Inspired by Hoppers? Twycross Zoo has the most amazing range of delightful animals

Head to Twycross Zoo this Summer where you’ll find your favourite Gruffalo characters, too.

With Pixar’s new animated adventure Hoppers now available to stream on Disney+, wildlife is having a moment both on screen and in the real world. We want to Twycross Zoo in Leicestershire to find some of the cutest and most delightful wildlife animals in the flesh.

The family film, which imagines a world where humans can communicate with animals through cutting-edge technology, is inspiring a new generation of animal lovers. And after a recent visit to Twycross Zoo, it’s easy to see why wildlife stories continue to captivate audiences of all ages.

For anyone looking to combine a great family day out with some wildlife-inspired viewing at home, Twycross Zoo and the latest wave of nature documentaries make a perfect pairing.

A Wild Day Out That Lives Up To The Hype

A sunny day during the school holidays is often the ultimate test for any family attraction. Large crowds can lead to long queues, packed walkways and a less enjoyable experience.

Yet during our recent visit to Twycross Zoo, one of Britain’s leading wildlife attractions, none of those concerns materialised.

Despite welcoming plenty of visitors on a glorious day, the zoo’s expansive 100-acre site never felt crowded. The spacious layout meant we could explore comfortably and enjoy excellent views of every exhibit throughout the day.

The first thing that struck us was just how well maintained everything was. Pathways, visitor areas and animal habitats were spotless, while clear signposting made navigating the site refreshingly simple.

Every enclosure feels thoughtfully designed, balancing animal welfare with visitor engagement. Educational displays are informative without being overwhelming, helping visitors understand both the animals themselves and the conservation work taking place behind the scenes.

That conservation message is central to Twycross Zoo’s identity. Located on the Leicestershire-Warwickshire border, the zoo is an internationally recognised conservation charity dedicated to research, education and protecting endangered species.

Perhaps its most remarkable distinction is being the only zoo in the UK to house all four great ape species — chimpanzees, gorillas, orangutans and bonobos. Seeing our closest living relatives up close remains one of the most memorable wildlife experiences available anywhere in Britain.

For younger visitors, there is plenty beyond the animal exhibits. The outdoor splash and water play area proved hugely popular during our visit, while the indoor soft play centre offers a welcome backup should the British weather take a turn.

The Gruffalo Discovery Land is another standout attraction, bringing Julia Donaldson’s beloved characters to life in an immersive woodland setting that younger children will adore.

Food options are excellent throughout the site, with a range of cafés and eateries offering everything from quick snacks to full meals.

One particularly appealing feature for families is the zoo’s return ticket scheme, which allows visitors to come back multiple times throughout the year, making it outstanding value compared to many major attractions.

By the end of the day, we had spent hours exploring, learning and relaxing — and still felt there was more to discover.

★★★★★

The Best Wildlife Shows To Stream After Your Visit

If a trip to the zoo leaves you wanting more animal adventures, there has rarely been a better time to be a wildlife fan.

Disney+

Following Hoppers, Disney+ offers some outstanding real-life wildlife viewing.

Ghost Elephants follows an extraordinary search for elusive elephant herds hidden deep within remote jungle landscapes, while Billy & Molly: An Otter Love Story tells the heartwarming story of a rescued otter and the unlikely friendship that develops between humans and wildlife.

Netflix

David Attenborough fans should seek out A Gorilla Story, which revisits some of the broadcaster’s most famous encounters with wild gorillas while exploring their modern-day descendants.

Meanwhile, Secret Lives of Orangutans offers a fascinating look at one of the animal kingdom’s most intelligent and complex species — making it the perfect companion piece after seeing Twycross Zoo’s own great apes.

Apple TV+

Among the standout releases is The Secret Lives of Animals, a visually stunning series that uses cutting-edge camera technology to reveal behaviours rarely witnessed by humans.

For something more emotional, Fathom explores the mystery of humpback whale songs and the scientists trying to decode one of nature’s most extraordinary forms of communication.

BBC iPlayer

Sir David Attenborough continues to dominate wildlife television with Secret Garden, which uncovers remarkable stories unfolding in ordinary British gardens.

Viewers can also watch Making Life on Earth: Attenborough’s Greatest Adventure, a fascinating look back at one of television’s most influential careers, while Springwatch remains essential viewing for anyone who enjoys following Britain’s wildlife in real time.

A Perfect Wildlife Summer

Whether you’re discovering orangutans and gorillas at Twycross Zoo or settling down at home to watch Hoppers and the latest nature documentaries, this summer offers countless ways for families to connect with the natural world.

For information and tickets for Twycross Zoo, visit twycrosszoo.org.