Work begins on new zoo habitat
WORK on a brandnew chimpanzee habitat has begun at Twycross Zoo in the Midlands.
The zoo’s iconic species will move into a large immersive habitat that encourages natural behaviours, while visitors can look forward to a more engaging way of watching and learning about chimpanzees. Construction of the £2.6 million facility started mid-March.
With planning permission granted in December last year, the zoo is embarking on the next phase of its ambitious £55 million Masterplan to become a national conservation organisation and world-class visitor attraction. Some of the earlier developments within the Masterplan include Giraffe Savannah and Gibbon Forest, which opened in February 2016.
The new three-storey building is purposely designed to suit chimpanzee husbandry needs and will feature both indoor and outdoor areas. Visitors will be taken on a journey through an immersive jungle-like habitat with glazing and discreet openings, allowing them to discover the animals as they pass through.
Dr Sharon Redrobe, CEO at Twycross Zoo, said: “We are extreme- ly excited about this new habitat as many of us, including the animal managers, have spent a lot of time with the architects finalising the design to suit both the needs of the animals and the staff who look after them as well as providing an exciting experience for visitors.
“It is thrilling to see the plan now starting to move from paper to reality.
“This habitat will allow us to provide even better care for our chimpanzees and we hope that they and the visitors will enjoy the new area.”
Twycross Zoo is open to the public from 10am to 6pm. For more information and to book tickets visit www.twycrosszoo.org or call 0844 474 1777.