Every 4 October, the world celebrates World Animal Day – a global day of action dedicated to improving animal welfare and raising the status of animals everywhere. This year, join the Naturewatch Foundation and animal lovers across the UK in championing better standards for wildlife, from conservation efforts to everyday compassion. It's the perfect opportunity to visit your local zoo, learn about the incredible animals they care for, and discover how you can make a difference for creatures great and small.
This World Rivers Day, we're celebrating the flowing heartbeats of our planet and the incredible wildlife that depends on them. Founded by conservationist Mark Angelo, this annual event reminds us why freshwater ecosystems matter – from the tiniest riverine creatures to the magnificent animals you'll spot at UK zoos. Join the global movement to champion better stewardship of our rivers and discover how zoos are working to protect the species that call these vital habitats home.
Get ready to celebrate one of Australia's most magnificent and mysterious birds! World Cassowary Day shines a spotlight on these striking rainforest giants and their vital role as a keystone species in Queensland's ecosystems. Join zoos across the UK as we raise awareness about cassowary conservation and discover why protecting these incredible birds is crucial for the health of their entire habitat.
Folly Farm is launching its Winter Weekends programme from 7 November to 20 December 2026, with daily opening until 1 November, then weekends only plus select Fridays in December. The festive season features Santa's Grotto (£9.50 per child with gift), a Snow Globe with seasonal characters, a VR sleigh ride experience, gingerbread decoration activities, and a prize trail throughout the park.
A new interactive autumn trail opens on 1 October, guiding visitors through glasshouses to discover which plant species are poisons, potions, or both. The self-guided experience includes clues, games, puzzles, and a colouring competition with prizes, with separate booklet versions for ages 4–7 and 7+.
Two female Amur Tiger cubs have been born at the Park this summer, with keepers recently confirming their gender. The birth of these endangered big cats represents an important addition to the zoo's population.
Whipsnade Zoo has lit up an iconic white lion sculpture to mark ZSL's 200-year milestone. The illuminated display was unveiled to ZSL staff, volunteers, and special guests at the Dunstable location.
Ayana will relocate to Zooparc de Beauval in France in mid-November as part of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme, where she will join a new troop and potentially breed. The move supports conservation of the Critically Endangered western lowland gorilla by maintaining genetic diversity in captive populations.
Folly Farm has retained its certification under the Animal Assured Attraction Scheme (AAAS) for the third year running, demonstrating commitment to health and safety standards. The accreditation, held by only a third of UK farm attractions, recognises the farm's compliance with biosecurity measures and safe guest interaction protocols.
The University of Suffolk and Colchester Zoological Society are launching a new BSc (Hons) Zoo Science and Management course starting September 2027, combining academic learning with practical experience at the zoo. Students will spend half their time on campus in Ipswich and half at Colchester Zoo, with optional field trips to UK wildlife facilities and a residential trip option to South Africa's Umphafa Nature Reserve.
Today we celebrate one of our planet's most remarkable species and raise awareness about the urgent conservation challenges facing gorillas in the wild. World Gorilla Day highlights the critical work of organisations like the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund to protect these intelligent, endangered primates and their habitats. Whether you're visiting a UK zoo to see these magnificent creatures up close or supporting conservation efforts from home, every action counts in securing a future for gorillas.
Edinburgh Zoo's red panda Bruce underwent general anaesthesia for a health check after keepers noticed he was off his food, and vets discovered and removed a problematic tooth. The male red panda received a full-body examination and was given a clean bill of health, and has since returned to his normal activities in his habitat.
Welsh Mountain Zoo is running a Halloween prize draw offering a two-night caravan stay, VIP zoo day with keeper experience, safari lunch, after-hours Halloween event, and annual family membership for £5 per entry. Proceeds support the zoo's Margay habitat development.
Tavernspite CP School has become the first school in Pembrokeshire to install swift nest boxes and a specialist call system, with support from Folly Farm's Conservation Officer Jack. The project aims to provide nesting sites for the declining Common Swift population and educate pupils about wildlife conservation.
Emerald Doves have bred successfully at Cotswold Wildlife Park for the first time in the collection's history, with three squabs reared and more expected. The parent birds successfully reared their chicks in the Tropical House, with one pair nesting next to the public pathway to give visitors a close view of the incubation and rearing process.
Blacksmith Plovers have bred successfully at Cotswold Wildlife Park for the first time, producing two clutches with three chicks in each that have now fully fledged. The park is one of only two UK zoological collections to have bred this species in the last year.
Three Greater Coucal chicks have been successfully hand-reared at Cotswold Wildlife Park, marking the first time this species has been hand-reared by a UK zoological collection and the first breeding of the species at the park. Named Skunk, Badger, and Bodger, the chicks hatched weighing just 10.9 grams and grew to adult size in just over a month, now fully fledged and independent.
A wasp spider, nicknamed 'Wendy', has been spotted during a biodiversity survey at Chester Zoo's estate in Cheshire, marking the first recorded sighting of the species in the region. The discovery is attributed to climate change, as the species migrates northward from southern Europe in response to warming temperatures.
The zoo has announced additional dates for its festive winter experience, The Festival of Light. The expansion reflects strong visitor demand for the seasonal attraction.
Ebby, a 19-year-old female Humboldt Penguin who arrived from Germany in 2007, and Peru, a 13-year-old male from the Czech Republic who joined in 2014, have formed a strong bond following the deaths of their respective previous partners Mako and Tequila this year. The pair are now rarely seen apart and can be observed together at their favourite spots amongst the bamboo and in their nest box on the Inca Trail.
Five rare Northern African lion cubs have begun exploring their outdoor paddock for the first time at Whipsnade Zoo under the care of their mother, Waka. The cubs are now strong enough to spend supervised time outside, marking a significant milestone in their early development.
This September 22nd, zoos across the UK will join a global celebration of all five rhino species—a day dedicated to raising awareness about the urgent threats these magnificent creatures face from poaching and illegal horn trade. World Rhino Day is your chance to learn why rhinos matter, meet these incredible animals up close, and discover how conservation efforts are making a real difference. Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned zoo-goer, it's the perfect opportunity to support the fight to protect rhinos for future generations.
The Sealion Shores enclosure at Colchester Zoo has been transformed and adapted to welcome California Sea Lions Sofia and Cali. The habitat features underwater tunnel viewing and has been redesigned by in-house staff to provide optimal conditions for the new residents.
Colchester Zoological Society has welcomed California Sea Lion mother Sofia (16) and her daughter Cali (4) from Welsh Mountain Zoo, marking the introduction of an entirely new species to the zoo's collection. The pair have settled into the revamped Sealion Shores habitat, which has been specially adapted to accommodate them following the passing of the zoo's Patagonian Sea Lions in March.
The zoo has released a behind-the-scenes video for International Red Panda Day featuring a new red panda cub undergoing a health check. The footage offers visitors an exclusive look at the cub's care and veterinary assessment.
Mark your calendars for 19 September 2026, when zoos across the UK will join the global celebration of International Red Panda Day! This annual initiative by the Red Panda Network shines a spotlight on these adorable creatures and raises vital funds for their conservation in their native Asian habitats. It's the perfect opportunity to visit your local zoo, learn why these fluffy icons need our help, and support the efforts keeping red pandas thriving in the wild.
Wildlife conservationist and broadcaster Cam Whitnall will host an evening of storytelling at Hertfordshire Zoo on Friday 25 September, sharing stories from his memoir Lion Heart and his experiences in wildlife conservation. The event will feature behind-the-scenes accounts of his 2024 rescue mission that evacuated five lions from war-torn Ukraine to safety at The Big Cat Sanctuary.
Hertfordshire Zoo is hosting a special evening on 19 October 2026 dedicated to vulture conservation, featuring expert speakers including VulPro CEO Kerri Wolter from South Africa. The event will include presentations on vulture rescue, rehabilitation, breeding, research, and conservation efforts, followed by a live Q&A panel and raffle.
The zoo is launching a new visitor experience allowing guests to meet reindeer up close. The attraction offers an interactive opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts to learn about and interact with these Arctic animals.
One-year-old male red panda Flyn has arrived at Highland Wildlife Park to join resident female Priya in a newly opened habitat. Keepers hope the pair will breed in future, and visitors can book a Red Panda Magic Moment experience to see them.
A new wild cat species, Leopardus tilcayo, has been scientifically described for the first time in a century, with Chester Zoo conservationists playing a key role in its identification through their Andean Carnivore Conservation Project. The small feline, known locally as tilcayo, was initially mistaken for an oncilla tiger cat but genomic analysis confirmed it is genetically distinct and deserves protection in its Bolivian cloud forest habitat.
Highland Wildlife Park has opened a new dedicated habitat for its red pandas, featuring climbing trees and naturalistic design. The enclosure is now home to both Priya and newly arrived male Flyn.
Colchester Zoo has submitted its 200th biological sample to the RZSS WildGenes Biobank at Edinburgh Zoo, marking a major conservation milestone. The biobank stores blood, tissues, and other genetic material from multiple species to support wildlife research, disease monitoring, and genetic diversity preservation across endangered populations.
12-year-old Pearl has won a competition to light up the iconic White Lion landmark at ZSL Whipsnade Zoo. The illumination will celebrate the organisation's 200th anniversary milestone.
Research by Chester Zoo scientists and Nottingham Trent University found that fewer than 40% of UK householders are willing or able to make their gardens more wildlife-friendly, despite widespread promotion of features like ponds and hedgehog highways. The study, published in People and Nature, identified lack of space, pet concerns, and maintenance worries as key barriers, and suggests policy changes and urban planning integration are needed to protect biodiversity at scale.
A female red panda cub born on 21 June 2026 to parents Mei Lin and Sanka has completed her first health check at three months old and been named Omari, meaning 'light' in Nepalese. The birth is significant as red pandas are endangered with fewer than 10,000 remaining in the wild, and the cub was born as part of an EEP (EAZA Ex-Situ Programme) conservation collaboration between European zoos.
The park will open its Conservation Station on 19 and 20 September from 11am to 2pm to mark International Red Panda Day, offering guests information about red panda conservation and the chance to see the red panda family. The park supports the Red Panda Network, funding their Forest Guardians programme in Nepal which trains and pays local people to monitor and protect red panda habitat.
Mark your calendars for World Manta Day on 17 September 2026, an annual celebration dedicated to protecting these graceful ocean giants! Both manta rays and their cousins, devil rays, face serious threats and are listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List—making conservation awareness more vital than ever. UK zoos and aquariums are joining the global movement to inspire visitors to become manta ray champions and help secure a safer future for these magnificent creatures.
Young wolves are now visible to visitors in the Drive-Through Safari section of Wolf Wood. A warning sign alerts drivers to watch for the wolf pups on the road.
A specially designed woodland reserve called Moon Bear Islands has opened at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park to house the five rescued Asiatic black bears. The reserve provides the bears with space, trees, water and choice for the first time in their lives, allowing them to climb, swim, explore and interact naturally.
Five Asiatic black bears named Bara, Rumi, Saebit, Yonggi and Huimang have arrived at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk following a six-month international rescue mission from a former bear bile farm in South Korea. The arrival marks a historic conservation milestone, making Jimmy's Farm the first UK organisation to rescue moon bears from South Korea's bear bile industry.
Jimmy Doherty's bear rescue efforts have expanded through the establishment of Space for the Wild, an official charity supporting multiple bear rescue and conservation projects globally. Recent successes include the 2023 opening of Europe's largest polar bear reserve and ongoing support for Bear Again, a Romanian bear orphanage.
The zoo remains open on 19–20 September despite Priors Court Road closure at M4 Junction 13 for the Newbury Show. Visitors are advised to use alternative routes via Junction 12, the A34 East Ilsley exit, or the B4009 from Newbury town centre.
Folly Farm is hosting extensive Halloween-themed activities and attractions throughout October, culminating in a dedicated October Half Term programme from 24 October to 1 November. Events include scarecrow trails, pumpkin carving, VR haunted experiences, meet-and-greet sessions with animals, and daily keeper talks on venoms versus poisons.
Colchester Zoo welcomed a specialist mobile CT scanner from Burgess Diagnostics on 27th August, scanning ten animals including aardvarks, a red panda, and a sloth to assess their health. The advanced imaging technology, operated with support from veterinarians at the International Zoo Veterinary Group, allows the care team to detect health issues that routine examinations cannot reveal.
Grey Crowned Cranes Neema and Yoweri have been introduced and formed an immediate bond at the zoo. The pair's successful pairing is significant for the species, which relies on strong pair bonds for breeding and social stability.
West Midlands Safari Park will debut a brand-new drone show on 31 October featuring hundreds of drones creating images of animals including big cats and giraffes in a 12-minute aerial display. The family-friendly show will be the grand finale of the park's Spooky Spectacular Halloween event, with performances beginning at 7:30pm.
Welsh Mountain Zoo has announced a new partnership with Colwyn Bay Football Club and its community foundation to create opportunities for local children and families. The collaboration will combine wildlife, conservation, education and sport through joint initiatives including education programmes, fundraising, and unique experiences.
The community-led conservation project has reached its first anniversary, with 8,700 participants delivering significant environmental improvements across Cheshire. Achievements include removing 269 tonnes of invasive aquatic species, planting 14,000 trees, creating 13 ponds, and establishing 1.6km of hedgerow.
The Marquess and Marchioness of Bath hosted a gala event that raised £100,000 for Tusk, an African conservation organisation. The celebration marked over 20 years of partnership and was held against the backdrop of the Icons of the Sky 2026 exhibition.
Chester Zoo's Field Programmes department has coordinated a comprehensive conservation action plan for Copiapoa cacti, a genus endemic to Chile's Atacama Desert where over two-thirds of the 32 species are Critically Endangered or Endangered. The multi-strand initiative includes public awareness campaigns, community education, seed banking at INIA Intihuasi Seedbank, sustainable harvesting certification, and partnerships with tourism companies to reduce off-roading damage.
Longleat's custom hot air balloons shaped like a lion (Simbaloo) and koala (Adelaide) were prominently displayed throughout the three-day Icons of the Sky 2026 event. The balloons appeared both in flight and tethered on the ground as centrepiece attractions.
Today we celebrate World Dolphin Day, a global initiative honouring these remarkable marine mammals and raising awareness about the conservation challenges they face. Founded by Sea Shepherd Global to commemorate an important moment in dolphin protection history, this day reminds us why these intelligent, social creatures deserve our care and respect. Whether through educational programmes, conservation partnerships, or wildlife experiences, UK zoos and aquariums play a vital role in inspiring the next generation of dolphin advocates.
Icons of the Sky 2026 opened today, Friday 11 September, at Longleat with a full day of aerial entertainment including hot air balloons, wingwalkers, and special planes. The event marks the beginning of a seasonal attraction combining aviation spectacle with the zoo visitor experience.
Kent's red-billed chough reintroduction project has received funding from Natural England's Species Recovery Programme to support DNA analysis research into the birds' diet and habitat surveys. The research will guide the next phase of the programme and help identify optimal foraging habitats to support long-term population establishment.
Eight red-billed chough chicks fledged in the wild across Kent this summer, bringing the total wild-born population to nine and the overall Kent population to 35 birds. The milestone marks significant progress in the species' recovery after more than 200 years of absence, with birds now expanding their range beyond Dover into Thanet and Folkestone.
Folly Farm is replacing its 30-year-old Royal Fortune Pirate Ship with a new, fully accessible play structure as the final phase of its pirate-themed adventure area development. The new ship will feature wheelchair-accessible ramps, low-level interactive play areas, and improved play value, with construction beginning soon.
Volunteers from international charity Ripple Effect visited Noah's Ark Zoo Farm in early June 2026 to build a keyhole garden and plant pumpkins for the zoo's autumn Pumpkinfest. The keyhole garden is a circular raised bed designed for efficient water and compost use, featuring a central composting basket that reflects sustainable agricultural techniques supported by Ripple Effect across Africa.
Hertfordshire Zoo's popular Dinos After Dark event returns for 2026, running on select dates from October 23rd through November 1st. The nighttime attraction features over 40 life-size animatronic dinosaurs, UV entertainment, a silent disco, face painting, and meet-and-greet experiences, open from 5:30pm to 8:30pm.
The RAF Red Arrows have cancelled their scheduled fly past at Longleat on Friday due to a change in operational plans. Icons of the Sky remains a full weekend of aviation displays with several new additions to the programme.
Whipsnade Zoo has welcomed two red panda cubs, adding to the population of this endangered species. The birth is a significant milestone for the zoo's red panda breeding programme.
Three rock hyrax pups named Russ, Spud, and Jackie have been born at Chester Zoo to parents Maris and Albert, with two males and one female all passing their first health check. The litter weighs approximately 350g each and visitors can now see them exploring their habitat and developing their climbing skills.
Banham Zoo is hosting a Trick or Treat Trail during October half-term, featuring interactive Halloween activities, live animal talks, and spooky shows across the zoo. Visitors can choose a character guide (Monster Medic, Skeleton Scientist, or Witch's Apprentice) and complete challenges at activity stations, with additional attractions including The Bug Lab, a Safari Ghost Train, and a Monster Mash Bubble Party.
Blair Drummond Safari Park is hosting HalloWILD from 10th to 31st October 2026, a family-friendly Halloween event with no jump scares or frightening elements. The event features a trick-or-treat trail, hay bale play-pit, giant hay bale spiders, marshmallow toasting, and a fancy dress competition on 31st October, alongside regular safari park attractions.
A prize draw running throughout September offers the winner and a guest a day with the zoo's animal care team in the rainforest exhibit, including feeding, enrichment activities, and an exclusive plant tour. Ticket proceeds support the zoo's charitable activities, animal care, and education programmes across its collection of over 900 tropical species.
Bristol has begun a five-year partnership between the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust (WWT) and insurance company Aviva to become the UK's first Wetland City, integrating wetland habitats into urban infrastructure to improve climate resilience and flood management. The programme will support over 200 projects including pond restoration, river rehabilitation, and creation of mini wetlands across the city, with the goal of achieving international Ramsar accreditation.
The RAF Red Arrows will perform a celebratory fly past at 2.15pm on Friday 11 September, opening the Icons of the Sky air display. The event marks a significant visitor attraction featuring military aviation heritage.
Hertfordshire Zoo has long supported the Snow Leopard Trust in vital conservation work to understand and protect wild snow leopards across Central and South Asia. The zoo's resident snow leopard Jessie serves as an ambassador while researchers use camera traps, genetic sampling, and coat pattern identification to build accurate population estimates and guide conservation priorities.
This Saturday marks International Vulture Awareness Day, a chance to appreciate these magnificent and often misunderstood birds of prey. Born from conservation efforts in South Africa and the UK, the day shines a spotlight on the critical threats vultures face, from habitat loss to poisoning, and the vital role they play in our ecosystems. Visit your local zoo to discover why these scavengers are nature's cleanup crew and how you can help protect them!
Twycross Zoo is launching a brand-new Room on a Broom themed corn maze on 3 October 2026, featuring immersive visual and audio effects to celebrate the beloved children's book's 25th anniversary. The maze will run daily until 1 November 2026 and costs £5 per child, with proceeds supporting the zoo's conservation charity work.
Twycross Zoo is celebrating the launch of Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler's new picture book Gruffalo Granny on 10 September 2026 with free admission for one grandmother per child. The event features themed activities at The Gruffalo Discovery Land, a meet-and-greet with The Gruffalo character, and a special video reading by Julia Donaldson herself.
A zoo has initiated a hedgehog conservation project to support the species. The project aims to address declining hedgehog populations through dedicated care and research initiatives.
Piper, a one-month-old pygmy hippopotamus born at Edinburgh Zoo, has begun exploring her outdoor habitat under supervision from her mother Gloria. Keepers are gradually increasing her outdoor time as the internet-famous calf becomes more confident and curious about her surroundings.
A new lantern-based visitor attraction called Legendary Worlds is launching as part of The Festival of Light. The display features spectacular lantern installations designed to engage zoo visitors.
The zoo will open its gates earlier than usual on Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th September to accommodate visitors attending Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling. Members can enter from 9am, regular ticket holders from 9.30am, and attractions from 10am to help guests avoid traffic congestion around the 11am event start.
Sahee, a male Asiatic lion, has passed away at Hertfordshire Zoo at the age of 10 following kidney function deterioration. He had been a resident since 2025 and was the zoo's first male lion, arriving with his companion Sonika to inhabit the new Lions of India habitat.
Zaiya, an endangered Asian elephant calf born at Blackpool Zoo on 2 September 2025, has reached her first birthday after receiving intensive specialist care from over 30 staff members when she was unable to nurse from her mother. The calf has thrived and is now a confident, fully integrated member of the herd, receiving support from her mother Tara, matriarch Noorjahan, and other females in a natural social structure.
Knowsley Safari has welcomed Malaika and Kibibi, two sister African lions born in January 2025, from Whipsnade Zoo. Their arrival supports the Northern Lion European Endangered Species Programme and aims to establish a breeding pride with genetic diversity at the safari park.
Edinburgh Zoo's popular Giant Lanterns after-dark experience returns for winter 2026–27 with a space-themed trail running 60 nights from 13 November 2026 to 21 February 2027. The immersive display features over 1,000 handcrafted lanterns, 15,000 LED lights, walk-through planets, and illuminated wildlife sculptures, with ticket proceeds supporting RZSS conservation work.
The zoo's annual Vulture Day takes place on Saturday, 5 September, from 10am–4pm outside the sea lion pool with interactive educational activities led by the Education Team. Visitors can explore feather identification, build food webs, use telemetry equipment, dissect owl pellets, and enter a tombola with prizes including Bird of Prey Flying Display tickets, with all proceeds supporting the Vulpro conservation initiative.
Hertfordshire Zoo is running a naming competition for its baby lowland tapir, with entries closing 30 September 2026. One winner will receive an exclusive behind-the-scenes experience for two people, including a private tour of the tapir and capybara habitat and the chance to meet the calf up close.
Hertfordshire Zoo is working with the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative to support research and protection of wild tapir populations and their habitats. The zoo's baby lowland tapir is contributing to this conservation work through monitoring and data-sharing that will help inform wild tapir protection efforts.
A male lowland tapir has been born at Hertfordshire Zoo, and visitors can vote on his name from three Costa Rican-inspired options: Bosco, Valentin, or Tico. For £5 per entry, supporters can vote and enter a competition to win an exclusive meet-and-greet experience with the calf, with all funds supporting tapir conservation in the wild.
Hertfordshire Zoo launches Pumpkin Valley, an autumn-themed seasonal attraction running from 23 October to 1 November 2026, included with all day tickets. The experience features pumpkin displays, photo opportunities, a pumpkin tower, and a new Pumpkin Shack where visitors can purchase pumpkins to take home.
This 1 September, join us in honouring International Primate Day – an annual celebration of our closest living relatives in the animal kingdom. Since 2005, this special day has shone a spotlight on the incredible diversity of primates while raising awareness of the threats they face in the wild, from habitat loss to climate change. UK zoos play a vital role in primate conservation and education, so why not visit your local zoo to learn more about these remarkable creatures and discover how you can help protect them?
The Marwell 10k running event will take place on Sunday 27 September 2026 from 9am to 11am, with proceeds supporting endangered tiger conservation. Visitors should expect increased crowds and temporary closures of the back half of the zoo and snow leopard road during the race.
Dudley Zoo is offering discounted £10 admission throughout September to residents with DY, WS, WV, and B postcodes as a thank you for community support. Visitors must pre-book online or purchase at the gate and present ID with proof of address to receive the discounted rate.
Mark your calendars for 30 August 2026 – International Whale Shark Day! This special day celebrates the world's largest fish and raises vital awareness for this endangered species, a cause close to the hearts of UK zoos and aquariums. Whether you're planning a visit to see these gentle giants or learning more from home, it's the perfect opportunity to discover why whale sharks need our help and how conservation efforts are making a real difference.
Three Somali wild ass foals were born within three days at Woburn Safari Park, with the first birth witnessed by visitors in the Road Safari drive-through reserve. This rare triple birth is a major conservation success for the critically endangered species, which has only around 200 mature individuals remaining in the wild.
Chester Zoo's conservation teams are working with partners across Latin America to protect bush dog populations threatened by habitat loss, hunting, and disease, with soy farming identified as a key threat. Research into the impact of soy production on wildlife in Brazil is informing better production standards for the industry.
Two bush dog pups have emerged from their den at Chester Zoo, marking a significant moment for the species in the UK. This birth is part of the European breeding programme for this rare South American canid.
The birth of three healthy Somali wild ass foals represents a significant achievement for Woburn Safari Park's 15-year breeding programme and the Europe Ex-Situ Programme (EEP). The foals will help maintain a genetically diverse captive population and serve as ambassadors to educate visitors about threats facing the species in the wild, including hunting and habitat loss.
Five bush dog pups have emerged from their den at Chester Zoo, born to four-year-old mother Molly around a month ago. The litter represents the only bush dogs born in the UK this year and are part of a European conservation breeding programme to maintain genetic diversity.
Hertfordshire Zoo is launching Christmas Wonderland, a new seasonal attraction running on selected dates from November 21 through December 24, 2026, featuring illuminated displays, Santa's Grotto, marshmallow roasting, and a digital Polar Express journey. The event operates from 9:30am to 7:30pm with extended evening hours available at reduced prices on select dates.
Hertfordshire Zoo is retiring its iconic Paradise Express train and Fireman Sam Fire Engine attractions after more than 30 years of operation to make way for a new Seasonal Village entrance. Both attractions, originally purchased and restored by zoo founder Peter Sampson, have brought joy to generations of families and hold significant historical importance for the zoo.
A Southern white rhino calf has arrived at Whipsnade Zoo and took part in the facility's Annual Weigh-In on 27 August. The calf joins other new arrivals at the zoo.
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