When looking to future-proof their access control for another two decades of operation, one of the UK’s best-known primate zoos turned to programmable mechatronic CLIQ® keys and cylinders from ASSA ABLOY.
In 2015, Twycross Zoo launched a £55 million plan to develop its site over two decades. High on the agenda was a new access management solution to replace a mechanical master-key system that was labour-intensive to administer. The zoo’s development team worked closely with trusted security contractor Rossells to select the right system to meet their vision. They chose CLIQ®, which was initially installed at the zoo’s Gibbon habitat.
This easy-to-install, intelligent mechatronic locking system uses programmable locks and keys to supplement class-leading mechanical security, with the convenience and flexibility of electronic access control.
CLIQ® has immediately improved security and access for all staff, visitors and other site users. Now, access rights of any lost key can be revoked. Generating a detailed audit trail for a key or cylinder is straightforward. And because power to every CLIQ® cylinder is supplied by a standard battery inside every CLIQ® key, maintenance and operation costs are minimised.
Thanks to its flexibility, CLIQ® has put zoo security managers in full control of their site. It is easy to ensure that only staff with the necessary authority and training can access animal enclosures.
It’s also simple for system administrators to issue time-defined user keys via the CLIQ® Web Manager Software. These can permit vets or zookeepers access to the enclosures for a specific time period outside regular opening hours — for example, during an emergency. When the time period expires, the key no longer works and site integrity is automatically restored. This increase also the security level when a key gets lost.
“The CLIQ® system has allowed the zoo to operate more efficiently,” says Chris Bowles, Director at Rossells, who installed the system.
“We were looking for a modern key management system,” adds Claire Oldham, the zoo’s Director of Discovery and Learning. “The CLIQ® system enables us to have secure control over our keys. We have plans to install CLIQ® across the whole zoo, as we redevelop the site.”
About CLIQ®: CLIQ® is a security locking system with high-end microelectronics, programmable keys and cylinders. The system offers a variety of combinations of mechanical and electronic systems to match different security and flexible access needs. Available on the global market place, it provides flexible access and key management solutions for all kinds of locking applications.
About Twycross Zoo: Now celebrating over 50 years of operation, Twycross Zoo is one of the UK’s major zoos, as well as a World Primate Centre. It is home to one of the most diverse primate collections in Europe. The zoo cares for around 150 species of animals and is the only place in the UK to have every type of Great Ape (Gorilla, Orang-utan, Chimpanzee and Bonobo). See www.twycrosszoo.org.
About Rossells: See www.rossells.co.uk.
