Twycross Zoo has reintroduced 40 hazel dormice into Bradgate Park woodland in Leicestershire as part of PTES' national reintroduction programme, with the zoo caring for 20 of them through quarantine. This follows last year's successful release of 21 dormice, which have since bred and increased the population to 46 animals, demonstrating the viability of restoring this species that has declined by over 70% nationally since 2000.
Twycross Zoo is receiving two new Sumatran tigers matched through the EAZA Ex-situ Programme, with hopes they will breed successfully to support conservation of this Critically Endangered species. The genetic matching and coordinated placement aims to create healthy, diverse populations within zoos to safeguard the species from extinction.
Sialang, a male Sumatran tiger, has relocated from Twycross Zoo to Edinburgh Zoo as part of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme to support conservation of this Critically Endangered species. The move was based on genetic recommendations to create a suitable breeding match with Edinburgh's female tiger Dharma.
Jahly, a female Sumatran tiger at Twycross Zoo, will soon depart for a new zoo in Europe as part of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme. The move is part of coordinated global conservation efforts to maintain genetically diverse populations of this Critically Endangered species, with fewer than 400 remaining in the wild.
Twycross Zoo is building a new £25 million Global Conservation Centre that will serve as the hub for global conservation work, cutting-edge scientific research, and education programmes. The facility will also function as a community space to inspire, train and facilitate the next generation of conservation leaders.
Twycross Zoo partnered with BBC's The One Show to celebrate Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday on 12 May 2026, with staff and members of Leicester's Ninth Scout Group planting 100 trees to mark each year of his life. The zoo also featured interviews with Chief Conservation Officer Dr Rebecca Biddle and Education Ranger Finn Holmes-Kellet discussing how Attenborough's work inspired their conservation careers.
Twycross Zoo has purchased an additional 14 hectares of land dedicated to nature restoration, increasing its existing reserve more than fourfold. The expansion will create vital habitats including woodland, wildflower meadows and wetlands as part of the zoo's commitment to protecting 30% of its land for nature by 2030.
Twycross Zoo has purchased 14 hectares of additional land to expand its existing 4-hectare nature reserve more than fourfold, dedicating the space entirely to wildlife habitat rather than zoo development. The expansion will transform agricultural land into woodland, wildflower meadows, and wetland environments, supporting native species including harvest mice and rare butterflies, and helping the zoo exceed its 30 by 30 conservation target by 2030.
Twycross Zoo is developing a new £25 million Global Conservation Centre, representing the largest investment in the zoo's history, due to open in 2027. The centre will bring together scientists, students, and conservationists to address real-world challenges facing endangered species and biodiversity loss in the UK and globally.
Twycross Zoo planted 100 trees on its newly acquired reserve land on 22 April 2026 to mark Sir David Attenborough's 100th birthday year, working alongside members of the ninth Leicester Scout and Cub Group—the same Scout group Attenborough belonged to as a child. The tree planting forms the foundation for future woodland habitat as part of the reserve's long-term restoration.
Twycross Zoo is launching The Gruffalo Discovery Land from 23–31 May 2026, featuring storytime readings, creative activities, Gruffalo Ranger Training, and character meet-and-greets. The experience is designed for families with young children and includes interactive woodland zones, a themed café, and a Gruffalo Picnic offering.
Twycross Zoo has partnered with Everards Brewery to launch Hazelnook Amber ale, with 25 pence from every pint sold supporting hazel dormouse conservation efforts. The initiative follows the successful reintroduction of hazel dormice to Leicestershire last summer, where early signs of breeding have already been recorded after the species was locally extinct in the county.
Twycross Zoo held a launch event for its new conservation beer collaboration, featuring beer tasting, behind-the-scenes brewery tours, and talks on conservation work. The informal evening brought together partners, press, and guests to learn about both the brewing process and the hazel dormouse reintroduction programme the partnership supports.
Featured