A woman was taken to hospital with a suspected wrist fracture and a young boy cut their head after incidents at Colchester Zoo’s Halloween events, EssexLive can reveal. The injuries are among several to have been reported to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) since the start of 2023.
EssexLive has exclusively uncovered details of ten incidents at the popular zoo in recent months. Internal documents describe incidents where visitors and some staff members have sustained injuries – including suspected fractures, cuts to the head, concussion and even broken bones – whilst at Colchester Zoo.
The Zoo – which was visited by almost a million people each year – said health and safety is “of utmost importance” to them they also said they aim to provide a safe environment alongside a “first-class experience”.
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EssexLive were given the incident reports after a Freedom of Information request to the Health and Safety Executive. On one occasion in November 2023 a female working as a ‘scarer’ at a Halloween event was accidentally knocked to the floor by a customer and suffered a suspected left wrist fracture. She was taken to hospital by her husband and later had a metal plate inserted.
At the zoo’s Halloween event in 2024 a young boy suffered a head injury. The records say the boy was “chased out of the Kalahari Theatre” but then turned around and ran back in, hitting and cutting their head on an open door frame.
Asked whether performers at the Zoo’s ‘Trail of Terror’ are scaring visitors too much, a spokesperson replied: “We are always looking at ways we can improve our visitors experience. In 2024, we provided a ‘Scare School’ training sessions to all scarers participating in the event which helped us to provide a variety of scares including those of a theatrical nature as well as ‘jump-scares’.
“The atmosphere created via various theming and attractions also help to provide anticipation and the screams of laughter that the Trail of Terror aims to deliver.”
Other concerning incidents include in February 2023 when a youngster rolled off a baby changing table onto the floor and had to be taken to A&E. A woman was diagnosed with concussion and an ankle sprain in May 2023 when she lost her footing on steps at the Lions enclosure as she tried to keep up with a child.
Another visitor was given an ice pack by a first aider but diagnosed in hospital with two broken bones in June 2023. They had tripped when walking on a pathway between the Sea Lions and Bears.
A spokesperson for the Zoo added: “Health and Safety is of utmost importance to Colchester Zoo and we endeavour to provide a safe environment whilst ensuring a first-class experience. Risk assessments are conducted, and our Health and Safety Administrator prepares detailed training programmes to be delivered along with the event management team providing relevant training.
“This training helps with prevention and also ensures that any incidents that do occur are handled correctly. Furthermore, after each event we survey those attended and carefully review any comments received to ensure we implement any necessary changes ahead of the next event.
“The Zoo’s Health and Safety Administrator is continually reviewing procedures to ensure the safety of both staff and visitors.”