Not a fan of creepy crawlies? Look away now! Leading conservation charity, Twycross Zoo, has officially opened its brand-new immersive habitat. Crawl inside Close Encounters – The World of Reptiles and Spiders and come face-to-face with some of the world’s most endangered and extraordinary creatures.
Housing over 13 incredible species from across the globe, the new indoor habitat brings you closer than ever to these often-misunderstood creatures – which include tarantulas, boa constrictors, and chameleons. Featuring immersive viewing areas, you can now step into the heart of the habitat for a unique perspective.
Who is new at Twycross Zoo?
- Gooty ornamental tarantula: One of the world’s most endangered and striking spider species. They’re unique electric blue colouration means they are targeted by the illegal pet trade.
- Turquoise dwarf gecko: Native to a small region in Tanzania, this species is critically endangered and dimorphic, meaning the males and females look different.
- Panther chameleon: Panther chameleons can move their eyes independently, allowing them to look in two directions at once.
- Chinese crocodile lizard: A rare species that gives birth to live young instead of laying eggs.
- Sand lizard: One of the UK’s rarest reptiles, now the focus of national reintroduction efforts after decades of decline.
- Boa constrictor: Native to South America, this species is over 3 metres long and on Steve Backshall’s Deadly 60 for a reason!
Lynsey Bugg, Senior Curator at Twycross Zoo, said: “Not only will Close Encounters give our visitors a number of exciting new species to discover on their visits, but it will also create fantastic opportunities for us to get involved in vital conservation projects, which works towards saving these incredible species from extinction.”
Many of these fascinating creatures currently face significant threats from habitat destruction and the illegal wildlife trade. Every ticket purchased helps fund these initiatives, playing a vital role in ensuring the survival of these remarkable species for future generations.
In addition to Close Encounters – The World of Reptiles and Spiders, Twycross Zoo provides over 70 species of animals to meet, including chimpanzees, gorillas, tigers and giraffes. You can also currently buy an annual ticket, which allows visitors to pay for a day and visit FREE for 12 months. To learn more about Twycross Zoo head here.