COLCHESTER Zoo has finally reopened after three months closed due to coronavirus.

And with excitement building amongst residents of north Essex we couldn't think of a better time to look back on some of our favourite photos from our archive.

There are far too many for one gallery, but we've chosen a few of the best.

The zoo is one of the most beloved attractions in Essex and draws visitors from all over the country.

It is home to hundreds of animals, including some rare and endangered species.

The zoo's work on conservation, through its charity Action for the Wild, is also so worthwhile.

We're delighted the zoo is able to reopen and although the next few months could be difficult, we're confident the residents of Colchester will continue to support it through the crisis.

The experience at the zoo is set to be slightly different after reopening with new safety and hygiene measures to comply with.

Some enclosures may also be closed, or at least access restricted, for the time being.

But there's still plenty of reason to go along, not least the adorable lockdown arrivals - such as the cheetah cubs. 

Here are the new rules at the zoo:

  • In the interests of keeping staff and visitors safe, only a limited number of people will be allowed to visit the attraction at one time to make social distancing easier.
  • Online bookings must be made in advance, even for passholders, and a time of entry must be booked for the day of the visit.
  • A number of new hand sanitiser stations have been set up throughout the facility, and guests are encouraged to use these as regularly as possible.
  • A socially distanced route around the zoo’s enclosures has been designed to keep people apart as much as possible and will be signposted for visitors.
  • No keeper talks will take place for the foreseeable future, until Government restrictions change.
  • Several areas inside the zoo will also be closed to the public over the coming weeks.
  • This includes children’s play area and some enclosed spaces inside the Maldon Road attraction.

For more information, visit colchester-zoo.com.