Twycross Zoo is the only UK zoo to house all four great ape species: chimpanzees, bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans.
The zoo was founded in 1963 by Molly Badham and Nathalie Evans, who started by keeping animals in their own back gardens.
It is globally recognized for its conservation breeding program for the highly endangered bonobo.
The site acts as an educational hub, partnering with university research programs to study primate behavior.
Twycross houses one of the largest chimpanzee social groups in the UK.
The zoo is a recognized center of excellence for the care and welfare of endangered primates.
Twycross Zoo is a major conservation center known as the World Primate Centre, hosting the only collection in the UK where visitors can see all four types of great ape: chimpanzee, bonobo, gorilla, and orangutan. The facility houses approximately 1,000 animals across 80 hectares of land. It serves as a significant hub for research and international breeding programs for endangered species. The site includes the 'Monkey Tails' walkthrough exhibit and the 'Giraffe Savannah'. Visitors can engage with interactive animal experiences and educational conservation talks throughout the day. The zoo operates as a registered charity under the East Midland Zoological Society. It features diverse habitats ranging from tropical environments to expansive outdoor paddocks.
The viewing platform overlooking the Giraffe Savannah provides an unobstructed, elevated view of the herd.
Check the daily keeper talk schedule upon arrival to time your visit with animal feeding sessions.
Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes as the site covers a large area with significant distances between exhibits.
Bring a waterproof jacket, as the majority of animal enclosures are outdoors and exposed to UK weather shifts.
Avoid rushing through the enclosures; many animals, particularly the primates, are most visible when observed patiently for extended periods.
Open daily throughout the year, with the exception of Christmas Day.
Maintain a quiet demeanor near animal enclosures to avoid stressing the inhabitants; flash photography is strictly prohibited inside the primate houses.
