Trains to Twycross Zoo

About Twycross Zoo

Twycross Zoo is based in 80 acres of landscape, and boasts a wide range of wildlife including Asian elephants, snow leopards, meerkats, tapir, hyena, and the Amur leopard, the world's rarest big cat. But it's monkeys that Twycross Zoo really excels at. Its renowned World Primate Centre showcases all four great ape species, including the UK's only group of bonobos. Zoo founders Molly Badham and Nathalie Evans started out running a pet shop in Sutton Coldfield in the West Midlands, and opened Twycross Zoo in 1963 in order to preserve primates and set high animal welfare standards. It's a mission that remains to this day - Twycross Zoo's impressive breeding program has recorded the first UK births for thirteen different primate species, including the siamang, agile gibbon and woolly monkeys.

For kids, the zoo is exceptional. Its Nature Reserve-style enclosures are the perfect way to view leaping lemurs and parading penguins. There are regular zookeeper presentations, as well as opportunities for visitors to feed some of the animals. The Tropical House is one of the zoo's exclusive tours, guided by a keeper and only available if booked in advance - inside you'll see rare birds, bats and other animals roaming free.