A popular central England tourist attraction hopes to cash in on the love for Julia Donaldson’s favourite character.
Twycross Zoo, which sits on the Leicestershire/Warwickshire border is opening a multi-million pound development called Gruffalo Discovery Land this spring.
The four-acre site will feature the much-loved characters from best-selling children’s book, which was illustrated by Axel Scheffler.
It has been developed in partnership with The Gruffalo brand owners Magic Light Pictures, and will include a mix of live animals, animatronics, film clips and other attractions.
Characters such as Fox, Snake, Owl, Mouse and the Gruffalo will entertain families along an interactive journey through the Deep Dark Wood.
It will also help Twycross with its work protecting wildlife, preserving endangered species and educating the next generation on the importance of protecting our planet.
Twycross chief executive Dr Sharon Redrobe OBE said: “We hope to spark the imaginations of our youngest visitors about the wonders of nature in this most engaging and interactive way.
“Even small actions can, collectively, have a big impact on the future health of our planet - and every young person can play their part.
“The arrival of The Gruffalo Discovery Land moves us closer to achieving our 2030 Vision to become a European Centre of Excellence for conservation.
“This brand-new immersive experience will educate more young children than ever before and increase their understanding of the vital role that they will play to ensure our planet thrives in the future.”
Twycross Zoo was founded in 1963, with has around 500 animals from over 125 species. It is recognised as the ‘World Primate Centre’, with one of the largest primate collections in Europe.
It is the only zoo in the UK, and one of only four worldwide, where visitors can see all four great apes – gorilla, orang utan, chimpanzee and bonobo.
The zoo usually sees 650,000 visitors a year to its 100-acre site in Leicestershire, including 60,000 school children.
