The Story of Colchester Zoo - S. C. Kershaw

As an animal enthusiast and regular visitor of Colchester Zoo, when its history was released earlier this year, I was naturally eager to get my hands on a copy. I resisted the temptation to use my local Waterstones, and waited for the weekend so I could purchase it from the zoo directly, thus contributing a small amount to the cause. The delay was worth it. S. C. Kershaw, graduate of the University of Essex and a resident of Wivenhoe, presents the zoo's history in a concise and comprehensive manner which was a pleasure to read. Until now, Colchester Zoo's past was bathed in relative obscurity. Kershaw's meticulous research brings to light its humble origins as Southport Zoo in the 1950s, the transition to Stanway Zoo Hall Park in the early 60s, right up into the present day. The journey was by no means an easy one.

Founded by Frank and Helena Ferrar in the 1950s to accommodate their pet lion, the zoo began almost as a means to an end. As more animals joined the collection and the zoo was fit to burst, the Ferrars relocated to Colchester where, after an initial disastrous setback, it became a commercial success and a major tourist attraction of East Anglia. This success was soon to experience a gradual decline throughout the 70s, and when the zoo changed ownership to the Tropeano family, it was in a troubled state of affairs. The struggles faced by the Tropeanos to turn the zoo around and improve the living conditions of the animals is a sad and sometimes uncomfortable read, but Kershaw delivers the facts with a sensitive integrity and dedication to truth. Exposing the zoo's dark past was a bold yet responsible step to take, and all credit to them for doing so.

Fortunately for animal lovers, this story is a happy one. The zoo emerged from the mire and became the internationally acclaimed conservation centre it is today, not to mention UmPhafa; a 4,000 hectare private nature reserve in South Africa. Having weathered the Big Freeze of 1963, near bankruptcy, numerous allegations of animal abuse, collapse into squalor, the Great Storm of 1987, and the devastating foot and mouth outbreak of 2001, Colchester Zoo now stands as one of the best in Europe. It is a tale of success against overwhelming odds and some of what must be the worst luck in the history of zoo business. Readers not particularly into zoology will also find much to appreciate here, for the book is in many ways, the tale of Colchester itself. A definite read for anyone with even a passing interest in the area.

Rating: 4/5