Twycross Zoo, located near Norton Juxta Twycross, Leicestershire, was established in 1963 by Molly Badham and Nathalie Evans. The zoo was initially based at the former rectory in the village of Norton Juxta Twycross, which they converted into a zoo with 12 acres of gardens, outbuildings, stables, and farm buildings.
The Founding of Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo first opened to the public on May 26, 1963, with Jean Morton, a local television personality, performing the opening ceremony accompanied by her popular children’s TV puppet show characters Tingha and Tucker. In 1972, the zoo became a charitable trust and is renowned as a specialist primate centre, housing the largest collection of monkeys and apes in the Western World.
Molly Badham and Nathalie Evans: The Visionary Founders
Molly Badham, one of the founders, was an expert in primates in captivity and highly regarded for her work with chimpanzees. She achieved many world firsts during her leadership, from breeding animals successfully through to being a founder member of the National Federation of Zoological Gardens of Great Britain and Ireland.
Badham and Evans co-wrote ‘Molly’s Zoo’ in 2000, a book telling the story of the zoo’s history. The zoo is known for breeding primates and has recorded first UK births for thirteen different species, contributing to numerous conservation breeding programs.
Twycross Zoo’s Unique Collection
The zoo is home to all four types of great ape: gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee, and bonobo, which is the only bonobos in the country. This makes Twycross Zoo a true specialist primate centre, housing the largest collection of monkeys and apes in the Western World.
| Animal Type | Number at Twycross Zoo |
|---|---|
| Gorilla | 8 |
| Orangutan | 10 |
| Chimpanzee | 18 |
| Bonobo | 5 |
Celebrating 60 Years of Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo is set to celebrate its 60th anniversary throughout 2023, with events and activities taking place each month, including special celebrations in May to mark the zoo’s official birthday. The zoo is also launching a roarsome offer, inviting anybody born in 1963 to enjoy a free day out at the zoo in January, as part of its ‘Celebrate Our History’ showcase.
Twycross Zoo’s Contribution to Conservation
The zoo is renowned for its contribution to conservation efforts, particularly through its successful breeding programs for primates. Twycross Zoo has recorded first UK births for thirteen different species, making it a leader in primate conservation.
Some of the notable conservation achievements of Twycross Zoo include:
- First UK birth of a bonobo in 1997
- First UK birth of a Sumatran orangutan in 1982
- First UK birth of a western lowland gorilla in 1970
These achievements have not only contributed to the preservation of these species but also to the advancement of scientific knowledge and understanding of primate behavior and biology.
Conclusion
Twycross Zoo’s rich history, its unique collection of primates, and its dedication to conservation have made it a true gem in the world of zoos. As the zoo celebrates its 60th anniversary, it continues to inspire and educate visitors, while playing a crucial role in the preservation of some of the world’s most fascinating species.
References:
– Wikipedia – Twycross Zoo
– Twycross Zoo – A Year of Celebration
– BBC News – Twycross Zoo Remembers its Founders
– Twycross Zoo – Remembering the Founders
– Visit Leicester – Twycross Zoo