Fun activities this half term to celebrate zoo’s 60th anniversary year

TWYCROSS Zoo is set to celebrate its milestone 60th anniversary this month and to celebrate, is inviting visitors to enjoy ‘The Great Big Zoobilee’ – a brand-new, 60s-themed event, every day throughout May half term.

Until Sunday 4th June, the conservation charity is offering families the chance to step back into the swinging sixties in celebration of its diamond anniversary and enjoy an unforgettable day out.

The celebrations begin on arrival, as visitors will be welcomed by go-go and 60s swing dancers, peace and love as part of the Party on the Plaza – a big birthday celebration to mark the zoo’s milestone anniversary. Even Twycross Zoo’s own mascot characters Ruby and

Stripes will be celebrating in new 60s themed looks. Guests are encouraged to keep their eyes peeled during their visit as go-go dancers and mirror ball head performers will also be popping up at different locations to surprise and entertain families.

Visitors of all ages can get hands-on and take part in an array of 60s-themed craft activities in the zoo’s craft tent, where they can create an iconic dream catcher to take home and a colourful festival flower crown to wear during their visit.

For May half term only, little animal lovers can head to The Gruffalo Glade within The Gruffalo Discovery Land and join the Flower Power Gang for an all-new, vibrant and upbeat performance. The entertaining and educational show will run two times per day, alongside other exciting shows, and will teach little ones why flowers are so powerful for our world and the wildlife.

Floral photo points will also be in situ throughout the 100-acre site, providing guests with the perfect opportunity to snap a 60s-themed selfie. As well as encouraging families to capture a power flowerthemed photo, Twycross Zoo is also encouraging guests to be at Wet ‘n’ Wild at 2pm during their visit, as every day during half term there will be a surprise celebration that is sure to delight visitors of all ages.

During their visit, guests can step into an exhibition and uncover the history of the conservation charity to learn about the zoo’s trailblazing founders, as well as discover historical memorabilia, archive footage, photos and a narrated short-film.

As well as enjoying ‘The Great Big Zoobilee’, families can discover more than 400 animals from around 80 different species in the zoo’s amazing animal kingdom. Visitors can come face-to-face with some of the world’s most endangered species – including rhinos, bonobos and the Amur leopard – and learn more about the zoo’s ongoing conservation efforts to protect and preserve them.

Dr Rebecca Biddle, Director of Conservation at Twycross Zoo, commented: “We couldn’t think of a better way to mark our 60th anniversary than by celebrating in 60s style with our visitors. Without their support over the last six decades, we wouldn’t have got this far. ‘The Great Big Zoobilee’ promises to entertain and inspire our guests, and with a whole host of exciting activities taking place on-site, families will have plenty of opportunities to immerse themselves in the fun of the era and discover our iconic animals.

As a conservation charity, we are committed to inspiring and educating our visitors about the challenges our planet faces and the practical actions we can all take to protect it. A visit to Twycross Zoo is so much more than a day out, it allows us to continue our vital conservation work locally, nationally and across the globe.

For more information and to book tickets, please visit www. twycrosszoo.org.