The heartbeat of UK zoo news

Five critically endangered cichlid species from Lake Barombi Mbo have been moved to a new African Forest habitat at Bristol Zoo Project, where they are now on display to visitors. The cichlids live alongside a critically endangered slender-snouted crocodile in the crocodile house.

Bristol Zoo Project has discovered that only one Konia eisentrauti cichlid is recorded in accredited zoos worldwide and is appealing globally to locate more individuals to establish a breeding programme. The species is found naturally only in Lake Barombi Mbo, a volcanic crater lake in Cameroon, where habitat loss and deforestation threaten its survival.

Bru, a young capybara at Edinburgh Zoo, has passed his recent health check and now weighs 7 kg, equivalent to 19 cans of IRN-BRU. The capybara's name was chosen by the public in a social media vote, and footage shows him eagerly investigating the iconic Scottish drink cans during his weigh-in.

Drusillas has officially opened Go Wild!, a newly transformed trampoline park in Heathfield, East Sussex, following a complete jungle-themed redesign of the former Urban Jump venue. The attraction features trampolines, foam pits, climbing walls, obstacle courses, and party facilities, marking the third venue in the expanding Drusillas family portfolio.

Hertfordshire Zoo has introduced a new shuttle bus service operated in partnership with UNO Bus, connecting Broxbourne Station to the zoo for £6 per person return. The service runs from 9:20am to 5:30pm daily, offering visitors a convenient alternative to driving.

The UK's National Marine Aquarium in Plymouth is introducing a limited-edition summer experience allowing visitors aged 16+ to work alongside aquarists caring for over 5,000 marine animals. Participants will learn feeding techniques, conduct water testing, prepare food, and participate in enrichment sessions with species including Green Sea Turtles, Eagle Rays, Boxfish, Cowfish, and Red Mullet.

A zoo has initiated a research programme using endocrinology—the study of hormones—to improve breeding success and health outcomes in endangered species. The programme aims to enhance reproductive management and survival rates across multiple species in captive breeding programmes.

Marwell Zoo's keepers introduced visitors to the zoo's newest giraffe arrival, Ballycarry, during World Giraffe Day celebrations. The zoo is offering Giraffe Experience bookings for visitors to spend time with expert keepers and learn more about the herd.

A white-faced saki monkey born in March has been officially named Manu, after Manú National Park in Peru, one of the world's most biodiverse regions. The name honours the species' close relatives, the Equatorial and monk saki monkeys, which inhabit the park.