institute and University of the Third Age. What are some of the exciting new projects coming up in 2022 and beyond? One area we are working on is providing better access to our conservation education programmes for students and visitors with special educational and additional needs and disabilities. To this end, we are designing sessions for sensory learners that will give the students opportunities to engage with the world of zoos and conservation.

As our new ‘Animal Ambassador’ programme starts this spring, we aim to have a range of pop-up activities happening around the zoo. You may encounter an activity all about the illegal wildlife trade or perhaps even have a go at checking the health of a tiger – albeit a large, plush toy one! We are also at the start of planning some new virtual programmes for schools that look at how technology is used to save species, and students will get to try some of it out on a trail around Colchester Zoo! A programme we will also develop available later this year aimed at anyone interested in phobias of spiders and snakes. For more information about the zoo’s education programme, please visit www.colchesterzoo.org

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Fact Files 2022.indd 46

03/03/2022 15:43

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 ANIMALS

Animal Fact Files Find out about some of the awesome animals here at Colchester Zoo!

My name: Fiji Banded Iguana

Scientific name: Brachylophus fasciatus¬¬ About me: Have you seen how striking I am? I’m a bright green lizard with crested spines and a long tail that helps me to balance while I climb trees and branches. Males of my species also have bands of light blue to white colouration, while females are uniformly green in colour with flecks of blue and white. On average, I will lay five eggs per clutch once I reach my reproductive age at four years old. I’m native only to the islands in the Lau Group of eastern Fiji and was introduced to Tonga primarily as a food source. Due to predators, such as black rats and feral cats causing local extinctions of my kind in a short time period, my species is endangered! I can be found at the Worlds Apart exhibit at Colchester Zoo where I will be camouflaged in my natural habitat. Did you know? To intimidate intruders, I will intensify my green colouring, bob my head and then lunge at them with an open mouth.

I’m classified as: ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

My favourite food: Leaves, flowers, fruit and occasionally insects

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02/03/2022 16:18

CLACTON-ON-SEA

Friday 25th November

Friday 26th August

Shows to suit all tastes and pockets!

03/03/2022 11:44

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 ANIMALS

My name: Southern White Rhino Scientific name: Ceratotherium simum simum My favourite food: Grass

I’m classified as: ‘Near Threatened’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

About me: I‘m one of the largest land animals after the elephant. The two horns that can be found on the end of our noses are, in fact, made from compressed strands of keratin – a bit like human hair – not ivory. On average, our front horn will grow to around 60cm, however, in some cases it can grow to 1m! We are also known as the square-lipped or wide-mouth rhino due to the shape of our mouth. Our wide lips allow us to eat more grass with every bite as we graze in open savannah woodlands and grasslands! I come from Southern Africa and

East Africa, but at Colchester Zoo I can be found grazing along with my many neighbours or wallowing in mud at Kingdom of the Wild. In the wild, we are under constant threat from poachers who hunt us for our horns for use in traditional Chinese medicine. Did you know? There are ﬁve different species of rhino; Sumatran, Javan and Greater one-horned rhino, which all come from Asia, and the black and white rhino that both come from Africa.

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02/03/2022 16:19

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 ANIMALS

My name: Southern Tamandua Scientific name: Tamandua tetradactyla

I’m classified as: ‘Least Concern’ on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species

About me: My short and coarse fur coat, typically golden in colour, helps to protect me from any attacking ants while I’m feeding on an anthill. My sticky, elongated tongue can extend to 40cm, which is perfect for licking up ants and termites. My eyesight is not very good, so I rely on my hearing to move across the ground and up into the trees. Although my prehensile tail is hairless, it allows me to grasp and hold branches. I can be found in a range of habitats, including tropical forests and mangroves in South America, east of the Andes, from Venezuela to northern Argentina, but at Colchester Zoo I can be found in Worlds Apart. Did you know? Local people call us ‘stinkers of the forest’ as we leave a trail of scent to mark our territory.

My favourite food: Ants, termites, bees and honey 50 www.colchesterzoo.org

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03/03/2022 11:44

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 FOOD

Feeling peckish?

From tasty snacks and refreshing drinks to full-on family feasts, we have all your catering needs covered at Colchester Zoo!

PLEASE NOTE: All food and drinks are subject to availability and may change at any time.

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Southern Kitchen Situated next to Chimpanzee Lookout, this eatery offers a range of tasty food options, from chicken burgers to a family banquet! Begin your day by grabbing breakfast or pick up a fresh coffee to help kick-start your visit. If you’re experiencing a rumble in the jungle, swing by for our delicious burger or a crispy chicken strip meal and, as a sweet treat, pick up a mufﬁn or doughnut! If you’re still feeling hungry like a wolf, pop next door for a scoop or two of ice cream at the Ice Cream Parlour!

Introducing PLANT POWER! We’re on a mission to make our catering outlets as dietary friendly as possible, which is why we have brought the ‘power of plant’ to our Southern Kitchen menu. Treat yourself to our Garden Gourmet Sensation plant-based vegan burger to fuel your adventure!

As well as harnessing the power of natural ingredients, we’ve introduced our new dairy-free hot chocolate! Don’t let the ‘missing’ ingredient fool you – it’s packed with the same great taste and is the perfect companion for a crisp spring day.

02/03/2022 16:20

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03/03/2022 11:46 08/02/2022 22:51

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 FOOD

Seasonal Specials

Wrap and Roll

The surrounding area has also been improved, creating an undercover seating area with picnic benches, so sit back and relax as you take in the beautiful view of the lake and diverse planting. Wrap and Roll is now open, so why not stop by on your next visit and tickle your tastebuds!

There’s nothing better than exploring the great outdoors so keep your hands toasty with one of our delicious seasonal hot drinks. Whether you enjoy a squirt of syrup in a steaming hot chocolate or enjoy a latte with lashings of cream, we have the drink for you!

Formerly known as Wrap Bar, Wrap and Roll has been developed to include the latest in kitchen technology, including a new till, catering system and digital menu. The new layout will offer a comfortable visitor experience along with a large overhead outdoor canopy to keep you dry on the wetter days.

Have you tried one of our delicious seasonal spuds yet? Dive undercover at our Penguini’s Restaurant to tuck into one of our fluffy jacket potatoes topped with our ‘flavour of month’ filling. Our hearty spuds come with two slices of garlic bread to help keep you fuelled as you explore the park.

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After the successful opening of Scoop and Go, we’ve decided to continue with the redevelopment of the area to include another catering outlet, Wrap and Roll.

PLEASE NOTE: For the most up-to-date allergen information, please ask a member of staff in the food outlet where you are dining on the day of your visit. All pre-packaged items are individually labelled with allergen advice. You can also ﬁnd our full list of allergens for every item sold within our catering outlets on our website, www.colchesterzoo.org

02/03/2022 16:21

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NHS Vouchers Welcome Where Applicable *VAT Exempt - Ask in Store for Details MRP - Manufacturers Recommended Price Previous Price - Sold for 28 Days in Last 6 months at our Nantwich Store Insurance/Warranty is arranged by Ableworld UK Ltd and provided through Mark Bates Ltd t/a Premier Care, Premier House, Londonthorpe Road, Grantham, Lincs, NG31 9SN who are authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. FRN 308390. Calls made to this number may be recorded for monitoring and quality purposes 8928501

PLEASE NOTE: For the most up-to-date allergen information, please ask a member of staff in the food outlet where you are dining on the day of your visit. All prepackaged items are individually labelled with allergen advice. You can also ﬁnd our full list of allergens for every item sold within our catering outlets on our website, www. colchesterzoo.org

03/03/2022 11:48

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CALENDAR

Zoo Dates Spring-Summer 2022 There’s no excuse for being bored during the school holidays with our exciting calendar of events and activities!

Easter No Easter holiday is complete without a trip to the zoo, so spring into the school holidays as we welcome an abundance of new arrivals and the return of ice cream season! Stop by Scoop and Go to indulge in a delicious ice cream - choose from our classic favourites, raspberry ripple and mint choc chip, and a whole host of others! Spend the day in the sunshine enjoying our outdoor activities! Swing like a monkey at our outdoor play areas or take a stroll along Elephant Bushwalk for exceptional views of our elephants in their outdoor paddock.

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WIN AN ANIMAL EXPERIENCE! Take part in our Easter Trail for the chance to win an Animal Experience. Venture around the zoo on our very own Easter egg hunt and ﬁnd all the eggs at selected locations. Each egg will have a letter on it, so write all the letters down and together they’ll spell out a special spring word. Drop off your completed trail sheet at Guest Services at the main entrance to the zoo for the chance to WIN. Please be aware that all activities, dates, times and prices are subject to change. Please visit www.colchesterzoo.org for the latest information, and terms and conditions. The opening of catering outlets is weather dependant. All availability is while stock lasts and subject to supply chains.

02/03/2022 16:22

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CALENDAR

May Half Term

Summer Holidays

Make the most of the May half term with a visit to Colchester Zoo! Discover more than 180 species while exploring over 60 acres of parkland and lakes, and learn all about the most rare and endangered animals found around the world.

Experience a summer like no other as we host a number of activities for all the family to enjoy!

Become a wilderness explorer and take a ride on our Express Train as it takes you to the island of leaping lemurs at Lost Madagascar. Why not make your visit extra special with an elephant or giraffe feed for the whole family? Feel the bristly trunk of an elephant or the exceptionally large tongue of a giraffe as you hand-feed our gentle giants!* *Cost applies. For just £20, up to 5 people can participate in an exclusive feeding experience with either our elephants or giraffes.

Journey around the park and watch as our animals soak up the summer sun. Feeling toasty yourself? Duck out of the heat and head into one of our many undercover areas. You can even pick up a delicious and cooling treat at one of our many seasonal catering outlets, such as Slush Station. We are also hosting two special days that will extend into the evening during the summer holidays where you will be able to stay after dusk and enjoy the zoo in the evening light! More details coming soon. With so much to see and do, create a scrapbook ﬁlled with memories made at the zoo.

Child Zoo Passes You can also enjoy unlimited fun throughout the summer holidays and help keep the kids entertained with an annual Zoo Pass! Purchase a pass today for the chance to enjoy the school holidays without the extra cost of keeping them entertained throughout the year! Visit www.colchesterzoo.org for more information.

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02/03/2022 16:22

SOUNDS BETTER TOGETHER Take your listening to another level and enjoy the majesty of multiroom capability with the latest additions to the acclaimed Beosound speaker range. There’s a speaker for every room and requirement and all available with stereo pairing. From the dynamic acoustic performance and roomfilling sound of the Beosound Balance wireless speaker to the elegant Beosound Emerge that fits in anywhere but reaches you everywhere with full-range, ultra-wide, crystal-clear sound. Or the portable Beosound Level WiFi speaker that combines minimalistic design with maximum rich audio to perfection. Visit our showrooms to experience the Beosound range or contact us to arrange a private one-to-one demonstration.

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Bang & Olufsen of Colchester 61 High Street, Colchester, Essex CO1 1DN Telephone 01206 763344 Email: colchester@bang-olufsen.co.uk Web: bang-olufsen.com/colchester

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03/03/2022 11:53

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 CALENDAR

Encounters EXCLUSIVE PASSHOLDER EVENT

We also host a range of animal encounters taking place at selected times throughout the day. Our daily encounters are a great way to see some of our animals during your visit. Each encounter may be based on a feeding time, training session, enrichment activity or simply the chance to hear from our Animal Care Team.

Our exclusive ‘Wake up With Colchester Zoo’ event is back for the ﬁrst time in two years! We are once again able to invite our valued Zoo Passholders to see the zoo in a different light on an early July morning. Our doors will open early from 7.30am exclusively to Zoo Passholders, with a number of special animal breakfasts and encounters. Upgrade your entry ticket to a Zoo Pass today for a chance to experience this truly special event! More information on this event coming soon. Date to be conﬁrmed. Entry to this event requires a valid Zoo Pass and cannot be purchased on the morning of the event. From 7.30am, selected catering outlets will be offering a variety of breakfast options, drinks and snacks.

Don’t forget to follow us on social media or visit www.colchesterzoo.org for the latest updates and more information about all our events happening thoroughout 2022.

Standard entry terms and conditions apply to all events.

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02/03/2022 16:23

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 MEMBERSHIP

YOUR PASS TO A WORLD OF FUN ALL YEAR ROUND! Spring into action and let the good times roll 12 months of the year with our fabulous Zoo Passes! 60 www.colchesterzoo.org

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 MEMBERSHIP Beneﬁts with your Zoo Pass: • Unlimited entry for a year (except Christmas Day) • Entry to our annual special events (please note this does not include pre-bookable events, secondary attractions, or out of hours special events which may be charged for) • 10% discount on selected items in our gift shop • Entrance to selected major zoos free of charge – see website for venues • Money off animal experiences for passholders • 10% discount in all catering outlets (excluding sweets) • 20% discount in Penguini’s Restaurant & Southern Kitchen when you spend over £15 (not valid in conjunction with any other offer)

) **Prices (inc VAT £69.99 Adult 16 – 59yrs: £49.99 Child 3 – 15yrs: : £59.99 Senior – 60yrs+

Come rain or shine, whatever the season, you can look forward to a whole year* of exciting adventures with our ZOOPER annual Zoo Passes – from just 14p** a day! An amazing array of beneﬁts come with being a passholder – from entry to see the animals here at Colchester Zoo, to fantastic discounts at our onsite outlets each time you visit, to entry to our annual special events and free admission to other major zoos.

Our Zoo Passes can be purchased online, in person at the zoo or as a gift voucher for a loved one. You can even choose from a printed voucher which comes packaged within a branded Colchester Zoo wallet or as an E-voucher, which can be printed out at home or sent straight to the lucky recipient.

indoor soft play area, a Zoo Pass is the ultimate gift that offers value for money!

With so much to see and do on every visit, whether you’re popping in for a few hours to see the animals in action or going wild at our

*Closed Christmas Day

Please read our full Zoo Pass terms and conditions as well as our online shop terms and conditions before making your purchase on our website – www.colchesterzoo.org

**Prices correct at time of printing, we reserve the right to change these at any time. www.colchesterzoo.org 61

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02/03/2022 16:25

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 SHOPPING

The drive for lasting and positive change Sainsbury’s Stanway store tells us about its campaign to help everyone eat better to improve their health and the planet’s – and how you can soup up your diet! Sustainability

At Sainsbury’s, we were very proud to be the Principal Supermarket Partner of the COP26, United Nations Climate Change Conference held in Glasgow last year. Since we set up shop in 1869, we’ve always had a strong sense of social, environmental and economic responsibility and an understanding that our success depends on society’s success. We want to help everyone eat better and, through our sustainability agenda, we are helping to drive lasting, positive change in the UK and internationally. Our Plan for Better sets out our sustainability goals across our whole business, outlining our priority areas of focus, our key commitments and our progress. We have identiﬁed areas which matter most to our customers, aligning to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, so that we can make the biggest difference. Sainsbury’s has a rich 150year heritage of delivering

great value, quality food in communities across the country and, as a leading British supermarket, we believe that healthy and delicious food should be available to everyone. We know that food that is better for us is also better for the planet. This is why we have committed to develop and deliver healthy, sustainable diets for all. In 2021, we announced a mass colleague and customer campaign, helping everyone eat better, to raise awareness and drive behaviour change.

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 SHOPPING We want to help make eating well affordable, easy and tasty, to support having a positive impact on health and the health of the planet. John James and Mary Ann Sainsbury (founders of Sainsbury’s) had a desire to bring good food at affordable prices to everyone, and this is as important to us today as it was all those years ago. So, driven by our passion for food, we will serve and help every customer, giving them delicious, great quality food at great prices all year round. Today, the way our customers shop and eat has benefits for their health and the environment. We want to support our customers to reduce carbon emissions and food waste, helping them recycle more, use less plastic, and guide them to make healthier, more sustainable choices. We could all eat a little better, no matter how much time or money we have. We can improve customers’ - and the planet’s - health with nutritious, homecooked and sustainable food.

Super soup!

Embrace the deliciously diverse world of soup. It isn’t only a great way to use up leftovers and reduce food waste, it’s also an easy way to add more plants to our diets and diversify the types of food we eat. By eating a variety of different types of plants, including vegetables, pulses and lentils, it helps include a range of different essential nutrients into our diets. Research shows eating in line with UK dietary guidelines will be better for the planet than the current average UK diet. The UK Government’s dietary recommendations (known as the ‘Eatwell guide’) include the five key food groups and the proportions of these foods that the diet should be composed of to meet nutritional recommendations. Eating more plants is one of the ways we can eat more in line with dietary guidelines and have a positive impact on both our own health and the planet’s. Currently, only 27 per cent of people in the UK meet the recommended five portions of fruit and vegetables a day and around a third of all food is wasted, contributing to eight per cent of greenhouse gas emissions. Try some scrumptious soup recipes and you’ll get a tasty meal while helping the planet at the same time! For more information, go to recipes.sainsburys.co.uk

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ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 SHOPPING

Vegan lentil soup

This vegan velvety soup, a type of Shorba or Chorba, is packed full of goodness. The lentils are a great source of ﬁbre and protein, and this recipe gives you 3 of your 5-a-day.

• READY IN 50 minutes • COOKING TIME 40 minutes • PREP TIME 10 minutes • SERVES 4 Ingredients 250g dried red lentils 1tbsp vegetable oil 3 ripe tomatoes - roughly chopped 2 carrots – peeled and diced 5cm piece of ginger peeled and grated 2tsp turmeric 2tsp garam masala 1/2 white cabbage - shredded 700ml vegetable stock 400g (1 can) chickpeas, drained and rinsed - to serve 10g fresh coriander leaves - to serve 1tsp yellow mustard seeds - to serve 4tbsp low fat (plant-based) yogurt - to serve

Method Add red lentils, stock, ginger, tomatoes, carrots, 1 teaspoon of tumeric and 1 of garam masala to a pan. Cook for 2030 minutes until lentils are completely tender and are starting to break down. While the soup is cooking, heat 1tbsp of oil in a frying pan and stir in the mustard seeds. Fry until the seeds start to pop, then add the chickpeas and 1 teaspoon of tumeric and another of garam masala. Fry until the chickpeas are slightly crispy. Add the white cabbage to the soup pot, cover and continue to cook for 2-3 minutes, then blend. To serve, divide the soup between 4 bowls, garnish with a dollop of yogurt, the golden chickpeas and a few coriander leaves.

Nutritional Details Each serving provides Energy 2144kj / 512kcal 26% Fat 13.0g 19% Saturates 4.5g 23% Sugars 12g 13% Salt 1.7g 28% Typical values per 100g: Energy 431kj / 103kcal Each serving provides 57.0g carbohydrate 22.7g ﬁbre 29.3g protein 3 of your 5 a day

Last but not least…

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SAINSBURYS 2022.indd 64

On 27 January 2022, we said goodbye to Kevin Jones, who has been our Store Manager at Stanway for the last eight years. Kevin has been an inspirational manager and has been instrumental in many fundraising and community projects. We wish him all the best for his retirement and look forward to Stanway’s next chapter.

02/03/2022 16:28

F.pdf

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Ads.indd 65

03/03/2022 11:57

ZOO LIFE SPRING 2022 INFORMATION

Everything at your fingertips!

Download the Colchester Zoo App to discover all the many exciting things to see and do around the zoo. We don’t want you to miss a thing, so use the app to navigate the park, learn more about our animals and ﬁnd places to rest for a bite to eat on your wild adventure… PLUS so much more!

Please change to: Looking for a speciﬁc animal? Tap on the main map and choose the ‘Animals’ tab (top of the screen). All our animals will appear as paw prints. Click the animal you would like to see and you can read details about them as well as see a live route to their enclosure*. Some also include a short video clip and an audio encounter to aid accessibility and to allow you to enjoy and learn from home too!

Need to refuel on your adventure? Scroll right to ﬁnd the ‘Dining’ tab (top of the screen). Cutlery icons will appear, simply select one on the map to read about the food and drink served at this outlet. The app will also guide you to the outlet location.*

Find out more about the zoo and get the most out of your visit. Click on the info icon (bottom of the app screen). This section has links to our website giving you key information, including safety procedures, general FAQs, our mission and green policy.

*PLEASE NOTE you must have your mobile location services and bluetooth enabled for this feature.

Don’t miss our daily encounters to hear from our keepers about our amazing animals – times and species included are under the ‘Encounters’ tab on the app! Our site has lots of exciting paths and hills to explore - if you need an easier route, use the green arrows on the app map to show you a route that avoids the steeper hills.

To download the Colchester Zoo App please visit, www.colchesterzoo.org 66 www.colchesterzoo.org

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02/03/2022 16:29

We take happiness seriously At St Joseph’s we support the intellectual, spiritual, physical and emotional growth of every pupil. Children who thrive are the happiest of all.

PREP OPEN MORNING Saturday 14 May Family tours also available, to find out more please visit stjos.co.uk or email admissions@stjos.co.uk Independent day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2–18 Nursery open all year round

App 2022.indd 67

stjos.co.uk 03/03/2022 11:58

FOR CHILDREN FROM 21/2 TO 11 YEARS OLD www.littlegarth.org

01206 262 332

Horkesley Park, Nayland, Colchester, CO6 4JR Ads.indd 68

24/02/2022 22:20

Zoo Life Magazine - Issue 3

Articles inside

‘I KNEW THIS WOULD BE AN EXPERIENCE I WOULD NEVER FORGET!’