Chimp dies at zoo
A chimpanzee has died after being challenged for his position within the group at Twycross Zoo.
A popular attraction, zoo bosses made the announcement last week and invited people to share their pictures and memories of the much loved ape.
Posting a message on the zoo’s Facebook page, a statement announcing Danny’s death said: “It is with great sadness that we bring you the news that our much loved chimp Danny passed away during the night.
“Danny was injured following a challenge for position within his chimpanzee group and was unable to recover despite the best efforts of the Twycross Zoo team.
“Everyone at Twycross Zoo will miss him. RIP Danny Boy.”
Twycross Zoo boasts one of the largest collections of monkeys and apes in the world.
Work is currently underway to build a new chimpanzee habitat as part of the attraction’s £55m masterplan to become a national conservation organisation and world-class visitor attraction.
The new three-storey building is purposely designed to suit chimpanzee husbandry needs and will feature both indoor and outdoor areas. Visitors will be taken on a journey through an immersive jungle-like habitat with glazing and discreet openings, allowing them to discover the animals in a more natural environment as they pass through.