I’ll openly admit, I’m in two minds about zoos as a whole as well as Twycross Zoo as an attraction. While I respect the wonderful conservation work that they do, it also breaks my heart that we, as a species, have done so much damage to this world that we cage wild animals just so that we can see them. I know most of the animals we see in zoos are born in captivity, but I always wonder if they crave more space. Something in their inner nature must want to roam and explore. Despite that, they live longer than in the wild.
Zoos must have struggled more than any other attraction during covid. The animals had to be fed and cared for, and there was no income for a long time. I take my hat off to all the dedicated staff and zoo owners who struggled through and kept the animals going.
Twycross Zoo is famous for its primate breeding program. They’re the only UK zoo to have four of the higher primates. Yet despite that, what startled me, and judging by the comments, everyone around me was the sheer number of rats running around the bottom of the monkey areas. The ground was covered by them. It didn’t seem to bother the monkeys one bit, but judging from the gasps and chatter from the people around me, I wasn’t the only one shocked. I think everyone there remarked on it.
The zoo is quiet a large area to walk around, so it helps to plan. There are maps displayed, but they ask you to download their app for the visit. To be honest, one of the things we struggled with was finding our way around. It’s not laid out terribly well. We hit a lot of dead ends.
A lot of enclosures were empty and being worked on. I guess covid had a hand in that. But its encouraging to see just how hard the staff were working on cleaning for whichever beastie was next to arrive. A big disappointment was the lemur walk. We’d enjoyed doing it at Dudley Zoo a few years ago and were really looking forward to it. Unfortunately it closes early at Twycross. Black mark for Twycross. If a popular attraction has an early closing time, let people know when they arrive. Had it not been for one cheeky little devil refusing to go back home, we’d have completely missed these engaging and delightful little creatures.
The other disappointment was the snow leopard. We’re cat lovers. Big, small, we love cats. The snow leopard is a huge and major draw for Twycross Zoo. The cafe area is centered around it. We went on the August bank holiday weekend, just before term started and (as evidenced by the lack of parking) one of the busiest days for the zoo. So why on earth did they choose this weekend to shut the big pussycat away to do maintenance in the enclosure? We went back several times. No giant kitty. Because we’re stubborn (and sensible enough to try to squeeze out a wee before the drive home), we had a last look as the toilets are in the same area. Just before closing time, the beautiful big cat was back and we could catch a glimpse. Really bad planning. A chap who was walking out was really grumbling about not seeing the leopard.
There are some great things about the zoo, and a fairly wide variety of animals. Oldest stepson wanted to go back to the giant tortoises three times. I think he admired their speed (they certainly move faster than he does when I ask him to tidy his room). You can get quite close to these beautiful, giant creatures. The penguins were cute. Meerkats always are delightful. It’s fascinating to watch the cooperation. One always on guard while the others play or rest. They have recently moved a tiger in and put signs up to let you know that you might not see too much of it as it’s settling in. I think that’s a nice touch. The giraffes always amaze me with their size and grace. The apes seem to have a decent amount of space and things to play with and climb up.
Other good things are that we went on a very hot and sunny day. There are loads of sunblock stations around, so you can cover yourself frequently. I’ve had skin cancer and cover up, but I really think this is a brilliant idea and wish more attractions would do it too. They have no objection to you taking your own water in. The zoo had a lot of information boards about the animals. Plenty of open space for kids to burn off some energy.
Downsides, and there are a few. You had to go back to the beginning for toilets. The reptile house had two reptiles. Although their keeper really seems to care and know them well, with a sign pointing to the reptile house, we expected more. Better signposting and fewer dead ends with hedges suddenly blocking your way would help. Not having wonderful things to experience like the lemur walk open until near the closing time (or giving good warning so that you’re sure to experience it). Choosing the busiest time of the season to shut away the star attraction to do maintenance on the enclosure. If rats aren’t a problem for monkeys, please let people know. The shock amongst the people around me was evident.
I really wish Twycross Zoo well. I hope that people visit, that the revenue helps to conserve the wonderful animals that we could experience. Most of all, I really wish that we can conserve and preserve the beautiful, unusual, exciting, terrifying and magnificent fellow creatures that not only share this planet, but are a vital part of the ecosystem.
