Colchester Zoo Magazine Spring 2016

Colchester Zoo ISSUE 6

Registered Charity No. 1105621

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SPRING 2016

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N e o’s U m P Make a wild bird feeder!

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© Scott Davey

ACTION FOR THE WILD

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Colchester Zoo

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 6

© David Marsay © Tom Smith © Scott Davey © Christian Volke © Melvin Vinyard

HELLO!

The Colchester Zoo Magazine gives you a fascinating insight into not only the work of Colchester Zoo, but also updates from all over the world from its charity, Action for the Wild, and the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa.

We hope to see you soon at Colchester Zoo to enjoy a fun-filled day out. Every visit you make assists our vital conser vation work!

Š David Marsay

To advertise in the next edition of the Colchester Zoo magazine, contact: David White, david@chalkandcheese.com, Telephone: 01473 221000

www.colchesterzoo.org Colchester Zoo

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 6

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Sustainability

Kevin Jones, Sainsbury’s Stanway store Manager, ry’s is talks about some of the work Sainsbu bility plan: aina sust ate undertaking around its corpor

Animal health & welfare

Our meat, poultry, eggs and dairy products are sourced from suppliers who adhere to independently verified higher animal health and welfare outcomes.

Animal welfare is important for the animal and better management and care of livestock can improve productivity and food quality. As global demand for meat consumption is set to grow well beyond 2020, it’s important we work towards higher standards for the future.

Sticky peanut butter chicken Add crunchy peanut butter to your usual weekday

We stock RSPCA Assured (formerly chicken for a totally delicious twist!

Freedom Food labelled) products, and have already been awarded Freedom Food’s • Ready in 28 minutes Nutritional Details Best Retailer award for our contribution • Cooking time 18 minutes Each serving provides: to farm animal welfare. Our Agricultural • Prep time 10 minutes Energy 2278kj 544kcal 27% Development Groups are integral to our • Serves 4 Fat 22.6g 32% monitoring of animal welfare going forward.

Saturates 4.5g 23%

Ingredients

Packaging

role in helping Great packaging plays an important to our customers. us deliver the best quality products and associated Packaging can reduce product damage shelf-life. waste as well as enhance freshness and uding reducing We’re always looking at packaging, incl 35cl bottles now our own-brand packaging; some of our core has reduced in use 35% less glass and our toilet roll means more now fit size resulting in less cardboard. This rtation, and saving in the lorries, using less fuel in transpo onwide! over 400 lorry journeys per year nati

• 75 g crunchy natural peanut butter • 40 g shredless marmalade • Juice of 1 orange • Juice of half a lime • 50 ml light soy sauce • 1 tbsp honey • 15 g ginger root, peeled and grated • 4 x chicken thighs • 1 tbsp vegetable oil • 225 g basmati rice • 4 spring onions, finely sliced • 1 tsp sesame seeds

1

Sugars 13.5g 15% Salt 1.8g 30%

Pre-heat the oven to 200°C, 180°C, gas 6. Whisk together the peanut butter and marmalade with 125 ml hot, but not boiling, water until smooth. Add the orange and lime juice, soy sauce, honey and ginger and whisk to combine.

the 4 chicken thighs. Heat the oil in a medium frying 2 Season pan over a medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for

3mins until slightly crispy and golden brown. Turnover and sear for a further 2mins. Transfer the chicken to an ovenproof dish. Add the sauce to the frying pan and simmer on low for 30secs, scraping the bottom of the pan.

In-store bakery

Checkout the new range of hand moulded Artisan Breads, recently introduced in our in-store bakery.

As with so many things, the key to a great loaf is patience. A longer fermentation process DID YOU is used for our Artisan range for a much KNOW? Artisan bread more robust flavour and texture.

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is easier to digest!

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Pour the sauce over the chicken, turning them in the sauce, then transfer to the oven. Bake for 10 - 12 minutes or until the chicken is completely cooked through and the sauce has thickened but is still pourable.

4 Whilst the chicken cooks, make the rice according to packet instructions. Serve in a bowl alongside the chicken and then sprinkle the chicken with spring onions and sesame seeds.

Pick up your copy of the Colchester Zoo magazine for offer details.

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CLOWN FISH

and d Weir derfu n l o !

W

Amphiprion ocellaris

Our clown fish are in the marine tanks at Orangutan Forest.

These much loved fish have a trick up their sleeves if the group leader dies; they can change gender! They live in groups that have one dominant female among several males.

If the female dies, the most dominant male can change into a female and become the boss!

These amazing little fish use a well-aimed mouthful of water to dislodge unsuspecting bugs from branches above the water’s surface.

They can even account for the light refraction through the water to get a juicy insect. Their special spitting powers are accurate up to a metre away from the surface of the water.

ARCHERFISH T

Toxotes

Our archer fish can be seen in Orangutan Forest and Wilds of Asia.

TAILLESS WH

Damon varie

IP SCORPION

gatus

Our tailless whip scorpion can be seen in the Discovery Centre.

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Although related to scorpions and spiders, these unusual arachnids lack venom and are completely harmless. Tailess whip scorpions are sometimes called vinegaroons. This is due to their amazing ability to be able to shoot vinegar like acid from their rear end to deter predators.

OXOTIDAE

MACLEAY’S STICK INSECT

tum

Extatosoma tiara

Our MacLeay’s stick insects can be seen in the Discovery Centre.

These Australian and South East Asian insects have very special eggs that are covered in a substance that is tasty to ants.

After eating the outer parts, the still-intact egg is left on a waste pile. When the little stick insects hatch out, they mimic the behaviour of the ants for a while until they are big enough not to require the protection of the colony.

Pick up your copy of the Colchester Zoo magazine for offer details.

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE ZOO • NEWS FROM AROUND THE ZOO

Rajang helps with one couple’s happily ever after...

In July 2015 a video of our orangutan Rajang interacting with expectant mother Maisie’s baby bump was shared online. Filmed by her partner Jamie the clip went viral and even appeared on television in America!

A few months on and new parents Maisie and Jamie arrived at Colchester Zoo with their new born son Charlie to take part in a Perfect Partners experience with Rajang himself! As well as getting to meet the star of their video, Jamie also used the moment to pop the special question! With the help of staff here at the zoo he was able to surprise Maisie and, of course, she said YES!

Young Pygmy hippopotamus, Zuli, moves to south Korea!

On 15th October, our young female pygmy hippo, Zuli, left to become part of a breeding pair at Seoul Zoo in South Korea.

Zuli was born to mum Venus and dad Freddie in 2012 and at 3 years old was ready to leave her parents to start her own family. Not only did Zuli travel across the globe, but so did our keeper, Angela Matthews, to help her settle in.

Speaking of the transfer, Angela said, “After arriving, Zuli came out of her box fairly quickly and began to explore her new home. When the keepers arrived the next day she was able to take advantage of her new pool and took a swim, proving she was already very relaxed!”

Arsenal player, Aaron Ramsey, shows a red card to poachers!

In February, Aaron visited us as part of the ‘Footballers Lives’ series looking into the interests of players outside of the game.

As a keen conservationist Aaron stopped by to meet some of our keepers and more importantly, some of our animals. He was able to get up close to some of the most endangered species in the world and learn all about them and their fight against poaching, deforestation and other threats they face in the wild. Aaron then shared a series of videos online to help spread the word about conservation and raise awareness.

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NEWS FROM AROUND THE ZOO • NEWS FROM AROUND THE ZOO

meet Dougal and Drew!

On the 24th October 2015 we welcomed the arrival of two male donkeys, Dougal and Drew!

Both Dougal and Drew are nearly 2 years old and were born just a few weeks apart in the summer of 2014. They have spent the last few months settling into their new environment but have more recently been spending some of their time down at the stables on our farm section meeting some of our visitors!

Please note our two donkeys are not viewable at all times.

Sammy the Fennec Fox becomes a new resident!

Arriving on 13th January, Sammy moved into her new home in a neighbouring enclosure to our male Fennec fox, Sudan.

As Sammy continues to settle in she will spend most of her time separate to Sudan but they have already had some brief, successful meetings. It is hoped they will be able to live happily together very soon. You can see Sammy in her enclosure next to ‘Lion Rock’! Visit our website for more updates on Sammy and Sudan!

New Updates!

Komodo Dragon, Curu, continues to grow!

Young male Curu was our first success in hatching Komodo dragons here at Colchester Zoo back in 2013.

Since then he has continued to grow in size and therefore has recently moved into a larger enclosure at our ‘Dragons of Komodo’ exhibit. His new home, opposite our wild dogs, is the very area he started out in as an egg and we’re sure he will be very happy exploring his new home.

Pygmy goat kids venture outside!

Our hand reared goat kids Patch and Dill have begun to mix with the rest of the herd!

See if you can spot them at ‘Colenso Village’!

Please note our two donkeys are not viewable at all times.

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VISIT MORE THAN TWICE SS AND A ZOO PA ALMOST PAYS FOR ITSELF!

JOIN OU R FAMILY OF OVE R

70,000 VALUED

PASSHO ZOO LDERS

SAVE!

...and become the owner of one of the greatest value Zoo Passes around!

ON! BUY A ZOO PASS INSTEAD OF ADMISSI PASSHOLDERS ENJOY • As many visits to Colchester Zoo as you like until your Zoo Pass expires (except Christmas Day).

• 10% discount in our zoo gift shops on selected items.

• 5% discount at Penguini’s Pizza & Pasta, The Southern Kitchen, Playa Patagonia Coffee Shop, The Patisserie, Wrap Bar, The Sausage Hut, Chip Shop, Naughty & Nice, and Meerkat Hangout.

• 20% discount off Animal Experiences for Zoo Passholders.

• Special offer when booking a birthday party if the birthday child and host are Zoo Passholders.

• Exclusive Zoo Passholder events.

• Regular E-letter updates with exclusive special offers.

• Entrance to selected major zoos free of charge. © David Marsay

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*Further terms and conditions apply.

Colchester Zoo

MAGAZINE • ISSUE 6

For more information: 01206 331292 www.colchesterzoo.org enquiries@colchesterzoo.org

Pick up your copy of the Colchester Zoo magazine for offer details.

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NEW Chimpanzee Lookout’s entrance and inside area is now complete!

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Chimpanzee Lookout’s new entrance takes you along a winding path surrounded by tropical plants.

This continues into the new larger and brighter entrance foyer!

As you walk into the main indoor area, you will be able to learn about each of our individual chimps and their characteristics, whilst seeing them enjoy their day quarters! You will also be able to learn all about their behaviour in the wild and check out our living wall corridor.

Meanwhile work on the outdoor area for our chimps continues with the roof mesh beginning to go up and the foundations for a heated outdoor cave now complete.

Work also continues to update our slender snouted crocodile enclosure which will be visible from inside Chimpanzee Lookout. The addition of a new off show building for the crocodiles is almost complete and the rock work on the extended viewing area is well underway as the pool is extended.

If you would like to support the development of Chimpanzee Lookout you can do so by purchasing one of our chimp hand prints for only £50 which will be displayed in the new enclosure!

To find out more visit

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www.colchesterzoo.org

e h t r e t f a g n i k o o L himpanzees c

We asked our primate keeper, Laura, a few questions to get to know our chimps better...

What is your favourite thing about working with chimpanzees?

My favourite thing is taking part in training sessions and watching the chimps interact with fun enrichment toys, which we make for them. It is amazing to see them work out tasks, especially when they make their own tools. In the wild, they would use sticks to ‘fish’ for termites so we have our own termite tubes in the rockwork of their indoor enclosure to mimick this. I love seeing them gather pieces of bamboo, strip off all the leaves and use the sticks to dip in the tubes to collect the treats we put inside, such as honey.

What sort of training do you do with the chimps?

We train the chimps to present different parts of their body for inspection. As we do not have any physical contact with the chimpanzees, it allows us to check parts of their body, such as the base of their feet and the inside of their mouth, for any injuries and provide treatment as necessary.

As chimpanzees are highly intelligent, the training sessions, which occur a minimum of three times a week, provide the chimps with mental stimulation and also build a positive relationship between the keeper and chimpanzee.

What level of contact do you have with the chimpanzees?

We do not have any physical contact with the chimps.

You may have a favourite chimp, but do they have a favourite keeper?

The chimps generally get excited to see any of their keepers, especially if we are bringing them their dinner!

How do the different generations of this chimp family interact?

There are strong bonds between certain members of the troop. Billy-Jo, the great grandmother of the family, and her daughter, Kora, have a very close relationship - they still share a nest at night when they go to sleep. Tombe, the dominant male, plays an important role in protecting the troop but can also be seen playing with the younger chimpanzees.

The chimpanzees can often be seen in one area of the enclosure grooming one another, an important way of building and strengthening bonds between individuals.

What are you most looking forward to seeing when the development of ‘Chimpanzee Lookout’ is complete?

I am looking forward to seeing the chimpanzees using the tall climbing structures. This will provide them with a fantastic view across the zoo and beyond.

Who has the biggest character out of all the chimps you care for?

Tumba, our chocolate chimpanzee, definitely has the biggest character. He is the cheekiest member of the troop and likes to play-fight with his little sister, Talia. He loves joining in with the training sessions and enjoys interacting with new enrichment toys we make him.

If you could ask one of our chimpanzees one question and get an answer what would it be?

Who is their favourite keeper and why? © Natasha Jefferies

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NEWS FROM UMPHAFA PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE • NEWS FROM UMPHAFA

2015 HIGHLIGHTS

The internship scheme continues to develop with

20 interns

ACTION FOR THE WILD donated

visiting the reserve in 2015 staying for a total of

£400,000

26 months

to ensure the continued running of the reserve.

Action for the Wild has completed the purchase of a middle farm

Mount Sully

which is now in the process of being opened up to enable the animals to roam throughout the reserve’s entire 6,000 hectares.

In 2016, we will continue our work to promote and protect the wildlife populations on UmPhafa and look forward to some exciting developments within our

Internship

programme; we’ll see the first college to undertake a group booking on the reserve!

DID YOU KNOW? The UmPhafa Reserve is named after the buffalo thorn or UmPhafa tree which can be found throughout the reserve.

Game count by helicopter!

2015’s game count was a little different to usual as we conducted the count by helicopter!

This enabled us to get a more reliable overview of the species on the reserve.

Numbers of waterbuck and blesbok are particularly healthy, and the aerial game count provides a more reliable indicator of numbers for more elusive antelope species, such as the kudu.

With the added purchase of Mount Sully, game species including the blue wildebeest were included in the count, which explains why the numbers of this species have increased so much!

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They’ll be arriving in June to help us research and further our understanding of the flora and fauna on the reserve.

2015 AERIAL GAME COUNT FIGURES OF VISIBLE SPECIES 7 White Rhino 25 Giraffe 42 Red Hartebeest 171 Impala 157 Blesbok 24 Common Reedbuck 15 Mountain Reedbuck 211 Zebra 71 Waterbuck

20 328 17 75 159 14 6 3

Find out more about how Colchester Zoo’s UmPhafa Reserve assists conservation and how you can help by visiting www.umphafa.org

Nyala Kudu Duiker Warthog Blue Wildebeest Eland Osrich Steenbok

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NEWS FROM UMPHAFA PRIVATE NATURE RESERVE • NEWS FROM UMPHAFA

UmPhafa News

Colchester Zoo’s UmPhafa Reserve welc omes the rain and some new arrivals!

As 2016 began, our UmPhafa Reserve finally saw some much needed rain and now has a veld that is looking lush and green.

It is a huge relief to everyone after a year which has brought unimaginable fires and extensive dam age to the land.

Lambing season for the year also bro ught some success!

As expected, the zebras, red hartebe est, blesboks and impalas all welcomed young with som e giraffe calves also arriving later in the season! The team have been keeping a very close eye on them as they con tinue to grow healthy and strong.

VESTGUARD UK HELP UMPHAFA STAFF WITH THE FIGHT AGAINST POACHING! Security incidents are on the increase in South Africa, with the poachers carrying firearms, so it is important that we equip our reserve’s first responders with the necessary protective equipment.

Being aware of the work that we do in South Africa and our charity, Action for the Wild, Vestguard UK kindly supplied our team with four sets of their top of the range bullet proof vests and combat helmets, thereby offering us the highest level of ballistic personal protection.

This donation was a fantastic gesture, amounting to the value of £4,000, and we would like to extend a big thank you to Vestguard UK for their support.

Internships

2016

The year for an ADVENTURE!

tion or Whether you’re starting a career in conserva nships inter ty, rtuni oppo t emen retir ing looking for a thrill s take it on UmPhafa are open to everyone. See what ts coun to manage a reserve, from helping with game e provides to repairing fences! The original farm hous are often ings a comfortable stay for interns where even barbecue, an Afric spent around a braai, a traditional South . area and weekends include exploring the local

“UmPhafa truly is a special place. I made friends for life, both animals and human, learnt vital conservation skills and have memories that will last a lifetime. I hope to go back some day...

Now stop reading this and just sign up!”

- Toby Reeve, Intern Dec 2015

RN BECOMING AN INTE on internships For a full information pack erve at Colchester Zoo’s UmPhafa Res . site check out the UmPhafa web

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ww w.umphafa .org

Thank you!

Pick up your copy of the Colchester Zoo magazine for offer details.

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WINa !family holiday e m i t e f i l a of

to with

!

EXPERIENCE lus h ra inforest ju ng les sce nic riv ers st un ni ng mo un ta in vista s & e n c o u n te r o ra n g u ta n s & su n b e a rs!

WILDLIFE & BEACH ADVENTURE

VISIT w w w.colchesterz oo.org and ENTER for yo ur chance to WIN a 9 DAY HO

LIDAY

to BORNEO for a

FAMILY OF 4

including flights from

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MAGAZINE • ISSUE 6

London!

AND

A Premium Animal Adoption

Be in wit h a cha nce

every month of win ning ...

Of one of the apes at

A £50 Gift Voucher For

An Animal Experience

re

A Treetop Junior Adventu

At including close co ntact with many species PLUS behi nd-the-scenes access with your own tour guide!

Junior Adventure GO APE Tree Top children! for 2 adults & 2

Benton Hall Family Weekend Pass Access to enjoy all the facilities including gym, classes, pool & 9-hole golf course.

Terms and conditions apply.

During 2016, Colchester Zoo is raising awareness of our conservation work for chimpanzees and orangutans in celebration of the opening of ‘Chimpanzee Lookout!’

op e n in g of to ce le b ra te th e e Lo ok ou t! th e n e w C h im pa n ze

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FOOD FABZOOLOUS FOOD!

BREAKFAST

AFTERNOON TEA

LUNCH

SNACKS

We have a number of delicious food options available to help you on your adventures!

We cater for all tastes and dietary requirements, including gluten free, dairy free and vegetarian options.

New restaurant!

y and treat yourself Start your day the right wa or a lighter option at to a full English breakfast

pizza and pasta as well as a With family favourites such as iches, salads, desserts, cakes and selection of freshly made sandw all! self service restaurant has it other light snacks, Penguini’s

Ice Cream

iety A large var ms and of ice crea ated from sorbets cre atural, the best, n dients! local ingre

thies, Serving a range of smoo warm specialist ice creams and olate, oc ch t brownies, luxury ho e. ffe and bean to cup co

Traditional, locally sourced sausages served in a brioche roll with a range of delicious chutneys.

The Southern Kitchen offers a range of tasty succulent chicken and burger meals.

Colchester Zoo

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Delicious tastes of summer are on offer with a range of burgers and a selection of cold drinks.

Indulge in a range of tasty treats including savouries and cakes as well as a premium coffee menu and hot drinks.

Offering freshly made ch icken wraps with various filling s and plenty of salad options.

* Some catering outlets are seasonal and will be closed on quieter days.

Please check at Guest Services for details on the day of your visit.

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Visit The Patisserie for a table service experience, with tasty breakfasts including salmon bagels and croissants with jam. The Patisserie also offers a selection of light lunches, sharing platters, cream teas, indulgent cakes, and luxury hot drinks. It’s a great place to relax before exploring the lower half of the zoo.

Chips ‘n

’ Dip Tasty chips w ith your choic e of dip, plus d elicious chee sy chilli bites.

That’s not all!

The Meerkat Hangout, The Waterhole, Kingdom of the Wild Food Stop, Safari Snack Shop and Tiger Taiga Food Store all offer a choice of tasty refreshments from sandwiches to cakes, crisps, fruit, and thirst-quenching drinks.

ET AY BUFFET SUNDAY lt:: £10.95 ult Ad Adu ren: £4.95 Children ears)) yyears (Under 12

u like ou h as yyo ucch mu att as m EEa .30pm 10 o to t on no m 12 om fro fr

Fresh ingredients, excellent tastes and wonderful aromas make up our authentic Indian cooking, all served in a modern and comfortable environment. We look forward to welcoming you soon.

01206 215 788 / 215 789 inf o@jhaal.co.uk info@jhaal.co.uk 101 LLondon ondon R oad, M arks TTey, ey, C olchester, C O6 1EB Road, Marks Colchester, CO6

Open M onday - Sunda y: Monday Sunday: 11.30am-2.30pm / 5pm-11pm Closed FFriday riday LLunch unch

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N A T U G N ORA VS C H I M P A NZ E E Orangutans are Asia’s only great ape.

Solitary Adult males lead mostly solitary lives (except when consorting with females).

Females generally associate with their young.

Arboreal living Orangutans rarely descend to the ground; when they do, they usually walk on all fours.

Mother and young Females only give birth every seven to nine years.

COLOUR ME IN!

Orangutans eat a more herbivorous diet.

Although they are primarily herbivorous and love jungle fruits, orangutans have been observed in the wild catching and eating Slow loris primates .

Chimpanzees come from Africa

Social Chimpanzees are the most social of all the apes and live in communities of between 15 and 120 individuals.

Ground travelling Chimpanzees travel mostly on the ground by knuckle walking.

Mother and young Females give birth every four to five years.

Chimpanzees eat a more omnivorous diet.

Chimpanzee males in the wild hunt together for meat. Their diet is mainly fruits with regular amounts of insects, as well as birds and small mammals.

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COLOUR ME IN!

© David Marsay

WE HOW MANY GENES DO FLY SHARE WITH A FRUIT! OR A BANANA? All animals, plants, and fungi share an ancestor that lived about 1.6 billion years ago. Every lineage that descended from this common ancestry retains parts of its original genome.

However, the genes we still share, we use differently.

97%

We share the most genes with chimpanzees!

98%

Chimpanzees

Humans share:

Orangutans

We have shared most of our evolutionary journey with these great apes, so it’s not surprising we share more genes with them.

50% Banana

26%

60%

Fruit fly Studies of fruit flies have shown how shared genes govern the growth and structure of both insects and mammals.

Yeast We still share housekeeping genes with plants and even single-celled organisms such as yeast.

© Scott Davey

Opposable digits Apes have a thumb that is able to touch all of their fingers and grasp objects, a handy characteristic if you climb trees.

Humans are the only ape not to have opposable digits on their feet as well as hands. Can you imagine how fun life would be if we had feet and toes like our ape cousins!

Nimble teeth, lips and tongues We humans are pretty good at using our mouth parts to eat.

Our ape relatives take things to the extreme though. They can break into a peanut shell with their lips, and use their teeth and tongue to de-skin a nut and swallow it down, all without using their hands at all!

100%

Other humans Even though humans share 100% of the same genes, the instructions contained within the genes are not entirely identical. Each person is unique.

92%

Mouse All mammals are quite similar genetically.

Intelligence and emotion Ok, so we humans are pretty smart and are capable of doing some amazing things, but apes have shown us that they too are capable of some pretty amazing things! Male gorillas, once thought of as fierce and brutish, are in fact gentle and caring. They can often be found relaxing with infants, engaging them in rough and tumble play. Wild orangutan have also been recorded picking locks to get to human food stores and houses to pinch some fruit!

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memories to last a lifetime!

NEW Wild Encounters for Two!

Amazing close up animal experiences, a delicious two course meal and the chance to adopt your favourite animal at Colchester Zoo! Half day package also includes:

• 2 year adoption with a plaque of the animal of your choice, plus 2 free entry tickets.

• Hot or cold drinks and pastries on arrival.

• Souvenir gift packs.

• Entry to the zoo for the whole day.

• A third person can be added at an additional cost.

The EXTRA-ordinary Experience Be VIPs for the day with some of the finest and most intimate close up animal experiences.

Additional guests can be accommodated at an extra cost.

Maximum group of 10 guests.

Team Building Activities to choose from:

Great for a corporate away day, a hen party with a difference or just simply treating the kids!

Be it a work team or a group of friends or family, this experience gets you motivated and strengthens relationships!

• Animal Detective Squad - Work together to solve a beastly murder mystery • Creations for Creatures - Race to design and build a device to test an animal’s skills • Treasure Quest - Work together to solve riddles, face challenges, and seek out the ‘Lost Tracker’s’ treasure!

• Animal Training and Communication Learn the secrets and take the animal training challenge!

For more information: 01206 331292 www.colchesterzoo.org experiences@colchesterzoo.org

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Full or half day package includes: • Complimentary entry for the whole day.

• Breakfast.

• Morning and afternoon activities.

• Feeding of elephants, giraffes and penguins.

• Pizza/pasta buffet lunch.

• Award ceremony and individual souvenir bags.

• Team photograph.

• Afternoon refreshments.

Full day package is for up to 5 guests and includes: • Priority complimentary entry for the whole day.

• Experienced host.

• Breakfast.

• Exclusive access behind the scenes for the day.

• Close contact sessions with a host of different animals!

• Two course table service lunch at Penguini’s pizza and pasta restaurant in your own private room.

• Souvenir gift bags.

• Afternoon refreshments.

• Reserved parking.

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© Barbara

Help our wild WORLD!

Meyer

Adopt your favourite animal at Colchester Zoo!

Do you share a name with one of our animals or perhaps they remind you a little of someone you know? Or maybe mark a special occasion in a unique way?

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

An adoption helps contribute to their care and assists our charity,

To find out more Call 01206 331292 ext. 232/237 Or visit www.colchesterzoo.org © Scott Davey

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© Debbie Pavier

at We offer a choice of four birthday packages designed to suit a range of ages.

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

r fo L A IM N A Y T R A P Be a y! e n o m r fo e lu a v g in outstand Tedd y Be ar s’ Picnic

2 - 6 yrs, up to 10 children hunt by the Sun bear Join your part y host on a treasure about these adorable all ing enclosure and then, after learn bear friend! Plus a fun able hugg own very animals, create your picnic and a visit from and interactive stor y time, a part y the zoo mascot, Sonny Bear!

Party with Puddles 6 - 9 yrs, up to 10 children

Par ty Jungle Tumble Play

en All ages, up to 15 childr fantastic ool par ty! Fun, food and Per fect for an after sch ty package par luded in this brilliant animals. They are all inc gle Tumble Jun the of exclusive use that offers your children al, a visit me le sty nic pic a x. With indoor sof t play comple animal up azing, hands on, close from a zoo mascot, an am and st ho ty es led by your par experience, fun and gam rything! child, this par ty has eve ry eve for a souvenir gift le.

2 hour time slots availab Please check website for .

4pm m fro s take place NB . Jungle Tumble par tie

After kicking off with party games, including pass the egg and fishy facts, the party will meet the penguins themselves! The party will then enjoy a penguin themed craft activity followed by a picnic and a visit from zoo mascot, Puddles the Penguin!

Nature Detect ive Squa d

9 - 14 yrs, up to 10 children

This part y is perfect for inquisitive young minds, as the part y is challenged to solve a beastly crim e. Enrolled into the Nature Detective Squad, with a CSI gift for ever y child, the part y will be briefed on a crime, examine evid ence, perform forensic tests and visit suspects, who are all anim als! This unique part y package includes the chance to meet the peng uins!

All packages include:

· Complimentary entry for the whole day for up to 10 children.

(Additional children can be booked at a discounted rate)

· 2 hour party with host. · Lunch box for each child - sandwich, savoury snack, a piece of fruit, a sweet treat and a drink. · A present for each child. · Special gift for the Birthday child. · Invitations.

For more information: · Two adults per 10 children are admitted 01206 331292 ext. 232 / 237 free of charge. www.colchesterzoo.org · Additional persons attending, but not participating qualify for group rate entry. experiences@colchesterzoo.org

(Age restrictions are recommendations only)

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ACTION FOR THE WILD NEWS • ACTION FOR THE WILD NEWS

Giving animals a helping hand!

Colchester Zoo works hand in hand with its charity, Action for the Wild, to give animals a hand in the wild and at the zoo. Every visit you make to Colchester Zoo contributes to this conservation work. We’ve already donated over £1,500,000 to various projects but there is so much more to do.

VulPro monitors 60% of the world's population of cape vultures.

© VulPro

THEIR FUTURE IS IN OUR HANDS!

VulPro

is the only organisation in South Africa undertaking concise and continuous monitoring of cape vulture colonies.

In 2015, Action for the Wild donated £1,000 to help towards vulture monitoring expenses with several cape vultures monitored as part of the annual population assessment. 1983 pairs were recorded.

Centre de Rehabilitation des Primates de Lwiro

The Centre de Rehabilitation des Primates de Lwiro (CRPL) works to care for and rehabilitate orphaned primates.

In 2015, Action for the Wild provided a donation of £4,999, which provided fresh fruit and vegetables for the 132 primates for a period of 11 weeks and medicines for their health care. By assisting with the running costs of the CRPL, they can continue to receive confiscated animals and protect these primates from poaching and the pet trade.

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Free the Bears

Free the Bears offer a safe sanctuary for bears rescued from the illegal wildlife trade with over 180 bears in Cambodia alone rescued to date.

In 2015, Action for the Wild donated £3,842.03 to Free the Bears to help complete a brand new, state-of-the-art facility for the nursery group of bears, which features spacious enclosures, night dens and research facilities.

ACTION FOR THE WILD NEWS • ACTION FOR THE WILD NEWS You can help too with a donation to Action for the Wild. Every little helps and gives hope to a number of endangered species around the world. Visit www.actionforthewild.org

Elephant Orphanage Project

The Elephant Orphanage Project (EOP) is working to rescue, rehabilitate and release orphaned elephants as a direct result of poaching. In 2015, Action for the Wild donated £5,000 to help provide food and medical treatment for the orphans.

By the end of 2015, five of the orphans at the Kafue Release Facility were undergoing the release phase, spending time away from the keepers and younger orphans roaming in Kafue National Park and working towards their freedom.

© Elephant Orphanage Project

Orangutan Appeal UK

Orangutan Appeal UK’s research into post release orangutan behaviour hopes to continue until 2018.

The Tabin Post Release Monitoring Project (PRMP) evaluates reintroduction outcomes to establish why some orangutans struggle more than others to adapt to the wild post release.

In 2015 Action for the Wild donated £5,000.

© Punta San Juan

Punta San Juan Penguin Census Count Approximately half of the entire Peruvian Humboldt penguin population calls Punta San Juan home. Comprehensive census counts and health assessments are vital to ensure the long term future for this species.

In 2015, Action for the Wild donated £1,525 to help towards the census counts and health assessments of these birds along the entire Peruvian coast.

20,738 Humboldt penguins were counted during visits to 45 island and coastal sites.

During the year, four female and one male released orphans were followed to record their behaviour.

All five orangutans can be considered fully independent and successfully rehabilitated, with all four females having given birth since their release, two of which in 2015!

Fisher’s Estuarine Moth Breeding Programme The Fisher’s Estuarine Moth is a rare and highly threatened species.

Colchester Zoo and Action for the Wild donate technical assistance to support this programme via an off show area for captive breeding of this species.

© Micky Andrews

Throughout 2015, 11 moths emerged to produce eight pairings. These pairings produced 14 batches of eggs, some of which will continue the captive breeding programme into 2016. Others will be released into newly-created habitat sites around Essex to ensure the long-term survival of this species.

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Bringing learning to life!

F ree r e s o u rc e s

Colchester Zoo’s education team can offer a wide range of free resources and talks for schools as well as providing engaging and exciting opportunities for learning around the zoo. This year, they have created some new sessions to reflect changes in the school curriculum, plus learning opportunities to tie in with our GOING APE FOR CONSERVATION campaign.

KS2: Students become Victorian naturalists in our ‘Darwin Explorers’ session.

They will collect bugs and use identification charts to discover the wonders of nature.

OR ‘Amazing Apes’ will see students explore the world of primates through their senses.

KS3 and 4: ‘Primates and Us’ explores why these animals are so important to us and what we can all do to help them in the wild.

Animal Care Modules: Our new package gives FE students an hour’s learning, exploring topics like health, diet and training.

They will also spend some time with keepers, quiz them about their work and get a little closer to the animals.

For more information, contact the Education team at www.colchesterzoo.org and click on the education tab or email education@colchesterzoo.org

d Discounotle s cho rates

OVER

40,000 s c h o ol

c hi l dr e n

visited in 2015!

Z I U Q E P A G GOI N 1

Stop by the pileated gibbon enclosure Wilds of Asia and see if you can find the answer to this question!

nd the zoo see if As you walk arou n e blanks and lear th in ll fi n ca u yo GREAT APES more about the o! at Colchester Zo

What type of habitat does a gibbon live in?

M_____n and tropical evergreen forests

2 30

Check out the newly developed Chimpanzee and see if you can complete the name below!

What is the scientific name for chimpanzee?

P_n tro______es

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Lookout

3

Visit Orangutan Forest and meet Rajang and Tiga! Can you fill in the blanks and find the answer to this question?

What helps orangutans to move through the trees quickly and easily?

Their long ____ and large _____

vey

tt Da

© Sco

CONSERVATION AT HOME

Make a nesting material dispenser for wild birds!

During the nest building phase many birds are at their most vulnerable as they spend an extra amount of time on the ground looking for moss and other nesting material.

You will need:

piece • Scissors, marker pen, 2p bottle • 1 plastic drink or milk • Bamboo BBQ skewers • String • Moss, cotton wool, hay and shredded paper

PLE A S E MAKE S U RE YOUN G CH ILDRE ARE S N U PERV ISED AT AL L TIM ES

TOP TIP!

Try making slits instead of circles in your dispenser for the birds to pull the nesting material through.

Providing a hanging nest material dispenser is an easy way to offer birds the opportunity to gather nesting materials at a safer height.

How to make it:

Step 1

Mark out a number of circles randomly over the surface of the bottle using a marker pen.

CAREFULLY cut out each of the circles using the marker pen lines as a guide.

Step 2

Use the pointed end of the scissors to CAREFULLY make a number of holes under some of the holes for the perches.

Step 3

Fill the bottle with your chosen nesting material. This could be moss, hay, pet fur, wool, shredded paper and any other soft material.

Step 5

Using the string, tie a loop around the top of the bottle and hang your new nesting material dispenser.

Step 4

Push the bamboo BBQ skewers right through the bottle using the smaller holes you created.

#wendyswednesdays Tips for conservation at home and around your garden!

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GET CLOSER! Full day package includes:

• Time spent behind the scenes (11:00 - 15:45) with the animals and their keepers • A voucher for your lunch • A souvenir pack to remember your special day • Access to the zoo before and after your experience.

Three amazing hands on experience days to choose from!

Keeper for the day

Open to guests 14 yrs and over. Anyone under the age of 18 yrs must be accompanied by an adult over 18 yrs who is also fully taking part in the experience.

Keeper Shadowing 30 minute package includes:

PLUS, discount for a second person to take part in the experience with you!

• Complimentary entry for the whole day • Close up 30 minute experience with your chosen animal and their keeper • Meal voucher • Souvenir pack • A second person can be added at an additional cost * Minimum age limits apply, please check website for details

Perfect Partners

30 minute package includes: • A close up experience for two with your chosen species • Table service, two course meal at Penguini’s with your choice of drink to accompany your meal • Bouquet of flowers • Souvenir photograph of yourselves on the experience • Souvenir pack

Have you found the ‘Perfect Partner’?

Choose from aardvark, Amur tiger, giant tortoise, giraffe, hawk & owl, hyena, Komodo dragon, sloth, lemur, lion, mandrill monkey, meerkat, orangutan, penguin and rhino.

Zoo Academy This experience is perfect for any child who one day dreams of working with animals, to enjoy a ‘hands on’ lesson with expert tuition from our keepers!

For more information:

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

Zoo Cadet

Age 10 - 13yrs Morning experience 10:00 - 12:00

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

© David Marsay

01206 331292 www.colchesterzoo.org experiences@colchesterzoo.org

Fledgling Keeper

Shopping at the Zoo

is! e h t e r e h w is ith Home your home w

g new to Add somethin With unique of cushions! e g n ra ly ve s and our lo matching bag s, n g si e d l a anim ic range is is a fantast s, tea towels th ngside candle to collect alo r ucts and othe pamper prod gift items.

Accesorise your home with our beautiful nature-inspired cushions

FREE

New lines at the acacia shop!

parking and entry to shops!

... why not get the matching bag!

Make someone feel special with a pampering gift basket

Fill your home with fragrance with our range of Yankee & Woodwick candles

Mementoes of a great day!

If you’re looking for the perfect souvenir to remember your day out at Colchester Zoo then why not pop into our Ark Shop! With our huge range of plush teddies, keyrings, puzzles and more, there’s something for everyone!

Snuggle up with a cuddly zoo friend!

Gift vouchers

We have a wide range of zoo branded gifts!

Find out more about the experiences we offer on page 22

You can also visit our online shop for a variety of gift vouchers so your loved one can take a trip to Colchester Zoo or even take part in one of our animal experiences!

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Zoo Events Tue 22 March Sun 10 April 2016

Fri 27 May 2016

Primate photography workshop 12:00 - 16:00 Suitable for any experience level (any age group) Price: £95

Enjoy a family day out at Colchester Zoo this Easter!

Photography for beginners 10:00 - 17:00 Suitable for beginner's level Price: £145

For more information and to book a photography course, please visit www.photography4bigcats.co.uk Terms and conditions apply to all photography course bookings

Sat 18 June 2016

Sat 09 July 2016

Special Senses Day

Wake up with Colchester Zoo

from 09:30

We are inviting our valued gold and platinum passholders to see the zoo in a different light on the 9th July 2016.

Doors will open up early, from 7:30am, exclusively to our valid passholders with a number of special early morning feeds and demonstrations!

© Barbara Meyer

With special guests, all major feeds and shows BSL interpreted, inclusive stories for all, animal handling opportunities, sensory activities, information stalls and close encounter sessions for the registered disabled, this truly is an event that everyone can enjoy!

Get your annual pass now to have the opportunity to enjoy this truly exclusive event!

Sat 23 JulyWed 31 August 2016 Summer holidays at Colchester Zoo! Enjoy your summer with Colchester Zoo as we ‘go ape’ for conservation!

Join us throughout the summer holidays for some fantastic activities which will be great fun for all the family!

© David Marsay

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© David Marsay

Plan your day around an array of daily displays and encounters to learn more about the animals at the zoo!

Everyday throughout the holidays we’ll also have a variety of activities taking place!

Fri 13 May 2016

For the full year of events visit the website!

01206 331292 www.colchesterzoo.org enquiries@colchesterzoo.org

FOR MORE INFO ON COLCHESTER ZOO’S EVENTS & E-TICKET SAVINGS!

Pick up your copy of the Colchester Zoo magazine for offer details.

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