Plans to bring tigers to Twycross
TIGERS could be on their way to Twycross Zoo with ambitious plans to develop a new state-of-the art enclosure.
It will be the first time these beautiful big cats have lived at the zoo for more than 20 years.
Twycross bosses want to deliver exemplary, purpose-built accommodation with exciting viewpoints for visitors, including a glazed tunnel walk-through.
Plans have been submitted to Hinckley and Bosworth Borough Council which will be determined at a later date.
Birmingham based Weedon Architects have drawn up the blueprint together with supporting information.
The bid states: “The proposal seeks to develop land currently occupied by vacant enclosures adjacent to the otter habitat in order to provide a new indoor and outdoor habitat for a pair of tigers.
“The new house and enclosure are required in order to provide accommodation for tigers, which have not been present at the zoo for more than 20 years; whilst also providing the opportunity for visitors to see this important enigmatic species in a more naturalistic environment.
“It is envisaged that this development will provide an innovative experience to visitors but, more importantly, will provide the tigers with accommodation that is purposebuilt for their husbandry needs.”
The tiger house will consist of a single storey building with a footprint of 13.5m by 21m linked to a glazed visitor viewing tunnel giving views on all sides and allowing the tigers to cross over using timber board walks.
This structure will provide an indoor den for the cats as well as back of house keeper facilities.
The plans include five external viewing shelters along the perimeter of the enclosure along with winding walkways, lush vegetation and some faux rockface theming.
The statement adds: “The delivery of this building will enable the facility to reinforce its current business operation, in terms of replacing outdated and unsuitable building stock, enabling the continuation of the business and subsequent charitable contributions.
“Furthermore, the benefits of continuing to reinvest and provide innovative attractions are not restricted to the Twycross complex itself.
“Through the attraction of tourists to the to the Hinckley and Bosworth area, this makes a positive contribution to the rural and local economy through the support of visitors utilising local businesses and attractions.”
The enclosure will be bounded by a six metre high containment fence with a one metre, 45° overhang at the top along with the necessary electrification.
A spokesman for Twycross Zoo said: “We are currently working with the European Endangered Species Programme (EEP) and Weedon Architects to scope the possibility of Twycross Zoo creating a tiger habitat, as part of the zoo’s 20-year, £55 million masterplan.
“It is hoped that tigers will be brought to Twycross Zoo in the future, to live in what is planned to be one of the biggest tiger habitats at a UK zoo.
“If planning permission is granted, Twycross will keep everyone updated in due course as the potential development takes shape.”
Tigers are one of the most endangered species on the planet and face threats from hunting and human populations encroaching into their natural habitats.