Does Colchester Zoo pay their employees well?

According to anonymously submitted Glassdoor reviews, Colchester Zoo employees rate their compensation and benefits as 2.1 out of 5. Find out more about salaries and benefits at Colchester Zoo. This rating has improved by 1% over the last 12 months.

How satisfied are employees working at Colchester Zoo?

27% of Colchester Zoo employees would recommend working there to a friend based on Glassdoor reviews . Employees also rated Colchester Zoo 2.6 out of 5 for work life balance, 2.0 for culture and values and 2.1 for career opportunities.

What are the top reviewed jobs at Colchester Zoo?

Catering Assistant (9) , Catering Host (5) , Retail Assistant (3) , Retail Sales Associate (2) , Retail/Admissions (2)

What are the pros of working at Colchester Zoo according to real employee reviews?

"The people there are sometimes fun to work with" ((in 4 reviews)); "Free entry to friends and family as and when" ((in 3 reviews))

What are the cons of working at Colchester Zoo according to real employee reviews?

"bad management" ((in 9 reviews)); "Long hours and sometimes cold" ((in 7 reviews)); "Pay was awful" ((in 6 reviews)); "Shifts are extremely draining and only 30 minutes break is given within a tiny cold and VERY dirty staff room." ((in 3 reviews)); "Supervisors are horrible they favour employees." ((in 3 reviews))

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Colchester Zoo

Colchester Zoo Reviews

2.9

27% would recommend to a friend

(48 total reviews)

Dominique Tropeano

80% approve of CEO

4% positive business outlook

Ratings by category

2.6

Work/Life balance

2.2

Diversity and inclusion

2.1

Senior management

2.1

Compensation and benefits

2.1

Career opportunities

2.0

Culture and values

Colchester Zoo has an employee rating of 2.9 out of 5 stars, based on 48 company reviews on Glassdoor which indicates that most employees have an average working experience there. The Colchester Zoo employee rating is 25% below average for employers within the Arts, entertainment and recreation industry (3.9 stars).

Reviews by job title

48 reviews

4.0

8 June 2026

Good hours and pay, but culture can be toxic

Kitchen staff

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Good hours, good pay, great location, good management.

Cons

Felt at times there was a slightly toxic work culture

1.0

12 May 2026

Easy job but terrible management and hygiene issues

Retail associate

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Easy job, basic level stuff that you don’t need experience for. Easy money for a first job.

Cons

The interview was childish, the management are rude, the pay is awful and they make you sign a contract that states if anyone accepts a fake note, the entire staff of that shop have it deducted from their wages. Even if you check every note, a lazy coworker might not and you all are punished. They shout at you and are horrible. They also are not supportive of staff with disabilities. There is black mould in all the shops, the coffee machines are dirty half the time and the hygiene inspectors don’t even LOOK. I’m appalled at their hygiene.

3.0

9 May 2026

Bright team but poor working conditions and management

Catering assistant

Recommend

CEO approval

Business outlook

Pros

Good team of young, bright colleagues

Cons

Uncomfortable working conditions with unsympathetic management

Viewing 1 - 3 of 48 Reviews