As of today, Tuesday 17th March 2020, Twycross Zoo has announced that its doors will remain open and its team of hard-working staff is on hand to welcome visitors from across the region to the 100-acre, open-air zoo.

Those who are making a visit can rest assured the Midlands zoo is following the latest advice from the government, Public Health England and the World Health Organisation, prioritising providing visitors with a clean environment above and beyond its usual high standards to ensure the safety of its animals, visitors and staff.

Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO of Twycross Zoo, said: “We continue to welcome visitors whilst the zoo remains open, however we are closely monitoring Government advice and the evolving Coronavirus situation. The health and safety of our animals, staff and visitors is paramount and we would like to assure everyone that the correct procedures and infrastructure are in place to ensure any risk is minimised.

“As of yesterday, the advice from the Government includes people being vigilant with personal hygiene and being aware of their own health. We are following advice from Public Health England and taking extra steps to ensure our facilities are well stocked with soap and hand sanitiser and we will where necessary, consider any advice issued on our day-to-day operating activities.

“At present we are continuing to take bookings on our website. If you are planning on visiting Twycross Zoo and do have symptoms of the Coronavirus infection we ask politely for visitors to stay at home in line with Government advice. This is so we can look after our staff, visitors and animals in the safest possible environment. Our animals are always subject to good biosecurity measures and these are specifically important for the great apes at this time.

“Twycross Zoo is over 55 years old and we are looking to protect the next 50 years. As a charity we depend upon public support and funding to ensure we can care for our 500 animals as well as endangered species across the world.”

Twycross Zoo is home to over 500 animals from over 125 species and is the only place in the UK to see all four types of great ape, chimpanzees, orang utans, gorillas and bonobos. The zoo relies on the generosity of its visitors to support its vital worldwide conservation work. For more information or to book tickets, visit www.twycrosszoo.org