Twycross Zoo is building a research and conservation centre after successfully receiving £19.9m in funding in the Autumn Budget from the government’s levelling up fund.
The National Science and Conservation Centre will be a purpose-built venue located adjacent to Twycross Zoo, a leading voice in conservation, science and education.
The centre will allow global researchers to study endangered species in naturalistic environments, and will support conservationists and scientists with a facility for research and teaching.
Work at the National Science and Conservation Centre will focus on conservation, animal welfare, biosciences, STEM activities and public engagement with science.
Conservation and animal welfare
“We are delighted to hear that our bid for the government’s levelling up fund has been successful and without a doubt this funding will make a huge difference to the conservation of endangered species and our planet,” said Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO of Twycross Zoo.
“Not only is this centre critical in the development of solutions to address the global extinction crisis but it will safeguard and create high skilled local jobs, investment, and increased tourism to our area, attracting international scientists.”
In addition, the centre will include a 200-seat venue for scientific conferences, as well as accommodation for visiting conservation experts and specialists from across the globe.
Twycross Zoo is the only zoo in the UK that houses all four great apes (gorilla, orangutan, chimpanzee and bonobo), and the centre will be surrounded by the apes’ new habitats
UK government’s levelling up fund
“I am absolutely thrilled that my recommendation of Twycross Zoo’s project for a National Science and Conservation Centre has been successful, what fantastic news,” said Bosworth MP Dr Luke Evans.
“As a result, £19.9 million of funding from the government is heading to our area, and the centre is going to be a real hub for research, development and conservation – not just locally, but nationally and internationally in addition.”
Elsewhere, Marwell Zoo in Hampshire is making use of ‘zoo poo’, generating renewable energy using waste from endangered species including the scimitar-horned oryx.
Images: Twycross Zoo
