Colchester Zoo has been rated as the eighth best zoo in Europe and the second best in the UK. compiled from reviews by global travellers.

Colchester Zoo has been rated as the eighth best zoo in Europe and the second best in the UK.

The league tables published by TripAdvisor compiled reviews from travellers from across the world.

It was pipped to the top of the UK charts by Chester Zoo, which came sixth in the world rankings and second in Europe. In all the UK had eight zoos in the European top 25, more than any other European country.

The TripAdvisor website has 1,138 reviews of Colchester Zoo, of which 816 rate it excellent and a further 257 as very good. Just 20 rank it as poor or terrible.

James Kay, TripAdvisor spokesman, said: “These awards are based on the millions of reviews and opinions written by our global community of travellers.

“So if you’re looking for some inspiration for a great family day out, the UK winners are a great addition to your summer holidays hit list.”

Colchester Zoo refused to comment on the good news.