When Colchester Zoo announced last week it was closing one of its best loved educational attractions it divided opinion.

The Wild Displays arena, which has been a mainstay of the Maldon Road attraction for decades, will close in April to make way for a high-ropes climbing course.

The three-level high ropes adventure course will include curved zip wires, plank walks and more and could be open by Easter 2020.

New visitors’ facilities, including a toilet building, will also be added as part of the area’s redevelopment.

READ MORE: Colchester Zoo to replace display arena with high-ropes course

But the announcement sparked debate on the Gazette’s Facebook page.

Stuart Fowler said: “Surprised it’s taken them this long to realise it’s not good or fair on the birds to display them in an arena for entertainment.

“Best to teach the children how they live in the wild and natural habitat while protecting them at the zoo.”

Emjs Goodson added: “Lush! Can Colchester Zoo put in another changing places loo and an accessible supported zip wire. That would make it proper special! The amount of disabled visitors they have would be so made up!”

Kaitlyn Bodsworth said: “Surprised by the amount of negative comments - they're not killing the birds, just getting rid of one show arena, you never know they will probably make a new one.”

Karrianne Tones added: “I'm quite excited about this! The children will be too. We go a few times a month as tend to go for either soft play, the parks or the animals. We'll probably end up coming more often now to fit this in.”

But not everyone shared their opinion and some readers even said they would not be renewing their annual tickets.

Alison Finch said: “Stopping our sponsorship and will stop visiting. I want to see animals and birds not exhibitions by children.”

READ MORE: Colchester Zoo welcomes three bush dog babies

Jacqueline Dobson added: “Wish we'd never renewed our gold card now. We go to see the animals and love the displays.

“There are more than enough play areas for the children and the zoo is about the birds and animals there not a theme park for kids.

“Please Colchester zoo reconsider this madness.”

Rebecca Dadds said: “What a shame the arena is going. I don't this is going to enhance the zoo at all.”

Mark Carter said: “Please reconsider this Colchester zoo. We love the display part as that's one of the places we go to see the birds.”

Clarence Lou added: “Disappointed by this decision. We love visiting the display arena. We will not be visiting the high ropes out of protest!”

Emma Puttock said: “Ah that’s an awful shame, as much as the boys will love the climbing our family loves the displays and they are so informative.”