Leading conservation charity Twycross Zoo is inviting teachers, lecturers and education workers to enjoy a free visit to the Zoo this summer.

From Monday 22 August to Sunday 4 September, education workers can enjoy free entry to the Zoo ahead of the new school term, with the chance to discover more than 400 animals from over 80 different species across the 100-acre site.

Chris Leeson, Conservation Education Team Leader at Twycross Zoo, said: “We’re so pleased to announce this special offer for all those working in the education sector. They play such a crucial role in teaching and inspiring the next generation and this is our way to say thank you for their hard work and dedication. We look forward to welcoming them to the Zoo, where they can enjoy some brand-new activities for summer and see up-close some of the world’s most fascinating species.”

As a conservation charity, Twycross Zoo’s primary purpose is to educate and inspire people to care about, and therefore save, the other species with which we share our planet. Earlier this year, as part of that commitment, Twycross Zoo opened a multi-million-pound major new development, The Gruffalo Discovery Land. The aim of this ground-breaking experience is to inspire more children than ever before about the importance of conservation and the natural world.

In research commissioned by Twycross Zoo earlier this year, parents revealed that an incredible 77% of children in the UK have at least a reasonable awareness and understanding of endangered species and extinction. While the understanding of problems relating to climate change is high, the knowledge of possible solutions is lower. Just 16% of kids have a strong understanding of what conservation is and more needs to be done to equip them for a future of combatting climate change.

Chris continues: “For educators looking to bring learning to life, we offer a range of tailored school trips to suit students of all ages - from primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities. Our award-winning Education Team can offer curriculum-based workshops or support self-guided visits, which are guaranteed to inspire and engage every pupil. From evolution and adaption to biodiversity and conservation, pupils visiting Twycross Zoo are guaranteed to leave as future conservation heroes.”

Throughout August, Twycross Zoo will welcome visitors to an awe-inspiring Festival of Animals with a host of brand-new entertainment and activities for the school holidays, including a Creatures of the World parade, Steel Drum band, animal yoga and summer story-time sessions**. Enjoy strolling alongside the ring-tailed lemurs in their walk-through enclosure; watching our troop of emperor tamarins leap above your head in their treetop exhibit, and hand-feeding rainbow lorikeets.

To find out more and plan your free visit, go to twycrosszoo.org/?promocode=edufree.