Twycross Zoo announces recruitment drive ahead of The Gruffalo Discovery Land opening

Twycross Zoo has launched a recruitment drive ahead of the opening of The Gruffalo Discovery Land, as the conservation charity announces 45 new vacancies in its retail and entertainment team.

The Gruffalo Discovery Land – a brand-new, multi-million pound land and a UK first – will open at Twycross Zoo on Saturday 9 April 2022.

The new four-acre land, inspired by the best-selling picture book The Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson, is expected to drive record visitor numbers and the Zoo is investing further in its award-winning retail department to welcome new members to the team.

The Zoo is now recruiting for Retail Assistant, Visitor Experience Assistant and Seasonal Performer and Entertainer roles, with up to 45 vacancies available. The Zoo is looking for individuals who are friendly, motivated and enthusiastic and can provide an engaging and informative experience for all visitors.

Sam O’Connor, Head of Retail at Twycross Zoo, said: “We are delighted to announce this latest recruitment drive which comes at an incredibly exciting time for the Zoo. Our new recruits will have the opportunity to join our team ahead of the opening of The Gruffalo Discovery Land – a brand-new, ground-breaking experience that will engage and inspire visitors of all ages and celebrate the wonders of the natural world.

“Twycross Zoo is a key tourism asset in Leicestershire which already significantly contributes to the £80m tourist spend in Hinckley and Bosworth. The opening of The Gruffalo Discovery Land is an important milestone for the Zoo as we continue towards our 2030 Vision to become a European Centre of Excellence for conservation, so we’re so pleased to announce this increased investment in our operational and retail teams as we embark upon an exciting period ahead.”

The Gruffalo Discovery Land has been developed in partnership with brand managers Magic Light Pictures and is inspired by the best-selling picture book The Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The partnership brings together this much-loved children’s character and a conservation organisation that exists to protect wildlife, preserve endangered species and educate the next generation on protecting our planet.

Sam O’Connor continued: “Our new team members will have the chance to work in a truly unique environment surrounded by more than 400 animals from over 80 different species across our 100-acre site. It’s an opportunity not to be missed so we’d encourage those interested to apply online today.”

Applications are welcome from individuals available to work from March until September 2022, as well as during the school holidays. Successful applicants will benefit from pay rates in line with the national minimum / living wage, a complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family and staff discounts in the Zoo’s gift shop and food and drink outlets.

For more information and to apply online, visit https://jobs.twycrosszoo.org/twycrosszoo/search/results/all/1?keywords=

The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo will open on Saturday 9 April 2022. Entry is included in Twycross Zoo’s admission and visitors will be required to book an arrival timeslot online in advance of visiting.

To buy tickets and plan your visit, go to www.twycrosszoo.org/the-gruffalo-discovery-land/