Colchester Zoo Magazine Summer 2017

Summer 2017

FREE

enjoy the holiday of a lifetime to Um Phafa Nature Reserve, south Africa!

a day in the life of a keeper!

GET CLOSmEalR with an Ani Experience!

Lates news!t 3.

1.

s Don’t miss ’

the kid activity pages!

10.

7.

4.

2.

Registered Charity No. 1105621

8.

9.

HELLO!

Dates for your Diary

pg 5

pg 6

Halloween & Christmas pg 7 - 8 pg 10, 11, 14 & 15

Animal Experiences Animal Adoptions

Fun Facts Kids’ Activities

Meet the Zoo Crew

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Zoo Passes

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

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Contents:

Zoo News

LATEST NEWS!

www.colchesterzoo.org

/ / / /

New facilities!

/

New arrivals!

/ / / / /

Zoo events!

Kids’ Experiences Action for the Wild

pg 21 pg 22 - 23

A Day in the Life UmPhafa Reserve

pg 12 pg 16

pg 17 pg 18 - 19

pg 20

pg 24 pg 26 - 28

Corporate Opportunities

pg 30

Food at the Zoo

pg 32

Summer Reading Challenge pg 33

Summer Shopping

Conservation at Home

© David Marsay © Christian Volke

pg 34

pg 35

Cover credits: © Imaginative Traveller

© Christian Volke

Director’s Welcome Welcome to Colchester Zoo’s magazine! It’s full of news about all the latest developments from Colchester Zoo, as well as around the world via the Zoo’s charity, Action for the Wild. This edition even gives details of an amazing opportunity to travel to the Zoo’s private nature reserve, UmPhafa, out in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa, to see its work first hand!

AT THE ZOO...

You can feed the elephants and giraffes yourself during your visit or get even closer by booking one of our many animal experiences, including the chance to be a zoo keeper for a day! (Additional charges apply)

The many changes at Colchester Zoo over the last few years make it an incredibly special place to visit, be it for a day or year round with the amazing value Gold and Platinum Passes!

nd sit the Ark a vi o ls a n a c You without ops for FREE rful h s t if g ia c a Ac nd e Zoo for a wo entering the nique rience with u e p x e g in p p sho ducts! gifts and pro

Your visits and purchases help to fund Colchester Zoo’s leading conservation, education and research work, so each and every visit you make really counts.

We hope to welcome you to soon for an enjoyable day out! © Tom Smith

Registered Charity No. 1105621

To advertise in the next edition of the Colchester Zoo magazine, contac t: marketing@colchesterzoo.org 01206 331 292 ext . 226 / 249 / 245

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

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Deliciously FreeFrom range puts customers in control!

super green smoothie

This refreshing green smoothie made from spinach and banana looks gorgeous topped with pomegranate seeds.

Sainsbury’s Stanway store manager, Kevin Jones, talks about their Deliciously FreeFrom product range, which falls under their company value of Best Food For Health: We were the first retailer to introduce a ‘FreeF rom’ category back in 2002. Today, nearly a quarter of all FreeFr om products sold in the UK are from Sainsbury’s.

Ready in 5 minutes Cooking time - no time at all Preparation time 5 minutes Serves 2

ingredients

Check out our new bakery range next time you visit the store.

gp r

60g young leaf spinach, washed 1 medium banana, peeled, chopped and frozen 200ml skimmed milk s: ide Energy ov ½ pomegranate, seeds only 360kj / 86kcal / 4% 2 sprigs fresh mint, to decorate Fat 0.7g / 1%

method

1. Put the spinach and banana into a blender, add the milk and blend until smooth.

Each servin

· · · · ·

Saturates 0.1g / <1% Sugars 13g / 14% Salt 0.1g / 2% Carbohydrate 15.1g Fibre 1.8g Protein 3.8g

2. Divide the smoothie between two glasses.

3. Sprinkle with the pomegranate seeds and garnish with a sprig of fresh mint.

Summer parties are sorted! Our tempting platters include sandwiches, wraps, snacks and sweet treats. With all the food freshly prepared, all you need to do is pick it up and enjoy your party!

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MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

Previously, all our FreeFrom products excluded gluten, wheat and milk, but with Deliciously FreeFrom, products can be free from any one of six allergens – gluten, wheat, milk, egg, nut and soya.

We’ve introduced and developed more than 90 products in our own-brand FreeFrom offering since 2016, nearly doubling the number of products that can now be found in our frozen, ambient, fresh and chilled categories. In January 2017 we became the first supermarket to offer gluten-free bread freshly baked in 186 stores, which we sell from our in-store bakeries.

Fun on the far m!

British sourcing matters to us, our customers, and nearly 2,500 farmers and growers across the UK who supply Sainsbury’s. That's why we've made a commitment to invest in the future of British farming and to be the leading retailer for British produce. As part of this commitment we were part of Open Farm Sunday 2017 - farming's national open day.

‘Being there for our customers with our platter service!

To order your platter, simply download an order form from the Sainsbury’s web site or pick up one in-store, and hand it in to the deli counter in-store at least three days before your event.

With our Deliciously FreeFrom offering, we’ve given customers even more choice of great tasting produ cts that exclude specific allergens. Customers want choice , quality and great taste when it comes to ‘FreeF rom’ products.

So, responding to demand, we’ve launched a new and improved Deliciously FreeFrom range.

Open Farm Sunday is a chance to discover first-hand what it means to be a farmer and see how growers rear, grow and harvest the top quality British produce in our stores.

Colleagues from the Stanway store spent the day at Wilkin & Son’s Ltd farm in Tiptree, Essex. The day was a resounding success with around 2,000 visitors having a brilliant day on the farm, engaging in British Agriculture to understand a little more about where their food comes from.

The day attached thousands of guests to Sainsbury’s farms across the UK.

BUY 4 or more &

SAVE 10 % !

Buy a

Visit for just 63p instead of admission! per week!

Based on C Platinum Pahild ss

ZOO try n e e e r F r to otheed select ! zoos

Discounts for shops, experiences and food!

12 or 24 months unlimited entry!

9th 10th

Exclusive passhold events!er

prices held for 2017!

Additional terms and conditions and charges apply for Fright Nights and the Magic of Christmas.

Visit Entrance paydesks, Guest Services or www.colchesterzoo.org

Š Robert Palmer

%

364

n bu y e-t ic ke ts iine advance onl a n d S AV E !

20 17 dates for your diary...

29th July and 12th August

Every day of the summer holidays!

OPE- 4Npm

Summer late night openings The zoo remains open into the evening with special events and activities.

11am

Calling all mini zoo fanatics!

Come to our Mini Zoo and learn how to be a zoo keeper.

16th and 30th September

EVERY Saturday & Sunday in the Kalahari Theatre during the summer holidays!

Starlight Safari Night

, 12pm m p 1:30 m & 3p

CIDER AND A SLIDER! Adults £12.95 Children £6.95

We welcome back award winning magician James Gilroy throughout the summer holidays!* * James Gilroy is attending as a third party.

Colchester Zoo cannot guarantee his attendance.

Must be pre-booked at least 24hrs in advance.

A magical twilight spectacular as we remain open late into the evening!

Terms and conditions apply. Non-alcoholic and vegetarian options available. Alcoholic drinks for over 18s only.

These are just some of the events for 2017. Please see the full events calendar at www.colchesterzoo.org NB. Colchester Zoo will charge a supplement for passholders, Tesco vouchers and any other persons not paying full admission for entry to certain secondary attractions included within special events such as, but not limited to, Fright Nights and The Magic of Christmas. Please ensure you are familiar with the updated terms and conditions.

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MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

© David Marsay

© Thomas Harris

© Tom Smith

21st to 31st october Join us for spook-tacular fun throug ho

You can get involved with the fun by dressing up too!

ut October half term.

FANTASTIC THEMED ENCOUNTERS AND ACTIVITIES

MAKE POTIONS & SPELLS IN THE WITCHES’ CRAFT COVEN

SPOOKY SNACKS AND DELICIOUS TREATS

Extended openings for

SELECTED NIGHTS ONLY

and fits of laughter s am re sc g n si ai -r r ir fo ha rk da r * Stay afte on selected nights! pm 30 9: til un en op n ai m as we re

21st, 24th, 26th, 28th & 31st october

FRIGHTFULLY EXCITING ATTRACTIONS

INCLUDING THE RETURN OF THE HAUNTED CHURCH & TRAIN OF TERROR!

SPOOKTACULAR LIGHTING! AFTER DARK FEEDS!

TASTY TREATS, DRINKS & FOOD! *Although access to the park during Fright Nights is included in your admission, our additional attractions are only accessible with a valid wristband which can be purchased for just £5.00. Find out what’s included in an optional wristband on our website.

Pre-book your wristband ONLIN E for entry to secondary attractions!

Find out more...

01206 331292 / www.colchesterzoo.org / enquiries@colchesterzoo.org / visit Guest Services MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

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25th & 26th November, nd 2 & 3rd, 9th & 10th and 16th - 24th December

Add a magical sparkle to your festivities this Christmas!

See Santa’s beautiful reindeer Get crafty at the Elves’ Workshop Check out the Santa Experience* Winter is coming... *Children under 3 may enter The Santa Experience, however if you would like them to meet Santa himself a Santa Experience Ticket must be purchased. Child Zoo Passholders, child complimentary ticket holders including adopters, children attending birthday parties and animal experiences must also purchase a Santa Experience Ticket if they wish to participate in The Santa Experience.

Book your Christmas Experiences!

Breakfast with Santa!

26th November, 2nd & 3rd, 9th & 10th and 16th - 24th December PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED

Accompany the chief elf to wake up Santa and help him get ready for his busy day ahead!

Plus, see his magical reindeer and travel through the Santa Experience!

There’s even time to enjoy a delicious elven breakfast & receive a wonderful gift from Santa himself!

Terms and conditions apply.

Please check website for details.

Find out more...

Supper with Santa!

See the magical Christmas lights in Santa’s beautifully lit gardens, travel through the Santa Experience and enjoy a tasty supper with Santa and Mrs Claus!

2nd, 9th, 20th and 21st December PRE-BOOKING REQUIRED

You’ll also get the chance to see Santa’s reindeer at the stables and receive a gift from Santa himself!

NEW!

Terms and conditions apply. Please check website for details.

01206 331292 / www.colchesterzoo.org / enquiries@colchesterzoo.org / visit Guest Services 8

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

NO ONE’S INVINCIBLE Make sure they’re protected.

We’ve teamed up with AIG to offer family protection plans that can help ease the financial strain when you die or are unable to work due to illness or injury or you’re diagnosed with a specified critical illness.

Pop in for a chat at the Colchester Branch, contact us at colchester@nfumutual.co.uk or call 01206 932688.

When you get in touch we will explain the advice services we offer and our charges. NFU Mutual Financial Advisers advise on NFU Mutual products and selected products from specialist providers. Financial advice is provided by NFU Mutual Select Investments Limited.

You can be the superhero your family needs

Here for you, for your savings & mortgage needs

Visit us online at saffronbs.co.uk/cz or at your local branch or call us on 0800 072 1100

Always there for our Members. Since 1849 Saffron Building Society is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority (Financial Services Register no.

100015) except for Commercial and Investment Buy to Let Mortgages and Will Writing.

Agent of The National Farmers Union Mutual Insurance Society Limited.

St Mary's ad Colchester Zoo July2017 98mm h x 96mm w_Layout 1 03/07/2017 14:

A happy, high-achieving independent school

Excellent academic results and opportunities for the arts, music, sport and adventure for girls 4-16, and girls and boys aged 3-4 in our own purpose-built Kindergarten For more information please call 01206 216420 or visit www.stmaryscolchester.org.uk

St Mary’s Colchester

Come along to our Autumn Open Days!

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

9

ZOO NEWS Colchester Zoo is home to over 260 species! Find out what some of them have been up to recently and learn more about our latest arrivals!

Afer arrives at Colchester Zoo! On the 20th April, a male aardvark named Afer arrived at Colchester Zoo from Belgium to join our two resident females OQ and Puq. Afer joined us just a day after our last offspring, young male, Adela Junior (AJ), left Colchester Zoo to begin his very own family at another zoo. It is hoped that we will soon return to having a successful breeding programme for this You can see our aardvarks at extraordinary species.

Aardvark Burrow.

Red river hog joins us from the USA! We’ve recently welcomed a male red river hog from Oklahoma Zoo in America! The new arrival came to us with the name Piggles Jr, as his father is rumoured to have been ‘knighted’

by Prince William at the Bronx Zoo in 2008.

The legend goes that Piggles Jr’s father was then renamed Sir Pigglesworth, a name that has been passed on through the generations with our latest arrival being nicknamed Piggles Jr! Once Piggles Jr has settled in, he will join his fellow red river hogs at Edge of Africa.

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MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

You can see our red river hogs at Edge of Africa.

DID YOU KNOW?!

Male red river hogs have large warts that protect their faces when they f ight with other males for dominance.

Otterly adorable pups at Otter Creek!

ZOO NEWS

In April, our keepers heard noises coming from a small den made underground at Otter Creek, a sign that Chea, our breeding female, may have given birth!

See if you can spot the pups at Otter Creek!

A few weeks on and our keepers saw the first sighting of not one, but a whole litter of pups! As the pups grow older they are spending a lot more time above ground with the rest of the family and have begun learning to swim with help from mum, Chea, and dad, Kong Kea.

! m o o b y b a b r u Lem

Our twin goats have been named!

INTRODUCING...

Loki and Thor Twin boys born to mum Bow

You can see our lemurs from the Lost Madagascar Express road train or lemur bridge.

© Christian Volke

lemur group has Once again our ring-tailed arrivals! welcomed a number of new

and Alina all gave bir th During April, Ando, Lexi experienced mum and to offspring followed by who completed the baby grandmother, Madison, twins! boom with the bir th of are all of our young lemurs Now a few months old, life ing rn lea dent and are busy becoming more indepen feeding for themselves. as a lemur, climbing and

Rogue and Logan One girl and one boy born to mum, Gretchen.

And last but not least, Harmony and Hope - Cupid’s twin daughters, whose names were chosen from the many fantastic suggestions we received from our visitors through our Facebook page!

All three pairs of twin pygmy goat kids were born in March and will be spending the summer exploring the Colenso Village at our Familiar Friends area.

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

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s e c n e i r e p x E l a Anim at

!

Š Kathryn Major

GET CLOSER!

Gift vouchers available for most experiences!

Take part in one of our many animal experiences!

Full days, half days and shorter experiences for all ages.

Plus experiences for corporate events, including team building!

(See pg 30 for more details)

quiet day, If you are visiting on a there may even be e in an availability to participat e day! animal experience on th

ZOO HOLDERS PASS R DISCOUNECEIVE FOR SELE TS EXPERIEN CTED CES!

Just check on arrival ption at Experiences Rece

Hen PARTIES Explore love in the animal kingdom with this hen party for the bride and her friends, which includes fun activities and hands-on animal encounters to remember forever!

Terms and conditions apply.

Looking for a unique way to celebrate your final before the ring?

fling

Find out more...

Email: experiences@colchesterzoo.org Tel: 01206 331292 ext. 232 / 237 www.colchesterzoo.org

SCHOOL

No more Saturday school from 2018!

Holmwood House Prep School OPEN MORNING: Friday 6 October 2017 Chitts Hill . Lexden . Colchester . Essex . CO3 9ST

01206 574305 holmwood.essex.sch.uk

9.30am -11.30am

Co-educational Preparatory School for boys and girls aged 4 -13 MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;¢ ISSUE 10

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ZOO NEWS

Tamanduas, Oreo & Ruth, head outside!

After arriving at Colchester Zoo separately in January, our tamanduas, Ruth and Oreo, are now the best of friends and have recently been busy exploring their outside area.

Why not stop by on a sunny day and see if you can see them enjoying the sunshine as they climb the high beams and ropes and explore the rocky undergrowth!

Find our tamanduas at Worlds Apart!

Kifaru gets to know his neighbours!

Our young male calf Kifaru continues to grow bigger and stronger every day and, over the last few months, he has been getting to know his neighbours!

© Tom Smith

Kifaru met the rest of the rhino crash not long after he was born and at a few months old, keepers felt he was ready to meet some of the other African species that share his home. Our energetic calf is now happily living alongside our kudu, zebra, ostrich and crowned cranes!

See if you can spot him out in the paddock at Kingdom of the Wild!

! n i s e l t t e s , r e g i t e h t Taiga,

In February 2017, Colchester Zoo had an extremely exciting new arrival… a two year old female Amur Tiger named Taiga!

Since arriving, this energetic young female continues to settle in well, getting to know her new home and enjoying various enrichments set up by her keepers. It is hoped that, in the future, Igor and Taiga will be gradually introduced with the hope they may become a breeding pair at Colchester Zoo. See Taiga and our other tigers at Tiger Taiga!

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MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

During the hot weather, keepers work hard to keep the animals cool with tasty ice blocks filled with fruit and sometimes fish!

Summer fun at Colchester Zoo!

As the summer gets into full swing the animals at Colchester Zoo have been enjoying some special enrichment!

Our elephants enjoy swimming in their pool, which helps cool them down, and extra shade is set up for other species.

Stop by to see our animals enjoying the sunshine this summer!

Raven arrival!

Introducing Rowena Ravenclaw, the raven who has recently joined Wild Displays here at Colchester Zoo! The new arrival came from a private collection after being hand reared. As a result of this, she is extremely friendly, inquisitive and keen to meet new people and has already made a close bond with her new keepers.

Once settled, it is hoped that Rowena will join the falconry team at Wild Displays, where visitors can enjoy seeing a host of birds and small mammals up close and learn more about them.

Keepers also set up sprinklers, keep pools full, and create mud baths for animals, such as our pigs who love to wallow when it’s warm!

Newborn dik dik receives special care from keepers!

In June, Kirk’s dik dik, Daenerys, gave birth to a healthy calf, named Dakarai, after successfully breeding with male dik dik, Demetri.

Unfortunately, Daenerys wasn’t taking to motherhood and Dakarai was not receiving the care she needed, therefore the decision was made to hand rear the calf to give her the best chance of survival.

Since being born, Dakarai has been closely monitored by her keepers and we’re pleased to report that she is being very receptive and feeding well.

It is hoped she will continue to thrive over the coming months!

The new dik dik may not always be on show, but pop down to Edge of Africa to see mum and the rest of the group.

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

15

adopt an animal!

Do you share a name with one of our animals or do they remind you a little of someone you know?

Or why not mark a special occasion in a unique way by adopting an animal at Colchester Zoo? An Adoption Box is a gr gift for someone spec eat ial!

(Selected animals on

ly)

ute to An adoption helps contrib arity, r ch their care and assists ou

Corporate Adoption

You can choose almost any of the animals at Colchester Zoo to adopt and receive a photograph and information all about your new charge, including a personalised certificate... PLUS more benefits!

Assist conse rvation & promote y our involvem ent to stakehold ers with a corporate ad option.

01206 331292 / www.colchesterzoo.org / enquiries@colchesterzoo.org / visit Guest Services 16

MAGAZINE â&#x20AC;˘ ISSUE 10

Š David Marsay

F U N FACT S

Do sealions breathe underwater?

Can cockroaches really survive nuclear explosions?

Sealions, like all mammals, need to breathe air and hold their breath whilst underwater, which can be for as long as 20 minutes!

Sealions can stay underwater for so long as they have very thick blood compared to humans due to having more red blood cells – the part of blood that carries oxygen.

When sealions dive can also slow their heart rate. A slower heart rate means their blood circulates slowly around the body, meaning their muscles won’t use up the oxygen as quickly.

These adaptations make sealions amazing divers, even though they do need to come back to the surface to breathe.

Tigers make a special noise called ‘chuffing’ when they are happy!

© Scott Davey

© David Marsay

One of the main differences between these groups is a special bone called the thyroid, which is in the cats’ throat. In the roaring cats this bone is soft and flexible, which lets the animals make a very deep roaring sound.

In purring cats this bone is hard and their vocal ligaments have special folds. This means that lions, tigers, jaguars, and leopards can’t purr, and house cats, small wild cats, and even cheetahs cannot truly roar.

Leopards make a noise that sounds a lot like purring, but is actually a modified GROWL!

Despite this, nuclear explosions produce much higher levels of radiation than this, which a cockroach would not be able to survive. However, cockroaches are able to withstand considerably higher levels of radiation than humans.

Giant landscape architects!

Do all cats purr?

Not all ‘cats’ purr - the cat family is actually divided into large roaring cats (sub-family Pantherinae) and small purring cats (sub-family Felinae).

There is a reason this is a common belief. One of the main threats of a nuclear explosion is the radiation, which scientists measure in ‘rems’. A dose of 1000 rems is almost immediately fatal to humans, but some cockroach species can survive doses of over 100,000 rems!

As they feed and generally move around, African elephants clear wooded areas.

This allows new plants to grow and the habitat to become more diverse, with more plants and animals living there.

Elephants are also great at spreading seeds. When the elephants eat fruits and plants, the seeds do not get fully digested and survive in the elephants poo! The seeds can also use the poo as fertiliser and grow in new places. Elephants are also able to spread large seeds that are too big for other animals to eat.

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

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Kid s’ Act iv it ie s 3.

1.

Crossword!

10.

Down: 1. How many chimps live at Colchester Zoo? Clue: the answer rhymes with great!

3. Complete the name of Colchester Zoo’s new chimp enclosure, Chimpanzee ______.

4. Which country do lemurs come from?

7. What is the name of Colchester Zoo’s nature reserve in South Africa?

10. Is a chimpanzee a monkey or an ape?

7.

4.

8.

2.

9.

TIP: Visit the Zoo or check out our website or souvenir book to help you find any tricky answers!

5.

6.

Across: 2. Which species of Peruvian penguin lives at Colchester Zoo? 5. Which is bigger, an African or Asian elephant?

6. Solve this anagram of an African cat - ETHHCAE 8. Mandrills are the world’s largest ______.

9. What does lemur mean in Latin? Clue: You may find one in a haunted house!

Otter chaos!

Follow the lines

from each otter

Join the dots!

the f ish!

25

33

26 27

24

22 17

34

19

2

16

18

15

21

14

30 29 28

3

13

20

Anagram!

Solve the anagram to

discover Calypso’s species!

12 11 4 7 5

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MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

DID YOU KNOW? An otter’s home is called a HOLT!

23

9 8

H

10

O

L

T

S

Answer:

6

www.colchesterzoo.org

CLUE: Don’t be too slow !

© Scott Davey

31

© Carol Bennetto

JOIN THE DOTS to reveal Calypso!

35

32

© NWY Photography

1

to see who gets

DID YOU KNOW? Amur leopards come from two of the coldest places on Earth, and their winter fur grows up to 7cm thick!

e! c n e r e f if d e h t Spot There are 5 differences between our Amur leopards!

Can you f ind them all?

Design your own Top Trumps card!

Add this to your Colchester Zoo pack available this summer at the Ark Shop! ing the Introduc ive interact

Colchester Zoo Explorer Passport!

JUST £1 Available at the Entrance paydesks, Guest Services, Jungle Tumble and Australian Rainbows!

Word search!

There are 8 elephant related words!

Words may be found forwards, backwards, downwards and diagonally!

TRUNK TUSK

AFRICAN ASIAN

HERD EARS

LARGE BULL

PASSPORT

A J F O R ERDRE HKPLP F E S P H F P L H B U C SWE RG LO T RUNKE RS I A I I C A A C U G A EMBORGD CD VA RN I F UOVSEEE A G Q L F GA I KN ZCALA N A E A T E E L BNA I SAV D S B T U S K I VORL LUB

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

19

R E B M E M T S E MEET THE NEW OF THE ZOO CREW!

sonny

he crew Leader of tventures! d and their a

stan

He’s the tallest of the gang!

RUBEE out Don’t forget to look uit! for the newest recr a!

Rubee the red pand this See if you can spot acter cute and cuddly char tail with her big bushy and bright pink bow!

puddles

She can’t wait to meet you all!

haracte A real cheeky c

r!

MILO The shyest of the group!

ONLY On selected dates!

Din e! e a nd breakfast Rischaracter Enjoy a tasty meal and meet ‘n’ greet the crew!

Check out the Colchester Zoo website for information on our next character breakfast!

www.colchesterzoo.org 20

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

1 child eats FREE with every adult purchasing a full English breakfast at £6.99*

*Terms and conditions apply. Offer excludes drinks. Offer is valid in conjunction with Zoo Passholder 10% discount. Offer is valid for a FREE child’s breakfast option only.

1 child eats free per full paying adult purchasing a £6.99 Full English Breakfast.

Kids’ Experiences at

!

We offer a selection of birthday packages designed to suit a range of ages, including:

ic nic Tedd y Be a r s’ P Party with Puddles

Jungle Tumble Play Part y N at ure Detec tive Squa d

Be a PARTY ANIMAL for outstanding value for money!

Additional children can be added to parties at an extra cost.

Packages include complimentary whole day entry for 10 children, 2 hour hosted party, lunch box, a present for each child ... AND MORE!

Kids’ Zoo Academy

These experiences are perfect for any child who dreams of one day working with animals to enjoy a ‘hands on’ lesson with expert tuition from our keepers!

2 hour packages include: • Complimentary entry for the whole day for participating child and supervising adult over the age of 18yrs • 2 hours spent with the animals and their keepers • Refreshment voucher • Personalised certificate and souvenir bag

Fledgling Keeper Age 6 - 9 yrs Afternoon experience 13:30 - 15:30

Zoo Cadet Age 10 - 15 yrs Morning experience 10:00 - 12:00 Terms and conditions apply.

Find out more...

Email: experiences@colchesterzoo.org Tel: 01206 331292 ext. 232 / 237 www.colchesterzoo.org MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

21

What is Action for the Wild?

Action for the Wild is Colchester Zoo’s conservation charity, which gained its charitable status in 2004.

To date, Action for the Wild has donated over £2 million to conservation projects worldwide. These funds are put towards building work, staff wages, medical treatment, food, research projects and more within each organisation.

Check out the latest news from some of the projects we support...

Charity No. 1105621

Moth eggs released onto sites across Essex!

Update from Komodo dragon Conservation Project Work continues for the Wae Wuul Nature Reserve Rehabilitation Project as they work in the local community to raise awareness of the dangers facing Komodo dragons, as well as teaching English to local villages.

It is hoped that in doing so they will be able to increase local people’s knowledge of the protected status of Komodo dragons and change their attitude and perspective towards them.

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MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

Colchester Zoo’s keepers, along with staff from Natural England and the National Trust, have recently released Fisher’s Estuarine moth eggs from the Colchester Zoo breeding area!

Batches were placed at Copt Hall and Cudmore Grove in East Mersea, both sites having been assessed as being a suitable environment for the moths to thrive.

Over the coming months, we hope to see signs of caterpillars feeding and adult moths emerging, with the overall aim of the project to see these areas being colonised by the moth naturally.

© Wae Wuul

© Micky Andrews © N/a’an ku sê Foundation

© Duncan Bilney

Get your claws out for conservation!

2017 update from the N/a’an ku sê Foundation Throughout spring, the N/a’an ku sê Foundation received six carnivore-human conflict calls.

They work hard to have good communication with local farmers and relocate the carnivores, many of which are cheetahs and hyenas.

Congratulations to our team of keepers who, on the !

15th May, completed the Tough Mudder Half challenge Our team, known as the ‘Feisty Felines’, took part nal; in order to raise money for Wildlife Vets Internatio one of the many fantastic projects Action for the Wild supports.

In the run up On the day of the event, the team to the challenge, worked together to complete the our keepers were busy muddy 5 mile obstacle course and encouraging donations, raised an amazing £3546.55 with some of the team for some of the world’s most even being drenched amazing big cats! to help the cause!

We ll don e tea m!

They also work to fit GPS collars to the animals where possible; most recently, they have collared their first spotted hyena. This allows them to share the data with the concerned farmers in an effort to mitigate human-carnivore conflict.

Colchester Zoo’s Action for the Wild has supported the N/a’an ku sê Foundation since 2012 and has, to date, donated over £20,000 to support their car nivore research programme.

How you can help?

If you are interested in helping Action for the Wild’s projects, why not

DONATE TODAY!

You can do this online, during your visit to Colchester Zoo or by supporting our own project in South Africa, the UmPhafa Reserve.

Visit www.actionforthewild.org

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

23

A day in the life of the Reptile Team!

Despite their name, our reptile team looks after a huge variety of animal including insects, amphibians an s d aquatic life!

they When the team first arrives for the day animals begin preparing breakfast for the many of tasks in their care! There are then a number to complete throughout the day:

The poison dar t frogs must be fed and counted!

Spraying them with water encourage s them to come out from under rocks and leaves making them easier to count!

Checking on our pupae is another dail y task and releasing hatched butterflies into our ‘Butter fly Glade’ exhibit .

See if you can spot the dart frogs and anaconda in Worlds Apart!

looks One of the largest species this team after is our Komodo dragons!

The dragons undergo target training to help with feeding and health checks.

Our reptile keepers have to make sure the environment is hot and humid by running regular temperature checks!

Keepers can also perform up to 12 water tests per day on our aquariums!

You can see our Komodos in the Dragons of Komodo enclosure!

24

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

© David Marsay

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25

u m p h a fa

private nature reserve

INTERNSHIPS (1 - 3 M

ONTHS)

Looking to gain hands-on conservation experience?

Our internship programme offers anyone interested in African wildlife and conservation the chance to gain skills that help in the operation of a game reserve, including night time bush drives, behavioural studies and flora and fauna survey work.

PLACEMENTS (2

The UmPhafa Priv ate Nature Reserve in South Africa wa s established in 200 5 by Colchester Zoo’s c harity,

WEEKS)

with our fa a h p m u it is v o your chance t week programme! special two- nt graduate, in employment

w ho are a rece unity for those tiful rt o p Whether you p o ic st ta is is a fan plore a beau or retired, th nature and ex to d an h ason. a d n usual busy se r u o are keen to le e id ts u o orld par t of the w acements. ite for our 2 we Check the webs

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

For more information www.umphafa.org or umphafa@colchesterzoo.org

© Liam Westall

26

ek pl

oo Z r e t s e h c l n Co Once agatei a med u p with has

e! m i t e f i l f a o y a d i l o he h t u o y r g so m e e in f it f is v d n to o a azil reg ion for frica & Sw outh A s in the e S v o r t e l s e e r v a e r T icon ic ga m ip! t s o m e h t of r made tr o il a t y a tra nspo rt d d 1 n a ls an 1 a e n ced u rs, m odation, to x as expe rie

d n re la co m m A ll you r ac ) a re inc luded. You ca ntu re to see the fa me th e h ts d ve (exce pt flig ou on a n inc red ible a a mazing a n ima ls a nd y s, g u ides ta ke FIVE, fa ntastic su nset iona l Zu lu cu ltu re ! d it Africa n BIG me rse you rse lf in tra c ha nce to im

Exclus design ively Colch ed for ester Zoo!

During your trip you will also have the opportunity to visit Colchester Zoo’s UmPhafa Reserve for the day.

This working reserve is not open to tourist groups, so you will get the exclusive chance to see how our reserve works, meet the team and drive through the bush to spot some of the amazing animals we have introduced to the area.

COST OF THE TRIP:

Places are limited!

£1159 per adult £885 per child 5-12 years old

© Liam Westall

© Imaginative Traveller

Full terms and conditions apply.

Please visit www.imaginative-traveller.com for more information or call 01728 862219 to

book today!

For each booking, Imaginative Traveller will donate £150 per person to Colchester Zoo’s charity, MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

27

u m p h a fa n ew s

YOUNG Serval cat spotted on the reserve!

H O T S T U FF !

This time of year wildfires are a big worry for many farms and reserves in South Africa. In order to prevent these dangerous fires from spreading and losing control, many reserves, such as UmPhafa, use a technique called controlled burning to create what is known as a ‘fire break’.

n or other combustible A firebreak is a gap in vegetatio to slow or stop the ier barr a as acts material that at UmPhafa have been progress of a bushfire. The team a process that must be , ntly busy creating firebreak s rece whilst it’s still cool and done first thing in the morning with the right wind direction.

It is hoped that this will help the team to protect the reserve and the animals that call it home over the dry season.

A Tale of Three Sisters…

These beautiful spot in areas with long grasted cats are found With the cover and foo s, often near water. d avail in the area, UmPhafa reable for them is the ideal home for thserve em.

The young serval was spotted on one of the farms on UmPhafa called Fountaindale. The team on the reserve has seen most of their serval sightings in this area, and the presence of this youngster shows there is also a breeding pair.

We are looking after the sisters for the next two to three months until a new pack of males is ready for them to join!

Once again UmPhafa Reserve has the privilege of taking care of wild dogs in support of the National Wild Dog Initiative.

This time we have welcomed three sisters, Flame, Manya & Meva who arrived in June from the Hluhluwe Game Reserve in Zululand.

Their previous pack consisted of the three females and their male offspring, so as part of the breeding initiative they were split from their sons to introduce new genetics to each group, thus helping to continue the protection and survival of the species.

28

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

For more information www.umphafa.org or umphafa@colchesterzoo.org

THE UK’s NO.1 FOREST ADVENTURE at Thetford Forest and Tren t Park

1 0 of this magazine for offer details.

k .u o .c e p a o % g t O a Please pick up a printed version F F k o o B 845 094 8704 quote CLZGA7 PER PERSON or call 0

†

*

*Offer valid until 30th November 2017, excludes Saturdays and purchase of gift vouchers. Discount code must be entered at time of booking.

Only valid at Thetford Forest and Trent Park. Please note: Forest Segway and Tree Top Junior are only available at Thetford Forest. †Calls cost 7p per minute plus your phone company’s access charge. Participation and supervision ratios apply - please see our website.

TH_TR_Colchester_Zoo_Magazine_204x200mm_CLZGA7.indd 1

29

14/06/2017 MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10 15:26

S IE IT N U T R O P P O E T A R O P R O C

Colchester Zoo is well known for its conservation work and attracts visitors from all over the world.

Reach new markets by sponsoring a location at

It is a powerful, conservation bra nd for your company to be associate d with in order to increase your own recognition and fulfil your CSR goals.

With nearly 1 million visitors ann ually and around 70,000 annual Pas sholders, Colchester Zoo offers huge marketing opportunities to tap into.

ate We offer a number of corpor opportunities including:

Company VIP away days Trade Ticket Accounts

Corporate Sponsorship

Advertising in the Colchester Zoo Magazine ptions

o Corporate Ad

o ster Zo Colche o external sn e receive so corporat s , t i g n r i o d f n l fu vita s i t t n r e o supp r developm g e n h i t t s r i u f as ass as well jects in o r p . the wild

Find out more...

Email: experiences@colchesterzoo.org Tel: 01206 331292 ext. 232 / 237 www.colchesterzoo.org

30

With dif fe activities rent available , teams ca commun n focus on icati time bud on, planning, geting, d esign, debating sk reasonin ills, and g, all whil st having fu n!

team building Colchester Zoo provides a unique location for your next team building event that’s sure to challenge, stimulate, reward and boost your team’s morale.

Full or half day package includes complimentary entry for the whole day, breakfast and lunch, morning/afternoon activities, including feeding of elephants, giraffes & penguins, and more!

Terms and conditions apply.

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

© Scott Davey © Tom Smith © David Marsay

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JOIN US FOR FUN AND LEARNING SESSIONS DURING THE SCHOOL HOLIDAY FOR 4-10 YEAR OLDS

Pathways

Driveways

The place to stay in Essex from

per holiday home*

 Save 20% on your holiday when you call us and quote 'Colchester ZOO'**

Please pick up a printed version of this magazine for offer details.

Bring this voucher to our Reception for a FREE round of CRAZY GOLF ** Call us on 01206 382898 or visit www.waldegraves.co.uk WALDEGRAVES HOLIDAY PARK, MERSEA ISLAND, COLCHESTER, CO5 8SE

*Based on 4 night midweek break in March. **This cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. Excluding High Season & School Holidays. CRAZY GOLF up to family of 4. T’s & C’s apply.

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

31

FOOD AT THE ZOO

Sum

re! e h s i mer of

some t u o s k Chec food option the sty our ta throughout ble lidays! availa o h r e summ

Introducing

Fancy a milkshake?

Once again we’ll be offering

freshly made shakes with a variety of flavours.

A refreshing new slush drink available in a number of outlets across the zoo and perfect for keeping cool on a warm summer’s day.

Passholders

SAVE 10% in catering outlets!*

Our Ice Cream Parlour serves 18 delicious flavours of scoop ice cream!

The Hot Potato will be open so you can enjoy a jacket, with your choice of filling on the terrace!

PLUS

some sweet treats for you to enjoy in the shade of our new undercover canopy seating!

Kid’s lunch box!

The perfect lunch for little ones!

Available at Penguini’s and Meerkat Hangout.

You’ll also be able to enjoy a lunch by the lake as Wrap Bar and The Sausage Hut offer great meal deals and snacks!

32

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

JUST £3.95!

**

* Excludes sweets. You must show a valid Zoo Pass to receive a discount. Terms and conditions apply. ** Prices correct at time of publishing

PIZZ A & PAST A

Have fun for e free, spend tim , ily m fa ur with yo chat about e books and shar s! ie or st

Children aged 10 and over can take part in a new ImagiNation 17 Challenge where they can create artworks or write reviews inspired by the books they have read.

© Tom Smith

Treat yourself to a

or refreshing summer salad at our table service restaurant.

Summer Reading Challenge 2017 - ‘Animal Agents’

15th July to 2nd September in all Essex Libraries

By reading or sharing books, children will earn stickers (including some special smelly stickers), and if they complete the challenge, they will receive a certificate and medal!

Full English breakfast (served until 11:30am), pizza, pasta, sandwiches, snacks and drinks.

decadent cream tea

Colchester Zoo is delighted to be supporting Essex Libraries’

All children are welcom e to join in w Animal Age ith nts and ther e are Book tools for ch Talking ildren of all ages and ab including Aut ilities, ism and lear ning disabilit ies.

Reading levels can drop over the summer so volunteers and library staff are listening to what children have to say about characters in their books and helping to develop their reading confidence.

supported by

Breakfast muffins

PLUS Every participating child receives a voucher for them to visit this summer for FREE! (Ts & cs apply)

(served until 11:30am)

and succulent chicken and burger meals!

For more information visit libraries.essex.gov.uk MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

33

Introducing Colchester Zoo’s Top Trumps!

This summer we’re launching our very own Top Trumps pack! With photos of your favourite Colchester Zoo animals, as well as pongtastic facts about our species!

This great game is perfectly sized to fit in your bag and play on the move as well as at home.*

Coming summer 2017!

* Whilst stocks last

parking and entry to shops! (during Zoo opening hours)

summer Shopping at the zoo! |

Check out our amazing range of colour change t-shirts, bags, and accessories!

100 PAGE SOUVENIR BOOK! Great souvenir or coffee table book!

Get ahead for

Christmas

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

Go Wild!

with our new range of Pretend to Bee dressing up clothes!

Skip Hop

Get the kids ready for those summer days out with our colourful range from Skip Hop!

and make the most of our huge range of gifts for that special someone!

34

FREE

|| || |

Change colour in the sun!

|||

|

Look out for the Top Trumps Trail at Colchester Zoo this summer!

llect PLUS you can co OP our own SUPER T your TRUMP CARD on next visit!*

shop online!

Check out more products and gift vouchers ONLINE. Just visit the website and click on the ‘shop’ button.

www.colchesterzoo.org

Co nservati o n at Ho me Help bees to stay hydrated with this simple and safe bee water station!

Qu ick tips to d o you r bit!

BEEEEE NICE TO BEES! Di

ttles! o b e s o h t Recycle Did you know that glass can be recycled again and again and still produce the same high quality containers as those made from the new raw materials!

You will need: - A shallow pot or tr ay - Gravel - Large pebbles - Water

Step 1

d you know that be es get thirsty too!? It isn’t just nectar that attracts them to your garden, they are also lookin g for a water sour ce.

Unfortunately man y bird baths and ponds don’t offer an appropriate landing place for th ese small creatures and they can drown.

Gently place the pebbles around the tray and fill in the gaps with some gravel.

Step 2

TIP!

llies! e w r e t in w r u upcycle yo

Gradually fill the tray with water, be careful not to completely cover your pebbles as these will be used by the bees as landing spots.

You can also add in some marbles or coloured stones to make your water station more colourful!

Reuse your unwanted clothing with this planting idea! It will brighten up your garden and is a great way to repurpose unwanted clothing!

Step 3

Recycle old newspapers!

Remember to recycle all old newspapers and other paper waste as 70% less energy is needed to recycle paper and reuse it compared to making it from raw materials.

REDUCE REUSE RECYCLE

Keep an eye on the water level and gradually top up from time to time!

Place your water station in a quiet spot that will not be disturbed.

This can be on the ground, within a flower bed or a few feet off the ground if you have a stand to place it on.

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 10

35

Graded as ‘Excellent’ in all areas in our last two inspections (2014 & 2017) by the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Littlegarth School is a happy, friendly and forward thinking, co-educational independent school and nursery, where children between the ages of 2½ and 11 years thrive as they begin their exciting journey of discovery.

150 scholarships in the last five years. Excellent 11+ record.

"The quality of the pupils' academic and other achievements is excellent."

"Pupil's excellent personal development is promoted by strong pastoral care and the exceptionally warm relationships between staff and individual pupils."

Independent Schools Inspectorate, May 2017

New library, art, music, drama and classroom facilities due to open later in 2017.

Open Morning Friday 29th September 2017 10:00am - 12:00 noon You are welcome to visit at anytime with a prior appointment

Littlegarth School, Horkesley Park, Nayland, Colchester, Essex CO6 4JR Telephone: 01206 262332 Email: office@littlegarth.essex.sch.uk

www.littlegarth.essex.sch.uk