Twycross Zoo

Burton Road, Twycross
Atherstone
Leicestershire
CV9 3PX
Tel: +44 (0)1827 880 250 / 440

Fax: +44 (0)1827 880 700
Visit Web Site

Web: http://www.twycrosszoo.com

Registered Charity 501841

Twycross Zoo opened to the public in 1963 on a site in Leicestershire. Initially a comparatively modest collection, it has grown into one of the major British zoos, attracting 400,000 visitors a year. It is famous for its collection of primates. Since its inception, the zoo has doubled in size and currently maintains about 200 species of animal. Famous for its Primate collection and breeding programmes, the zoo has been a registered charity since 1972.

The Zoo, occupying over 40 acres, set in open countryside, is situated on the A444, near the small village of Twycross, close to the M42 (Junction 11) on the Warwickshire / Leicestershire border - (The map is from www.streetmap.co.uk, and may take some time to download...) - More information about the Zoo can be found on their site. Despite its rural location, it is only four miles from the M42/A42 (which links the M1 and M6) making it readily accessible from anywhere in central England.

Throughout the year (only closing on Christmas Day) the zoo plays host to a wide range of visitors from family groups on a day out to schoolchildren studying animals (our Education Department teaches over 15,000 pupils a year).

In 1972 the zoo became a charitable trust concentrating on conservation and education, and now takes part in many captive breeding programmes for endangered animals (about three quarters of the animals housed at Twycross are officially classed as endangered species).

Like most British zoos, Twycross receives no government funds and relies entirely on money spent by visitors to continue its work.

Twycross opens daily throughout the year (Christmas Day excepted) from 10.00a.m.

Admission Prices for 2002
Adults £6.50
Children 3 - 14 years old £4.50
Senior Citizens £5.00

Car Parking £1

Party rates available on application

Disabled facilities:
Café, toilets and most animal houses
accessible by wheelchair.

Opening Times
(2002 times)
Summer 10.00am-5.30pm
Winter 10.00-4.00pm
Closed Christmas Day.

Directions
On the A444 in Leicestershire within easy reach of the Midland counties via the motorways. Off junction 11 of the M42.

Twycross Zoo
Atherstone
Leicestershire
CV9 3PX
Tel: +44 (0)1827 880 250
Fax: +44 (0)1827 880 700
Visit Web Site

Web: http://www.twycrosszoo.com

Animals galore - the world's wildlife in one day
Sea lion, Seals and Penguin feeding
Pet's Corner, Zoo babies & farm animals
Animal Talks
Exhibitions
Children's adventure playground
Zoo shops
Large self-service cafeteria
Picnic areas
Cafes, toilets and most of the animal houses are accessible to wheelchairs
No dogs allowed
Education at Twycross
With Twycross Zoo's Interpretation Programme, their animals become even more alive. Exciting tailor-made teaching sessions on numerous topics for all phases. Free teacher preliminary visits. Zoo Centre with 'hands on' interactivity. Programmes for adult, youth and special needs groups.

See wildlife from across the world at Twycross Zoo, the centre for Education and Conservation.

Set in 50 acres of parkland, the zoo is home to 1,000 or so animals, most of which are endangered species. It's world famous primate collection ranges from the tiny Pygmy Marmosets to the impressive silverback Western Lowland Gorillas in their new enclosure. Twycross is the only UK zoo to house 'our closest living relative' - the Bonobo.

Other animals you will see include Chimpanzees, Lions, Tigers, Giraffe, Pythons and Flamingos. Don't forget the Elephants, especially 'Tara' and 'Karishma', who were born here in August 1998. These two elephant calves are particularly special as there have only ever been a handful of successful Asian Elephant births in the UK. New at the zoo for 2001 are the Aardwolves - strange termite eating dogs from southern Africa as well as the endangered Black-cheeked Lovebirds. Late 1999 saw the birth of two baby Orang utans named 'Satu' and 'Beau', who are now engaging infants.

If you like a good splash, don't miss the Sealion, Penguin and Seal feeding times (mid-afternoon most days).

Throughout the summer holidays you can have an encounter of the animal kind at the 'Family Exhibition' in the Zoo Centre where trained zoo volunteers will answer your animal questions.

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Details

Nearest Train Station: Tamworth or Nuneaton
Nearest UK Airport: Birmingham or East Midlands
Groups/Parties Welcome: Yes
Discount for Groups: Yes
Car Parking: Yes
Admission Price: Adult: £6.50; Child: £4.50
Gift Shop: Yes
Catering: Café/Refreshments

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Twycross Zoo is in Leicestershire

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