MOLLY BADHAMMolly Badham, who died on 19 October, 2007, was the inspired animal-lover who co-founded Twycross Zoo and turned it into one of Britain's best-loved attractions.Tributes to Miss Badham, 93, credited her with doing as much for tourism in Leicestershire as the legendary Thomas Cook. But it was not tourism which was her driving passion - it was animals, and in particular primates.Together with business partner and long-time friend Nathalie Evans, they eventually turned their love of exotic animals into the largest collection of primates in the world. It is now also known as the World Primate Centre in recognition of its collection of monkeys and apes.A spokesman for the zoo said: "Miss Molly Badham was loved by both the animals and staff of the zoo, and its many visitors. She will be very much missed. Her legacy is long-lasting and profound and we all send our deepest sympathies to her long-time friend and partner Nathalie Evans."Molly Winifred Badham was born on 18 May, 1914, in Sutton Coldfield. She loved animals from an early age and after leaving school she went into business breeding dogs and running a boarding kennel.Molly and Nathalie met while working in separate pet shops in Sutton Coldfield in the early 1950s. Molly was already looking after unwanted chimpanzees and it was their shared love of these primates which brought them even closer together.After years of hard work, Twycross Zoo was born in 1963. Some 85,000 visitors passed through the gates during its first 12 months - now the zoo is home to more than 1,000 animals and attracts more than 500,000 children and adults every year.Tributes were paid to the conservationist, who was known around the world for her efforts to protect endangered species. Martin Peters, chief executive at LeicesterShire Promotions, said: "In many ways, Molly's contribution to tourism in Leicestershire is as significant as that of our other tourism pioneer, Thomas Cook."The profile and economy of the county has been boosted immeasurably by her work and the legacy we now enjoy. The major developments recently announced at the zoo are a fitting tribute to a remarkable lady."Twycross is the only British zoo to exhibit all four species of great ape, including the UK's only group of breeding bonobos. The zoo was famous early on after its chimps were made the stars of PG Tips adverts. Molly helped train the chimps for the adverts, first screened in Christmas 1956. Those adverts were voted the favourite British advertising characters of all time, having featured in more than 100 adverts.During her career as a conservationist, author and TV star, Molly received several awards for her work. In 2002, she received an MBE in the Queen's birthday honours.Speaking of life at the zoo, she said: "It's been wonderful. I wish I had done it earlier. People love the animals and the animals love the people."Paul Hart, biology professor at Leicester University, said Miss Badham made a huge contribution to conservation: "Molly and her partner built the zoo up from nothing. She will be missed."Following her death, The Molly Badham Chimpanzee Fund was set up in recognition of her years of service.
Keep me informed of updates
