Twycross Zoo

Zoo in Birmingham

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Nigel Swales

Twycross Zoo, located in Leicestershire, England, is renowned as a specialist primate centre and is the only UK zoo to house all four great ape species: chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans, and bonobos. Established in 1963 by pioneering women Molly Badham and Nathalie Evans, the zoo has grown into a significant conservation and education hub, welcoming over half a million visitors annually.

Spanning 80 acres, Twycross Zoo is home to over 900 animals representing more than 150 species, many of which are endangered. Notable residents include the critically endangered Amur leopards, Sumatran tigers, and the world’s rarest big cat, the Amur leopard. The zoo’s exhibits are thoughtfully designed to replicate natural habitats, enhancing both animal welfare and visitor experience.

A highlight for visitors is the award-winning Chimpanzee Eden, a multi-storey habitat that mimics a jungle canopy, allowing guests to observe the social behaviors and intelligence of chimpanzees up close. Other attractions include the Gibbon Forest, where agile gibbons swing through treetops, and the immersive Butterfly Forest, offering a tropical experience with free-flying butterflies.

Beyond its exhibits, Twycross Zoo is deeply committed to conservation efforts. The zoo supports over 55 conservation and welfare projects worldwide, focusing on species such as the Cao Vit gibbon and red-fronted macaw. Additionally, the Nature Reserve at Twycross Zoo provides a native wetland habitat for local wildlife, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature and learn about the importance of wetland ecosystems.

The Twycross Zoo appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Birmingham!

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