Latest news with #TwycrossZoo
BBC News
30-05-2025
- General
- BBC News
Penguin chicks and baby monkey born at Twycross Zoo
Twycross Zoo has welcomed two new penguin chicks and a baby monkey, born as part of efforts to increase numbers of both species. The baby De Brazzer's monkey has been born to a first time mother, said to be "displaying exceptional maternal instincts" after learning parenting skills from older female primates in her group. While the two Humboldt penguin chicks have been born to monogamous parents which have raised chicks at the zoo before. Matthew Ford, curator of primates at Twycross Zoo, said the births "highlight the important role zoos play in safeguarding wildlife for the future". The Humboldt chicks are being kept in nest boxes until they are 70 days old, but can be seen by visitors when they eventually emerge having grown distinctive grey fluffy feathers. They have been hatched as part of a European conservation scheme called the EAZA Ex-situ Programme (EEP), which aims to create a healthy population of endangered species in zoos to act as a support for their wild newborn De Brazza's monkey is also part of an EEP and born to a mother who Twycross said observed multiple births during her early years and left her "well-equipped to embrace motherhood".The baby is being kept close to its mother and zookeepers will be able to determine its sex in the coming months as it gains confidence and begins to explore independently. Mr Ford said: "Every birth at Twycross Zoo is a testament to the dedication of our team and the collaborative efforts of the EAZA Ex-situ programmes. "They highlight the important role zoos play in safeguarding wildlife for the future, ensuring we maintain a genetically diverse population of species facing extinction, to act as a support system for their wild counterparts."It's particularly exciting to see animals thriving under our care, and helping to contribute to vital conservation efforts."
Yahoo
09-02-2025
- Automotive
- Yahoo
Twycross Zoo to bring in car parking charges
A Leicestershire zoo will begin charging visitors to park their cars from Saturday. Twycross Zoo said it is bringing in a £3 charge for all vehicles, including blue badge holders. The charity has asked people to book in advance online, with a £40 penalty for anyone failing to pay. The new daily charge is needed "to allow us to undertake essential infrastructure works," said the zoo. Enforcement will be carried out by ANPR cameras and the zoo said parking can also be paid for on site. There will be a 30 minute grace period for people who plan to be dropped off and picked up. A statement said the zoo was "striving to continually enhance" the experience for visitors while facing "vital works and improvements". It added: "Over the next two years, our car parks need over £1.5m of essential works to ensure they're fit for purpose. "This is a decision we have not taken lightly, but we truly hope you understand." The animal attraction announced the charge alongside teasing a new "winter experience" animal habitat. It added existing Annual Pass holders do not have to pay to park until 5 April but must reserve their spaces. Follow BBC Leicester on Facebook, on X, or on Instagram. Send your story ideas to eastmidsnews@ or via WhatsApp on 0808 100 2210. Endangered parrots brought to zoo to fall in love Birth of endangered monkey a sign of hope - zoo Twycross Zoo
