The new-look Colchester Zoo has had to close some of its buildings due to the coronavirus pandemic, meaning some animals cannot be seen by the public.
What animals will I see?
All of the species of animals living in Colchester Zoo before lockdown started are still there, and staff have worked hard to make as many areas as accessible as possible.
MORE: Everything you need to know before you go back to Colchester Zoo
The zoo’s Amur Leopards, Amur Tigers, cheetahs, elephants and giraffes can all be seen as before.
Almost all animals living in an outdoor open-air enclosure can be seen.
You can also still see the lions and chimpanzees from dedicated viewing platforms.
MORE: Zoo director warns ‘hardest times are yet to come
What animals will I not see?
Due to social distancing rules, some buildings and spaces are closed, which prevents the public from seeing some animals from certain places, and some altogether:
• The underground viewing area for the penguins is closed. These can still be seen from above.
• The sea lions cannot be seen underwater as their building is closed. They can still be seen from the water level on their viewing platform.
• The orangutans cannot be seen as the only access point, the underwater sea lion tunnel, is closed.
• The insect house, where several creepy crawlies were presented to visitors throughout the day, is closed.
• The building housing the pygmy hippos and the African rock python is also closed. This also means the giraffes cannot be seen from above.
• Animals feed in the petting zoo area is no longer available to minimise contact with the animals. Some animals, including the goats, can still be seen but not fed.
• Several birds, reptiles and fish cannot be seen as their buildings are closed.
All of these closures are subject to change and areas could be opened if social distancing is reduced.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here