Twycross Zoo joins Global Biodiversity Coalition

Twycross Zoo is marking World Biodiversity Day (22 May 2021) by signing a global biodiversity pledge, designed to help raise awareness about the urgent need to protect the natural world.

The Global Coalition #UnitedforBiodiversity was launched on World Wildlife Day in March 2020 by EU Commissioner for Environment Virginijus Sinkevicius. It is a global alliance of world zoos, aquariums, museums, botanic gardens, national parks, research centres and universities who are united in their efforts to raise awareness of the current biodiversity crisis and the need for action.

Twycross Zoo has joined forces with the global coalition ahead of this year’s UN COP15 Convention on Biological Diversity, to be held in China this October. The conference will mark a pivotal moment in international action for biodiversity and hopes to achieve an ambitious global agreement to help solve the current nature crisis.

By signing the Coalition pledge, Twycross Zoo adds its voice to 17 fellow institutions in the UK, and more than 230 other institutions from 48 countries across the world, in calling for urgent action to protect natural habitats.

Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE, CEO of Twycross Zoo, said: “We are proud to stand united for biodiversity and support this important international coalition. Today, the world is facing a planetary emergency with recent scientific reports warning than one million species are now at risk of extinction. As signatories to the coalition, we support the European Commission’s call for decisive global action to halt biodiversity loss and call on all our partners to join the movement.

“As a conservation charity, our primary purpose is to preserve, protect and educate our visitors about the species with whom we share our planet. Climate change and biodiversity loss is threatening natural habitats and wild species populations across the world and we’re committed to shining a light on these critical issues and supporting conservation projects both here in the UK and internationally.

“Twycross Zoo is the only zoo in the UK to house all four great apes – all of which are classed as either endangered or critically endangered. To help protect these magnificent creatures for future generations, as well as the many other species we care for, it’s so important to spark conversation and commit to global action to help solve the nature crisis.”

Twycross Zoo is working at the forefront of conservation and making a global impact for endangered species around the world, from the very heart of the UK. Having received no government support during the Covid-19 pandemic, Twycross Zoo relies on the support of the public to ensure it can continue its charitable aims and conservation mission.

In line with government guidelines, all indoor areas at Twycross Zoo are now open, allowing guests to enter the Zoo’s award-winning indoor animal habitats. Visitors can discover more than 500 animals from 125 different species across the 100-acre site.

Open every day until 6pm, tickets are available to book online. To plan your visit and book online, visit www.twycrosszoo.org