I just wanted to recommend Colchester zoo. took ds for his first birthday and he loved it especially the lions and the elephants as you can get right up close. I went london zoo about a year ago and i was really disappointed. No elephants, the penguins were kept in a dirty tank and everything was extremly over priced and nothing special. Colchester zoo is all for the kids and is a really good day out. We went in the pouring rain but it was still one of the best days out that we have had as a family ! Ds was so excited!