Twycross Zoo, a renowned zoological park in Leicestershire, England, has been the site of several notable incidents in recent years. From car park accidents to the tragic deaths of beloved chimpanzees, these events have garnered significant attention and raised concerns among zoo enthusiasts. In this comprehensive overview, we’ll delve into the details of these incidents and explore the measures taken by the zoo to ensure visitor safety and animal welfare.

Car Park Accident

On June 23, 2023, a car accident occurred in the Twycross Zoo car park, resulting in injuries to two pedestrians, including a child. The child sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire by land ambulance. The adult male suffered more serious injuries and was airlifted to the same hospital via the Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Rutland Air Ambulance.

The incident caused a temporary disruption at the zoo, as authorities investigated the cause of the accident and ensured the safety of visitors. Twycross Zoo has since reviewed its car park safety protocols and implemented additional measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Death of Chimpanzee Genet

In March 2023, Twycross Zoo announced the passing of Genet, a 28-year-old chimpanzee, due to a series of health complications. Genet had been under constant medical care to manage her conditions, which included anemia, kidney abnormalities, and heart issues. Despite the zoo’s efforts, Genet’s health ultimately declined, leading to her untimely death.

The loss of Genet was a significant blow to the zoo’s chimpanzee community, as she had been a beloved figure at the park. Twycross Zoo has since conducted a thorough review of its animal care practices and made necessary adjustments to ensure the continued well-being of its primate population.

Death of Chimpanzee William

In July 2023, Twycross Zoo faced another tragic loss with the sudden death of William, a 41-year-old chimpanzee. Despite showing no signs of illness, a post-mortem examination was initiated to determine the cause of William’s death. William was a cherished member of the zoo’s chimpanzee community, known for his cheerful demeanor and significant contributions to the group.

The death of William has prompted Twycross Zoo to enhance its monitoring and veterinary care protocols for its chimpanzee population, ensuring that any potential health issues are identified and addressed promptly.

Gibbon Escape

In August 2019, Twycross Zoo experienced a security breach when a gibbon named Storm accidentally swung out of his enclosure. This incident caused panic among visitors, who were quickly ushered into safe areas until the gibbon was safely recaptured after approximately 15 to 20 minutes.

The zoo immediately launched an investigation into the incident and made necessary improvements to the gibbon enclosure to prevent future escapes. Visitor safety and animal welfare remain the top priorities for Twycross Zoo, and the zoo has since implemented additional security measures to ensure the well-being of both its visitors and its animal residents.

Visiting Twycross Zoo

Despite these incidents, Twycross Zoo remains a popular destination for wildlife enthusiasts. The zoo is open daily from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm, with last entry at 5:00 pm. Ticket prices vary depending on age, with adults paying £24.95, children (ages 3-16) paying £19.95, and seniors (ages 60+) paying £22.95.

Twycross Zoo offers a wide range of amenities, including cafes, restaurants, and shops, as well as interactive experiences and educational programs for visitors. By staying informed about the zoo’s safety protocols and the measures taken to address past incidents, visitors can make informed decisions about their zoo experiences and enjoy their time at Twycross Zoo.

References:
– https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/air-ambulance-lands-after-pedestrians-27200578
– https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-66524333
– https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-leicestershire-66180978
– https://www.leicestermercury.co.uk/news/local-news/shock-much-loved-twycross-zoo-8596375
– https://www.birminghammail.co.uk/news/midlands-news/twycross-zoo-went-lockdown-after-16722649
– https://twycrosszoo.org/plan-your-visit/opening-times-and-prices/