BIAZA - British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums
The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is the professional body representing the best zoos and aquariums in the UK and Ireland.
biaza.org.ukHere’s the latest on Twycross Zoo based on recent public coverage.
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Conservation hub milestone and funding: Twycross Zoo has been advancing a £25 million Global Conservation Centre, backed in part by an £18 million government Levelling Up Fund grant, with construction anticipated to start in 2025 and the campus opening planned for late 2026. This project aims to host international researchers, classrooms, and a new Indonesian-themed area for orangutans, signaling a major expansion in the zoo’s conservation and research role [BBC: Landmark moment; ITV News Central; The Business Desk].[2][3][5]
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Purpose and impact: The centre is described as a base for scientific research, global collaboration, and education to address biodiversity loss and species extinction, complementing Twycross’s existing conservation work and partnerships with universities and conservation bodies [ITV News Central][BBC: Landmark moment].[3][4]
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Timeline and next steps: Framework completion was reported in 2025, with topping-out and related milestones noted, and the broader plan envisions a late-2026 opening for the Global Conservation Centre alongside new Indonesian habitats and other Indonesian-threatened species’ habitats [BBC: Landmark moment; ITV News Central; The Business Desk].[1][5][3]
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Current status and local context: Twycross continues its broader conservation pledges (e.g., commitments to reverse declines of threatened species by 2030) and ongoing public updates on zoo developments, though detailed operational status may vary by month as construction progresses [Twycross Zoo Latest News; BBC coverage].[4][5]
Quick takeaway: Twycross Zoo is progressing a high-profile Global Conservation Centre project with substantial government support, aiming to enhance global conservation work and provide new orangutan habitats and Indonesian-themed exhibits, with completion expected around 2026. If you’d like, I can pull a short timeline summary or map the key facilities planned for the centre.
Citations:
- BBC: Landmark moment for new zoo conservation centre[5]
- ITV News Central: Twycross Zoo £25m investment to create Global Conservation Centre[3]
- The Business Desk: Twycross Zoo unveils £25m global conservation hub to tackle extinction[2]
- Twycross Zoo Latest News page[4]