Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo is a significant zoological park situated near Norton Juxta Twycross in Leicestershire, England. Spanning 100 acres, it is operated by the East Midlands Zoological Society, a charitable trust, and holds the distinction of being a founding member of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The zoo is internationally recognized as a "World Primate Centre" due to its extensive collection of primates, including all four species of great ape, and it attracts approximately 700,000 visitors each year.

History and Establishment

The zoo was founded in 1963 by Molly Badham and Nathalie Evans. They sought a larger site to expand their zoological collection, having outgrown their original location at Hints, Staffordshire. The zoo began on 12 acres of land at the former rectory in Norton Juxta Twycross, converting gardens and outbuildings into the zoological park. It officially opened to the public on May 26, 1963. In 1972, Twycross Zoo transitioned into a charitable trust, solidifying its commitment to animal welfare and conservation. Molly Badham was particularly noted for her expertise in primates, especially chimpanzees, and achieved numerous breeding firsts during her tenure.

Animal Collection and Exhibits

Twycross Zoo is home to over 500 animals representing more than 125 species, with a significant number of these being endangered. Its primate collection is a major draw, featuring all four great apes: gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, and the UK's only bonobos. The zoo also boasts one of Europe's largest collections of gibbons. Approximately 37% of its animal collection is classified by the IUCN as near threatened, vulnerable, endangered, or critically endangered.

The zoo's exhibits are organized into eight distinct zones. These include "Conservation Way," featuring Amur leopards and Aldabra giant tortoises; "Wet and Wild," home to penguins and flamingos; "Kingdom of the Apes," showcasing bonobos, chimpanzees, and gorillas; and "Life in the Trees," which houses various monkeys and gibbons. The "Gruffalo Discovery Land," opened in 2021, offers an immersive experience based on the children's book. The "Himalaya Visitor Centre" serves as the main entrance and includes a restaurant overlooking an enclosure for snow leopards, while the "Nature Reserve" provides a habitat for native British wildlife.

Conservation and Education

Conservation is a central focus for Twycross Zoo. In 2006, it established the Conservation Welfare Fund, which has since supported over 55 conservation and welfare projects in 27 countries. The zoo provides financial aid, as well as expertise in animal care, enclosure design, and behavioral welfare. Twycross Zoo actively participates in international conservation partnerships, including collaborations with Fauna and Flora International, Ape Action Africa, and the United Nations Great Ape Survival Partnership. The zoo is a member of major zoological associations such as BIAZA, EAZA, and WAZA.

Twycross Zoo also maintains an award-winning education department, offering curriculum-linked sessions to engage various age groups and teaching over 15,000 school children annually. It holds the Learning Outside the Classroom Quality Badge.