Twycross Zoo, established in 1963, it is known to be the home of the largest collection of monkeys and apes in the western world. However, when I tell my kids we're going to the zoo, they're most excited about the tiger. This doesn't surprise me. They are eagerly anticipating a thunderous roar! One that frightens them to their core but also fills them with a sense of euphoria. I am aware this is unlikely, but as we drive along the M42 with Ava Max and Encanto blasting interchangeably (that's right, Daddy gets no say in the music played), my heart is happy that they are so fuelled by excitement at the potential of a tiger's roar that, as they count down the distance on the SatNav before spotting the first Twycross Zoo sign, I can't resist but fuel their fantasy.

As we pull into the car park, the range of animals pictured in the array of signs further triggers their excitement. After a quick toilet stop, we somehow make it past the soft play in the entrance and into the main park. Daddy wants them to photograph the Twycross Tiger in advance of the ticket offices, but they resist, and we enter the park on a determined mission... Where is the tiger

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Alas, a quick glance at the maps highlights another family favourite—the meerkat! The temptation to visit these always-cute creatures pushes the tigers further down the list. To reach the meerkats, one must meander past the first of the numerous monkeys and apes. It is clear that these are winners. Both the meerkats and tigers are suddenly removed from priority status as my children immerse themselves in the monkeys.

However, when we arrive at the meerkats, it is clear that they are still a winner. With the Amur Leopard prowling right next to them and the Siamang adjacent, the three animals capture their imagination, and they enjoy posing as meerkats and seeing if their arm span is as wide as the Siamang. From here to Lorikeet Landing. While they opt not to feed them on our initial visit, with fear getting the best of them, it becomes a mission for them later in the day once their bravery levels have risen.

After a fleeting glance at the zebras, the cutesy penguins capture their attention for a good 15 minutes. Managing to resist the splash pads for the time being, my daughter develops a new favourite—the flamingo! Perhaps swayed by Daddy's love of the pretty pink creatures, I am finally allowed a little time to appreciate the animal that I adore.

Although the giraffes are feeding and the rhino is at the back of its enclosure, the Chimpanzee Eden interest them most. As they once again check their arm spans, Calum takes a moment to leave his feedback (a perfect 10) on one of the feedback stands. Shortly after, they witness a chimpanzee rolling on the floor, right at the edge of his pen and next to the glass. If the chimpanzee chewing his toe nails was not enough of a thrill, they are even more delighted when he decides to wiggle his bottom at them. They leave Eden in the pure heaven of 'he showed us his bum bum!'

With the outdoor play area falling shortly afterwards, it proved a perfect break stop to have some lunch (albeit sat on the bench under the climbing frame as all the others were taken!). With an array of monkeys as company and the Vicuna just adjacent, lunch was a pleasurably leisurely affair.

With our initial visit to the Sumatran Tiger unsuccessful, the gorgeous Gibbons saved the day and earned themselves the crown as Calum's new all-time favourites. From silly play fights to one of the Mummy Gibbons licking her fingers after scratching her bottom, these swinging delights drew a big crowd, and deservingly so.

We proceeded to the recently refurbished Gruffalo Discovery Land. With a journey through the Butterfly Land into the story of the Gruffalo, these pretty trails with plenty of interactive activities captured the imagination of both a 3- and a 7-year-old. The ability to give the Gruffalo a high-five at the end of our well-timed trail made Skye want to share the photo with everyone we know!

Having made our way around the entirety of the zoo, there was still time to revisit a few animals and even see the brief Gruffalo show (more suited to the 3-year-old than the 7-year-old). And so we saw the meerkats and gibbons and found a new favourite in the accidentally by-passed Aldabra Tortoise before we finally caught a glimpse of both the snow leopard and the Sumatran tiger! With neither one roaring, they did not manage to steal the hearts of my two, who left more in love with the gibbons and flamingos than their pre-selected favourites.

Despite not visiting the softplay center, they both rated Twycross Zoo as a flawless day out, giving it a perfect 10 in every category.

This is a real treat. It was a fantastic and enjoyable day out, with educational talks and play areas aplenty to accompany the impressive collection of animals.

Somehow, I feel a return trip will be on the cards in the coming weeks, as there have already been numerous requests to see the gibbons and flamingos and to return the play with monkeys!

Pay for a day and spend 12 months at Twycross Zoo! For more information, visit www.twycrosszoo.org.