Twycross Zoo, located in Atherstone, United Kingdom, is home to a variety of species, including the Western Lowland Gorillas. This zoo, which opened its doors on May 26th, 1963, has been a sanctuary for gorillas since July 27th, 1965, and has witnessed the first gorilla birth on June 6th, 1985.
Western Lowland Gorillas at Twycross Zoo
Western Lowland Gorillas (Gorilla gorilla gorilla) are the largest of the great apes, and Twycross Zoo is known for being the only UK zoo that houses all four great apes. The gorilla exhibit’s specifications, such as total area, mixed enclosure, number of outdoor and indoor yards, and bedrooms, remain undisclosed. However, the zoo is committed to providing a safe and enriching environment for these magnificent creatures.
Unique Features and Behaviors
Western Lowland Gorillas possess several unique physical and behavioral characteristics:
- Nose Patterns: Each gorilla’s nose shape and pattern are as distinct as human fingerprints, allowing scientists to study wild gorillas by identifying individual nose patterns.
- Vocalizations: They communicate using over 16 distinct vocalizations, ranging from humming when content to clapping their hands to alert others to danger.
- Chest-beating: Chest-beating is another famous gorilla behavior, used to assert dominance and communicate their size to other gorillas, with sounds that can travel up to half a mile.
Conservation Efforts at Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo is actively engaged in conservation efforts to protect Western Lowland Gorillas:
- European Ex-situ Breeding Programme (EEP): Twycross Zoo participates in this program, which aims to create a healthy captive population that could be used if the wild population were to go extinct.
- Mobile Phone Recycling Scheme: The zoo runs a mobile phone recycling scheme to protect gorilla habitats from illegal mining of coltan, a key mineral used in mobile phones. Visitors can contribute by donating their old mobile phones at Guest Services or mailing them to the zoo.
Supporting Twycross Zoo’s Animals
For those looking to support Twycross Zoo’s animals and keepers, purchasing items from their Amazon Wishlist is an alternative way to donate. These items help provide enrichment for the animals and maintain their habitats, contributing to the zoo’s mission as a conservation charity.
Conclusion
Twycross Zoo offers a unique opportunity to observe and learn about Western Lowland Gorillas in a protected environment. By visiting the zoo and participating in conservation efforts, enthusiasts can contribute to the preservation of these magnificent creatures and their habitats.
References:
– Twycross Zoo – Western Lowland Gorilla
– Gorillas Land – Twycross Zoo
– Twycross Zoo – Animals
– YouTube – Twycross Zoo Gorillas