'Landmark moment' for new zoo conservation centre

The conservation centre is scheduled to open 2027

The frame for a £25m conservation building at Twycross Zoo has been completed.

The conservation centre will have a 200-seat lecture theatre, a science lab, and a Indonesian-themed area – part of which will become a new habitat for the Bornean orangutan.

Craig Dunkerley, chief executive at the Leicestershire attraction, called the topping out of the building a "landmark moment".

"This isn't just about bricks and mortar, it's about the bold future we are building for wildlife, and the extraordinary opportunities it will create for scientists, students, and conservationists to work together to protect endangered species," he said.

The new facility will be dedicated to advancing global conservation solutions, Twycross Zoo says

The building will house other threatened species from Indonesia alongside the orangutan, as well as three indoor classrooms, wildlife gardens, and 24 bedrooms to accommodate visiting researchers and students.

About £18m of the total project cost came from the UK government's Levelling Up Fund and the zoo has committed the additional investment.

A topping out ceremony for the new centre, which the zoo says is set to create 90 jobs, took place on 29 October.

Ian Taylor, managing director at Henry Brothers Construction, said the company was "thrilled to be working with our partners on a world-class project that will make a game-changing contribution to the fight against extinction for endangered wildlife".