Research at Twycross Zoo
We have a strong research department and support many projects every year at all levels from
further education and undergraduate through to postdoctoral studies. We are keen to promote research,
particularly if it benefits animal welfare and conservation.
Most researchers come to the zoo to study our animals. We have the largest collection of primate
species of any zoo in the world, outside Japan. Twycross is the only UK zoo to hold all 4 species of
great ape, including bonobos. We also have a very successful breeding record and many of our primates
can be observed in breeding groups with individuals of various ages and stages of development.
Many of the other species at Twycross Zoo are endangered in the wild, and are in captive breeding
programmes for conservation purposes. We have more than 1000 animals from approximately 250 species,
but many are in small groups and may not be suitable for research projects. Our website has details
of the entire animal collection, but you will have to check suitability and availability with us.
Click here
to see a list of animals to help you decide on your research.
The majority of enclosures allow good observation of the animals.
Most animals have indoor and outdoor enclosures, and animals are
generally observable in both environments. However, from time to
time, animals may have to be off-show for welfare reasons.
We
have particular interest in the following
areas:
- Enclosure usage and activity budgets
- Behaviour and social interactions
- Enrichment
- Communication and vocalisations
In addition to animal-based projects we welcome interest in research in the following areas:
- We have a strong education department that teaches around 28,000 school pupils and university and college students a year.
- We are a large tourist destination for the East Midlands.
- We contribute to in-situ conservation across the world.
- We aim to operate as sustainably as we can, adopting novel green technologies wherever feasible.
- We have a large site surrounded by farmland and aim to maintain, and potentially increase, the native biodiversity of the site.
To arrange a study at Twycross you need to:
- Have an idea for a study.
- Have done some reading and have a good plan of what you would like to do.
- Contact the research co-ordinator by email or post, well in advance of the planned study, to discuss your ideas. If they are not
entirely possible we can help with suggestions for refinements.
- Arrange a visit if possible. You will find it helpful to see the
facilities and meet the keepers.
Research Guidelines for more information.
The Research Officer will supply the appropriate form which must be
completed and returned. Please note that approval for the project
from the zoo management may take several weeks and not all projects
are suitable.
Entrance to the zoo is free for researchers while they are carrying
out research and for preliminary visits, as long as these have been
organised with the Research Officer in advance.
Should you want to do a research project with us, please
make sure that you allow plenty of time before your start date
(about 6-7 weeks) in order for the application to be processed.
For ideas for suitable zoo projects see the BIAZA resources
for researchers:
http://www.biaza.org.uk
Contact Details: email:
research@twycrosszoo.org
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