Twycross Zoo Owl Aviary

Located in the heart of England at Twycross Zoo, The Gruffalo Discovery Land has been developed in partnership with brand managers Magic Light Pictures and is inspired by the best-selling picture book The Gruffalo written by Julia Donaldson and illustrated by Axel Scheffler. The aim of the four-acre experience is to educate and inspire the next generation about conservation – something that is critical to the future of many species as well as the planet.

Wates Smart Space working with Twycross Zoo approached us to help them develop a scheme for a new replacement Owl Aviary at the zoo. With a recent increase in avian flu at the time, the zoo were concerned about cross contamination with other smaller native wild birds.

We worked with the team at Wates to identify a more suitable finer mesh that would prevent other birds from entering the enclosure, and significantly reduce the risk of transmission.

We designed, engineered and erected the timber frames, stainless steel knit mesh, keepers vestibules, owl boxes and two gates as part of the project.

The result is a more robust owl enclosure that helps prevent risk of cross contamination whilst still maximizing habitat space and animal welfare.

The Gruffalo Discovery Land at Twycross Zoo is open from Saturday 9th April 2022. To buy tickets, go to www.twycrosszoo.org/the-gruffalo-discovery-land