The UK's only bonobo troop explore their NEW outdoor space for first time...
25th Mar 2026
Earlier this year, we announced that our troop of 13 bonobos had successfully moved into a newly refreshed habitat on our 100-acre site. The new habitat 'Bonobos of the Congo Basin', opens to the public on March 28th, just in time for the Easter holidays.
This move, allows our dedicated team to better-care for our growing community of bonobos, an endangered species, and reflects our role as a conservation charity, connecting visitors with one of the world's most threatened primates and rainforest they call home.
This morning, zookeepers watched on as the excitable troop, including 6-month-old baby bonobo, ventured into their new outdoor space for the very first time. Climbing in the open air, foraging for food, and exploring their new environment, which is designed to encourage these natural behaviours.
Matt Ford, Primate Curator at Twycross Zoo, commented on the bonobos reaction to their new home, saying:
"This is a huge moment, not just for our bonobos, but for the wider conservation aim that they represent.
Seeing them explore, make choices and interact with their environment in new ways is exactly what this habitat move was designed to do, and will allow our vitally important troop to continue to thrive. It's about giving them the very best care, while inspiring people to care about their future as a species."
This species is listed as ‘Endangered’ on the IUCN Red List, facing extinction due to human pressures. As the only UK zoo to care for bonobos, our role in safeguarding a healthy, genetically viable population is crucial - supporting their wild counterparts through vital field conservation projects in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the only place on Earth where they are found.
Visitors can discover the troop enjoying their new home 'Bonobos of the Congo Basin' from Saturday 28th March, when the space reopens to the public, following some exciting refreshes for both animals and visitors alike.
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