UK conservation charity, Twycross Zoo, has announced the launch of a bold new campaign: “Orangutans: A Future in Our Hands”.

A powerful call to protect one of our planet’s most intelligent and endangered species, the fundraiser aims to generate £500,000 towards the creation of a world-class Bornean orangutan habitat, set to open in 2027 as part of the Global Conservation Centre project announced earlier this year. Dr Rebecca Biddle, Chief Conservation Officer at Twycross Zoo and Vice Chair of EAZA, says: "Orangutans are on the brink of extinction, and this project is a lifeline.

“But we can only achieve it with your support. The build of our new Bornean orangutan habitat will help us amplify conservation work for the species, provide them with a world-class home, and inspire hundreds of thousands of people every year to take action.

“Every donation will bring us closer to saving these incredible apes, before it's too late. Please support us if you can." The online fundraiser is now live at www.twycrosszoo.org/our-charity/conservation/orangutans-a-future-in-our-hands.

How Twycross Zoo is already helping Bornean orangutans:

  • By supporting field projects in Borneo with their partner, including community engagement and education projects.
  • Working collaboratively with other zoos across Europe to care for a healthy and genetically viable population of Bornean orangutans, as a support system for their critically endangered wild counterparts.
  • Educating hundreds of thousands of visitors on the threats faced by orangutans and the impact our everyday actions can have. How the public can help: Twycross Zoo is inviting the public, businesses, and donors to get involved in a variety of ways:
  • Enter to WIN a luxury Glamping experience at the zoo - by donating as little as £5 you are in for the chance to win an overnight stay in a luxury glamping tent inside the zoo, including: - A bespoke Indonesian-inspired food and drinks package, specially curated for your stay - A luxury goodie bag filled with themed treats and surprises - Exclusive after-hours access to parts of the zoo - A 12-month Conservation Membership for 4 people - including £50 spending money per person to use on food, drinks, or in the gift shop
  • Visit The Zoo: Twycross Zoo is a conservation charity, every penny goes back to their mission. By booking a ticket and visiting the zoo this summer, you’ll not only have a fantastic day out, but be supporting vital conservation.
  • Crowdfund & Win: Donate to our crowdfunded campaign and be entered to win a money-can’t-buy short break inside Twycross Zoo, an unforgettable experience with bespoke experiences like no other.
  • Round-Up to Rescue: Round up your basket when buying a zoo ticket online - every penny helps.
  • Fundraise Your Way: From fun runs to bake sales, we’re calling on the public to launch their own fundraisers in support of Twycross Zoo’s conservation mission.
  • Corporate Kindness: We welcome partnerships, matched giving, and sponsorships from businesses ready to make a meaningful impact.
  • Legacy of Love: Consider leaving a gift in your will to help protect orangutans for generations to come.

The newly launched fundraiser adds yet another important element to Twycross Zoo’s game-changing contribution to the fight against global extinction, with the Global Conservation Centre receiving a historic £18million investment from the UK Government towards its creation.

Marking the biggest single Government grant ever given to a UK zoo, the state-of-the-art facility will be dedicated to advancing global conservation solutions, from the heart of the UK. The £25 million Global Conservation Centre is being developed at Twycross Zoo, in partnership with the Hinckley & Bosworth Borough Council, and a number of the UK’s leading Universities.

It will not only act as a hub for the zoo’s expanding global conservation work, cutting-edge scientific research, and education programmes; but also, a community space to inspire, train and facilitate the next generation of conservation leaders under one roof. The new Bornean orangutan habitat will be part of a brand new Indonesian-themed land, set to include further new habitats for several other threatened Indonesian species the zoo will begin to care for as part of its ex-situ conservation work.

 Engaging the zoo’s 700,000 yearly visitors with the wonders of Indonesia - one of our planet’s biodiversity hotspots sadly being depleted due to human action - as part of this experience the zoo will launch a new education offering to highlight both its unique ecosystem as well as the threats faced by Indonesia’s wildlife. Additionally, the zoo has pledged to expand its existing conservation projects in Indonesia, in partnership with Borneo Nature Foundation, and Action Indonesia.

As specialists in the conservation and protection of primates, the cause is very close to the entire team’s heart, with Twycross Zoo the only zoo in the UK - and one of only four worldwide - where visitors can see four great apes species: Chimpanzee, orangutan, gorilla and bonobo. Within its 2030 conservation strategy, in 2023 the zoo pledged to scale up its actions and maximise its resources as a charity to fight the biodiversity crisis that our planet currently faces.

As part of this, Twycross Zoo has committed to reversing the IUCN Red List status of 15 species, including the four great ape species it currently cares for. Expecting completion in 2027, the Global Conservation Centre's facilities will also create a base for international scientists, conservationists and animal welfare experts to collaborate and create impactful solutions for protecting endangered species.