⚠️ VISITOR UPDATE - 10 January 2026 – ZOO CLOSED ⚠️

Despite our best efforts to clear the snow and get the zoo ready to open this morning, the icy conditions on the ground mean we will not be able to open our gates to you all today, to ensure the safety of you and our teams ❄️

As the weather forecast is not set to change, and with more freezing temperatures later in the day, this closure will also includes tonight's Lanterns of the Wild experience. We know that this decision will be disappointing, but hope you can understand our need to keep all of you, and our teams safe; whilst also giving you as much notice as possible.

If you have booked tickets to Lanterns of the Wild, we're sorry we won't see you tonight, but look forward to welcoming you on another evening. You are able to reschedule to another available date at no additional cost. Please check your emails over the next couple of hours for full instructions of how to do this.  

Annual Ticket holders: Reschedule daytime visits by logging into our website and booking a repeat visit.

Tomorrow (11 January): We currently plan to open the zoo as normal at 11am tomorrow (Sunday 11 January), but should this change, we will provide regular updates here. 

OPENING EASTER 2025: Close Encounters - The World of Reptiles and Spiders

21st Feb 2025

This Easter, we're opening a BRAND-NEW animal habitat at our 100-acre zoo. Introducing: Close Encounters - The World of Reptiles and Spiders!

Close Encounters X Launch (Square)

 

🌍 OVER 10 amazing species from around the globe

👀 An immersive indoor habitat where you'll get the chance to come eye-to-eye with extraordinary species

🕷️ Some of the world's MOST endangered spiders

🦎 Awe-inspiring conservation stories that YOU are supporting 

👁️ Get close and explore the many wonders of their world!

📆 Opens Sunday April 6th

 

We're thrilled to announce that our BRAND-NEW Close Encounters habitat will open to visitors this Easter, with OVER 10 amazing species.

Step inside and discover some of the world's most endangered reptile and spider species, whilst contributing to their survival.

Lynsey Bugg, Senior Curator at Twycross Zoo said: “We are delighted to be opening a brand-new animal habitat for visitors this Easter.”

“Not only will this area give our visitors a number of exciting new species to discover on their visits to our charity zoo, but will also create fantastic opportunities for us to get involved in vital conservation work, which works towards saving these incredible species from extinction.”

“We can’t wait to share more about Close Encounters soon and are even more excited for our visitors to come and see it for themselves this Easter.”

Who's moving in?

  1. Panther Chameleon 2

    Panther chameleon

    The panther chameleon has independently moving eyes, allowing them to look two directions at once.
  2. Sand Lizard 1

    Sand lizards

    The sand lizard is one of the UK's rarest reptiles. This species was once widespread, but their numbers have since been declining significantly due to habitat loss. However, there are amazing initiatives in the UK that are playing a huge role in the conservation and reintroduction of this species
  3. Crocodile Lizard

    Chinese crocodile lizard

    Unlike most reptiles, this species gives birth to live young, rather than laying eggs. These young are precocial, meaning they can care for and feed themselves from the moment they are born

From Sunday April 6th, you can explore the wonders of their world, and come eye-to-eye with some of the most endangered reptiles and spiders on the planet...

Book your tickets NOW to get the Easter Holidays included with our fantastic value pay for a day, visit FREE for 12-months ticket.

GET UPDATES

Sign up to get the latest news and updates on Close Encounters and our conservation charity