Twycross Zoo is the only zoo in the UK where visitors can see all four great apes, including the endangered bonobo. As one of only four zoos worldwide that houses all four great ape species, Twycross Zoo plays a crucial role in the conservation of these incredible primates.
The Endangered Bonobo at Twycross Zoo
Bonobos, our closest living relatives, sharing around 98% of our DNA, are currently endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and the illegal bushmeat trade. With less than 20,000 left in the wild, Twycross Zoo is home to 10 percent of the entire European population of bonobos, making it a vital hub for the conservation of this species.
Upendi: The New Baby Bonobo
In 2023, Twycross Zoo celebrated the arrival of a new baby bonobo, named Upendi, born to 25-year-old female bonobo, Cheka. This birth is a significant boost for the European population of this endangered species, as Upendi is the first bonobo to be born in the UK since 2019.
Twycross Zoo’s Conservation Efforts
Twycross Zoo works tirelessly to support the conservation of bonobos, both on-site and through partnerships with organizations around the world. The zoo is part of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Ex Situ Programme (EEP), which scientifically manages bonobos in EAZA Member zoos to ensure a genetically and demographically healthy population.
Additionally, Twycross Zoo collaborates with Friends of Bonobos in the Democratic Republic of Congo, contributing to the daily running of Lola ya Bonobo, the organization’s sanctuary for more than 70 orphaned bonobos. The zoo also supports Friends of Bonobos’ 120,000-acre protected reserve, where they have successfully rewilded more than two dozen bonobos.
Visiting Twycross Zoo’s Bonobos
Visitors to Twycross Zoo can now see Likemba and her beautiful new baby Upendi bonding in their enclosure. The zoo is proud to be the only one in the UK to house bonobos, and each birth is incredibly important for the ongoing conservation of the species.
Twycross Zoo Bonobo Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Cost | Adult – £24.30, Child (3-16 years) – £19.50, Concession – £22.00, Family (2 adults & 2 children) – £80.00 |
| Timings | 10:00 – 17:00 (last admission at 16:00) |
| Directory | Bonobo Habitat – Himalaya |
| Hours | Open daily except Christmas Day |
| Value | Twycross Zoo is a conservation charity, and each visit supports their mission to preserve wildlife and wild spaces for future generations. |
In conclusion, Twycross Zoo’s commitment to the preservation of the bonobo species is evident in its work with EAZA, as well as its partnerships with organizations such as Friends of Bonobos. Each birth, like Upendi’s, is a significant boost to the European population of this endangered species and a vital step towards ensuring their long-term survival.
References:
– Twycross Zoo Bonobo Page
– The UK’s Only Baby Bonobo Just Turned One
– Twycross Zoo Welcomes Endangered Beautiful Baby Bonobo