On 26 July, the world celebrates UNESCO's International Day for Conservation of Mangrove Ecosystems – a chance to discover why these incredible 'forest cities' are nature's superheroes. These unique wetlands protect our coastlines, provide vital homes for countless species, and help fight climate change, making them as essential as they are fascinating. Many UK zoos champion mangrove conservation through education and partnerships, so join us in learning how these underwater trees connect us all to a healthier planet!
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is highlighting Spectacled Bear Day to raise awareness of South America's only bear species, which is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss and human-wildlife conflict. The zoo is home to a family of four spectacled bears and has partnered with the Spectacled Bear Conservation Society to fund GPS tracking research on wild populations in Peru.
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm welcomed twin spectacled bears Tuichi and Beni, born in 2022 to parents Rasu and Maddidi. The birth is part of the international breeding programme for this vulnerable species.
Newts bred at Chester Zoo as part of a conservation programme have been released into the wild at an undisclosed location in Catalonia. The release represents a significant milestone in efforts to restore populations of this highly endangered species.
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.
The National Conservation Education Awards 2026 have announced their winners, honouring excellence in conservation education across the UK. The awards recognise zoos and wildlife organisations for their commitment to educating the public about conservation.
Marwell Zoo has welcomed two Chinese water deer, Po and Troy, and a male red panda named Tao, which now share a mixed-species habitat near the Giraffe House. The innovative enclosure design encourages natural behaviours and allows visitors to observe different species interacting together.
Marwell Zoo has welcomed Ripple, a male capybara from Blackpool Zoo, who is being gradually introduced to the zoo's female capybara Tango. Once introductions are complete, the pair will move into a new habitat at the front of the zoo featuring a large pool and ample space to explore.
Two Przewalski's horses born at Marwell Zoo, Shara and Togs, have been successfully released to the wild in their native Kazakhstan as part of an international conservation programme. The release marks a significant milestone in efforts to restore the species, once declared Extinct in the Wild, to its natural range.
Female snow leopard Zaya gave birth to two cubs on 20 May, marking the first snow leopard births at Marwell in more than a decade. The cubs have now begun exploring their outdoor habitat under their mother's supervision, and visitors can support wild snow leopard conservation efforts by visiting the family.
Marwell Zoo's teams have been recognised with three honours at the British and Irish Association for Zoos and Aquariums Awards, including a win for the Carnivore team's serval vaccination training programme. The Animal Nutrition and Birds teams also received runner-up recognition for their work on species-specific diets and aviary transformation.
Nkoumou, a new silverback Western lowland gorilla weighing over 200kg, has arrived at Bristol Zoo Project to lead the zoo's gorilla troop. The animal keepers are gradually introducing him to the three adult females, one adolescent female, and two juvenile males already in the group.
A new 30-minute lemur experience launches on 17 July, offering visitors a chance to observe lemurs in their brand-new habitat while learning about their behaviour and conservation. Led by experienced keepers with a maximum of two participants, the experience includes enrichment activities and is available year-round.
The Humboldt penguin keeper experience has relaunched with a 30-minute session at 12:30 pm, offering visitors the chance to learn about penguin behaviour and potentially help with feeding. The experience accommodates a maximum of two participants and is available year-round.
Dartmoor Zoo is marking World Snake Day by highlighting the European adder, the UK's only native venomous snake, and sharing care insights from two young adders born at the zoo in August 2023. The zoo aims to shift public perception of these shy, misunderstood reptiles and inspire conservation efforts to protect declining UK adder populations.
A red panda cub has been born to six-year-old Mei Lin and eight-year-old Sanka on 21 June, marking the fourth cub born at the Park in as many years. The sex of the cub is not yet known, and keepers will perform a health check at three months to determine its sex and assign a name beginning with 'O'.
Mark your calendars for World Snake Day on 16 July 2026, a global celebration dedicated to these fascinating and often misunderstood reptiles. This special day shines a spotlight on the incredible diversity of snake species, their vital habitats, and why conservation efforts are essential to protect them for future generations. Join UK zoos across the country as they host engaging events, educational talks, and behind-the-scenes experiences to help visitors discover why snakes are absolutely slithering brilliant!
The Park sponsors a forest guardian through the Red Panda Network (RPN) to monitor and protect wild red pandas and their habitats in response to rising threats from poaching, hunting, and illegal wildlife trade. With fewer than 10,000 red pandas remaining in the wild, the partnership supports local communities in conservation efforts.
Blair Drummond has built a custom-made coop called Cluckingham Palace to house its newly arrived rescue chickens in Pets' Farm. The purpose-built habitat provides perching, scratching, and dust-bathing facilities for the four birds.
Blair Drummond Safari Park has welcomed four rescue chickens to its Pets' Farm for the first time since 2023. The birds—three hens and a cockerel named Claire, Faye, Lisa, and H after the pop group Steps—were rehomed from the Scottish SPCA with support from Five Sisters Zoo.
The park emphasizes that captive European grey wolf populations maintained through coordinated breeding programmes help preserve genetic diversity and support long-term conservation as wild populations recover across Europe. Wolves, once extinct in Britain, are now naturally re-establishing themselves in Germany, the Netherlands, Denmark and France following protection in Poland since the 1990s.
A two-year-old female from Belgium and a one-year-old male from France have arrived at New Forest Wildlife Park, marking the return of wolves to the Hampshire park for the first time since October 2024. The pair were carefully selected through coordination with European zoos and the EAZA EEP breeding programme coordinator, and now inhabit a purpose-built enclosure.
Hertfordshire Zoo has welcomed a healthy lowland tapir calf born to mother Fifi on 8 July 2026, marking the first birth of this species at the zoo in 14 years. The calf, born with distinctive cream stripes and spots, is a significant milestone for the zoo's European conservation breeding programme for this vulnerable species.
Hertfordshire Zoo is actively supporting lowland tapir conservation through funding and partnership with the Lowland Tapir Conservation Initiative in Brazil. The zoo recognises that lowland tapirs, classified as Vulnerable in the wild, play a crucial role as 'gardeners of the rainforest' by dispersing seeds and maintaining forest health across South America.
Port Lympne Reserve is hosting Wild Summer 2026, a summer celebration featuring family entertainment, animal experiences, and seasonal activities. Visitors will have the opportunity to see baby giraffe Jude for the first time, with 25% off kids' tickets available for early bookings.
Four pairs of Humboldt penguins at Woburn Safari Park have successfully hatched and are raising seven chicks, bringing the colony to 23 birds. The breeding success is part of the European breeding programme for this vulnerable species, with keepers monitoring the families while allowing natural parenting behaviours.
The documentary series Inside Longleat is returning for another season, offering behind-the-scenes access to life at the historic estate. The show will document events and activities throughout the year at the Wiltshire attraction.
Seven cheetah cubs have made their public debut at a conservation zoo in Bedfordshire, allowing visitors to see them for the first time. The cubs represent an important milestone for the zoo's breeding programme.
A female vicuna named Xoco has been born at Highland Wildlife Park to parents Juanita and Austria on 18 June. The month-old calf is settling well with the herd and visitors can see her exploring the drive-through reserve alongside her mother.
Woburn Safari Park's successful Humboldt penguin breeding season supports the coordinated European breeding programme, helping maintain genetic diversity for this vulnerable species. Wild Humboldt penguin populations face threats from habitat loss, climate change, and human disturbance, making captive breeding efforts critical for species survival.
Port Lympne Reserve has welcomed a healthy female Nubian giraffe calf named Jude, born on 11 July 2026, marking the reserve's first giraffe birth since 2018. Standing 5ft 8in tall, Jude was sired by resident bull Zubani and mothered by Leana, and her arrival is a significant milestone for the international giraffe conservation breeding programme.
On 14 July, we celebrate World Chimpanzee Day, marking the anniversary of Jane Goodall's groundbreaking research that began in Gombe, Tanzania in 1960. This special day honours her incredible discoveries about chimp behaviour and intelligence, while raising awareness for their conservation. Visit your local UK zoo to meet these remarkable primates and learn how scientists and zoos worldwide are working together to protect them!
Get ready to celebrate one of the ocean's most intelligent and magnificent creatures on World Orca Day this July 14th! Founded by marine biologist Dr Ingrid Visser, this annual global event shines a spotlight on orca conservation and the health of our marine ecosystems. Join UK zoos and aquariums in raising awareness about these incredible apex predators and discover how you can help protect their ocean homes.
This Shark Awareness Day, join us in celebrating one of the ocean's most misunderstood predators! UK zoos are marking the occasion by uncovering the truth behind shark myths and highlighting why these magnificent creatures are vital to our marine ecosystems. Discover how overfishing threatens shark populations worldwide and learn what you can do to help protect these incredible animals.
Welsh Mountain Zoo is offering a Rainy Day Return Guarantee allowing eligible guests to return on another day if weather disrupts their visit. The guarantee applies to pre-booked tickets and aims to ensure every zoo visit is enjoyable regardless of British weather.
Welsh Mountain Zoo is introducing new keeper-led animal experiences starting 17 July 2026, featuring penguin and lemur encounters limited to two participants each. The experiences offer exclusive behind-the-scenes access with expert keepers teaching about animal care, conservation, and behaviour.
Welsh Mountain Zoo's expert Animal Care Team will deliver daily species talks covering animal behaviour, conservation work, keeper experiences, and welfare. Each talk is different, offering visitors unique learning opportunities about the zoo's animals including snow leopards, red pandas, and lemurs.
Visitors who book tickets online at least two days in advance can receive 15% off admission at Welsh Mountain Zoo this summer. The discount applies to pre-booked admissions and is available now through the zoo's website.
Shara and Togs, two female Przewalski's horses bred at Marwell Zoo, have been successfully returned to their native range in Kazakhstan as part of an international reintroduction programme. The release marks another milestone in the species' remarkable recovery from extinction in the wild, with Marwell having worked with Przewalski's horses for over 50 years since the zoo's opening in 1972.
Chester Zoo is hosting a summit on 13 July bringing together the Met Office, government officials, and heads of 16 major UK visitor attractions to address how weather forecast icons are displayed on apps. The meeting aims to produce jointly agreed recommendations to fix misleading rain forecasts that have been costing attractions up to £137,000 per day in lost visitors.
Drusillas Park's famous Mystic Meerkats have predicted England will beat Argentina in Wednesday's World Cup semi-final, maintaining a flawless prediction record throughout the tournament. The meerkats chose the England bucket filled with peas and sweetcorn over the Argentina bucket, with the mob showing clear preference for the England side.
Chester Zoo will welcome the Met Office and tourism industry leaders for a weather-focused summit event. The gathering will bring together meteorological experts and tourism professionals to discuss weather-related topics relevant to the zoo and visitor experience.
A female red panda cub has been born at the zoo at just one week old, marking a new arrival for the endangered species. The birth occurred during one of the hottest summers on record in the UK.
The Animal Park presenters were surprised with a prestigious award during filming of their latest series. The honour recognises their long-running work promoting zoos and aquariums through the popular television programme.
The zoo is preparing a Wimbledon-themed activity ahead of this weekend's singles finals. The event capitalizes on visitor interest in the major tennis tournament.
Noah's Ark Zoo Farm is running a naming competition for their new Highland calf, with entries accepted until 20th July 2026. The winning name will be announced on Monday 20th July, and the person who submitted it will receive a personalised adoption package and family day tickets for two adults and two children.
A female Highland calf has been born at Noah's Ark Zoo Farm, and the zoo is inviting visitors to help name her. The public can submit name suggestions for a £2 donation, with the winning entry receiving a personalised adoption package and family day tickets.
Senior Elephant Keeper Connor Dennis attended the annual Elephant Resource Management and Husbandry Workshop at Chester Zoo in June, joining keepers from across Europe and the USA for five days of discussions, lectures, and practical sessions. The workshop covered topics including programme design, nutrition, foot care, EEHV, tusk and molar problems, transport, and emergency responses, with oversight from world-renowned elephant consultant Alan Roocroft.
Dudley Zoo has released a brand-new official app designed to enhance visitor experiences before, during, and after zoo visits. The app includes an interactive map, information on 140 animal species, details about Dudley Castle and Tecton architecture, presenter-led talks, trails, quizzes, custom photo frames, and exclusive discounts.
Three Sumatran tiger cubs—Bila, Kuala and Rokan—have become popular attractions at Howletts Wild Animal Park, captivating visitors with their playful personalities and adventurous behaviour. The cubs represent an important population of one of the world's rarest big cats, with fewer than 400 thought to remain in the wild.
Port Lympne and sister park Howletts are now recognized as the world's most successful breeders of western lowland gorillas, with generations born at the reserve helping safeguard this critically endangered species. The pioneering Palace of the Apes habitat, opened in 2000, recreates natural rainforest features and allows visitors to observe daily rooftop feeds and family interactions.
A UK zoo has announced a new conservation initiative focused on protecting orchids and invertebrates. The programme aims to support endangered plant and insect species through breeding, research, and habitat restoration efforts.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is hosting Monkey Week from 3rd to 9th August 2026 as part of its six-week Summer Roar celebrations. The event invites families to explore the park's collection of rare and endangered primates, including lion-tailed macaques, François' langurs, gelada baboons, and ten other monkey species.
Black & White ColobusDe Brazza's MonkeyDusky Langur
Howletts Wild Animal Park is hosting Big Cat Week from 27th July to 2nd August 2026, featuring playful Sumatran tiger cubs, African lions, and Northern Chinese leopards. The event coincides with International Tiger Day on 29th July and is part of the Summer Roar 2026 celebration.
Sumatran TigerAfrican LionNorthern Chinese Leopard
Port Lympne Hotel & Reserve marks its Golden 50th Anniversary in 2026, celebrating five decades as one of the UK's premier wildlife destinations. The reserve, which opened to the public in 1976 under conservationist John Aspinall's vision, now houses over 900 animals from more than 90 species across 600 acres of Kent countryside.
A pair of capybaras at Longleat Park have successfully given birth to two pups, marking the first capybara birth at the facility. The birth was announced to coincide with Capybara Appreciation Day on 10 July.
Port Lympne has successfully bred more than 40 eastern black rhino calves since the first calf, Basha, was born in 1977, making it one of the reserve's greatest conservation achievements. In 1995, Bwana Kidogo became the world's first captive-born black rhino successfully returned to Africa, with descendants continuing to thrive in the wild today.
The Artisan Market Company is hosting a special family event at Welsh Mountain Zoo in Colwyn Bay on Saturday 25 July, featuring over 50 arts, crafts and Welsh produce stalls alongside keeper talks and street food. Zoo entry is discounted by 20% for the event, with under-3s and carers admitted free.
Penguin Cove is undergoing a major upgrade including a second pool, enhanced breeding programme facilities, and new glass-fronted viewing areas. African black-footed penguins are temporarily relocated during the improvements to support the zoo's important breeding programme.
A brand-new mixed-species South American habitat is opening at Banham Zoo this summer, transforming an underused area into a vibrant wildlife environment. The habitat has been designed with animal welfare at its heart and will provide visitors with an engaging opportunity to discover South America's unique wildlife and conservation importance.
The Ocean Conservation Trust and Cornwall Wildlife Trust have begun a £1.8 million marine recovery programme to restore 10 hectares of seagrass meadow in Falmouth Bay and native oyster populations across the Fal and Helford Special Areas of Conservation. The three-year Mor Nature project aims to contribute to government targets to increase seagrass by 15% by 2043 and will involve multiple partners including the Zoological Society of London and the University of Exeter.
Folly Farm has been recognised as one of only 150 Outstanding Sites across the UK by Campsites.co.uk for 2026. The award reflects a 4.98 rating and 100% recommend rating from verified guest reviews, recognising the Holiday Park team's commitment to providing excellent touring and camping experiences.
WWT has secured £650,000 from Natural England's Species Recovery Programme to expand captive breeding and release efforts for black-tailed godwits, a species reduced to fewer than 40 breeding pairs in the UK. The funding will support hatching and rearing chicks at WWT Slimbridge before releasing them into the wild, alongside RSPB research into population dynamics and implementation of a national action plan.
His Majesty King Charles III and Her Majesty Queen Camilla visited London Zoo to mark the Zoological Society of London's 200-year milestone. The royal visit highlighted ZSL's two centuries of wildlife conservation and education work.
A new bespoke animal art trail featuring five commissioned pieces will open at the zoo as part of the Wild Summer event. Local artist Tanya Hinton has created the artworks, which will be displayed across the park for visitors to discover.
Howletts Wild Animal Park in Kent is hosting Capybara Week (20th–26th July 2026) as part of Summer Roar 2026, featuring themed talks, activities, and visitor experiences with the park's capybara family. Half-price children's tickets are available throughout the summer holidays.
Port Lympne Reserve is offering 25% discount on children's tickets from 20th July to 31st August 2026 as part of its Wild Summer celebration. The promotion makes the Kent wildlife park more affordable for families during the school holidays, with visits including safari experiences, animal encounters, and garden activities across 600 acres.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is hosting Elephant Week from 10th to 16th August 2026 as part of Summer Roar 2026, inviting visitors to discover facts about and meet one of the UK's most celebrated African elephant herds. The event offers families the opportunity to learn about elephant behaviour, family bonds, and conservation while observing the park's herd of ten elephants.
Shaka, an impressive mature bull African elephant, has arrived at Howletts Wild Animal Park to join the breeding herd as part of an internationally coordinated conservation breeding programme. His arrival represents an important step in safeguarding the future of this endangered species while offering visitors new insights into elephant social behaviour.
Blair Drummond Safari Park is hosting a full-day Chimp Day event on Saturday 11 July featuring interactive activities, conservation education, and fundraising for wild chimpanzee protection. Visitors can compare hands with chimps, explore a life-sized nest, participate in conservation challenges, and support Link to the Wild partners through a tombola.
The team at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park has worked to help brown bears Diego and Brunhilda become friends. The effort represents the park's commitment to animal welfare and social enrichment.
Jimmy Doherty's rescue mission has extended to Europe to support a unique bear sanctuary in Romania. The sanctuary specialises in raising wild baby brown bears in a way that allows them to be returned to the wild.
Five moon bears are being rescued from South Korean farms where their bile was harvested for traditional medicine, following the country's ban on the practice. The bears will find a new home at Jimmy Doherty's award-winning wildlife park in East Suffolk.
Channel 4 has acquired a second series of Big Bear Rescue following Jimmy Doherty's animal rescue work. The new series will focus on rescuing moon bears from South Korea and other animals in need of homes at his East Suffolk wildlife park.
Multiple species including lions, a tiger, leopards, a baby lemur and an alligator have arrived at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park as part of rescue operations. These animals join the growing collection of rescued animals at the facility.
Ewa the polar bear has reached her 20th birthday at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park. The milestone is celebrated as part of the ongoing animal care and rescue work at the facility.
Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park has been awarded England's Best Large Visitor Attraction at the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence 2026. The recognition highlights the park's status as a leading visitor destination in the country.
Kamal, the UK's oldest Asiatic Lion, turned 16 at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park and was celebrated with enrichment activities, scent-filled presents, and a special ice cake. The milestone marks a significant achievement in the long-lived care of this individual animal.
A Pancake Tortoise has successfully hatched at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park, marking a significant conservation achievement for this critically endangered species. The hatching represents an important milestone in the zoo's breeding and conservation efforts.
Channel 4 has commissioned a second series of Big Bear Rescue, following Jimmy Doherty and his team as they rescue animals in urgent need of new homes. The series is produced by Glasgow-based Red Sky Productions.
Lion Lake, a new exhibit featuring a UK-first lion viewing experience, has opened at Jimmy's Farm & Wildlife Park in Suffolk. The habitat showcases Asiatic lions Kamal and Rani with spectacular visitor viewing opportunities.
The Welsh Mountain Zoo has launched Wildlife Heroes, a fundraising challenge designed for primary school-aged children and families to complete wildlife-themed missions while raising sponsorship. Participants complete five missions inspired by the zoo's animals, earn rewards including free zoo tickets, and support the zoo's conservation work and habitat developments.
Erro, a male Brazilian Tapir, arrived at Dartmoor Zoo from Linton Zoo on 4 April 2025 to join the breeding programme with female Chana. The pair bonded quickly and successfully mated within a month of his arrival.
Chana, a female Brazilian Tapir at Dartmoor Zoo, is expecting a calf fathered by Erro, a male who arrived from Linton Zoo in April 2025. This pregnancy is a significant conservation milestone, as only 15 Brazilian Tapir calves have been born in zoos worldwide in the last 12 months, with just one born in the UK.
Jack Williams, Conservation and Development Coordinator at Dudley Zoo, has been recognised as BIAZA's Rising Star runner-up for his contributions to animal care and conservation. Williams has led community projects, supported the arrival of critically endangered species including the glutinous snail, and holds key roles in regional and international conservation networks.
Dudley Zoo's transformed Reindeer Ravine habitat has won the prestigious BIAZA Habitats category award for 2024. The purpose-built enclosure replaced the former Bear Ravine and has delivered improved animal welfare, natural behaviours, and visitor engagement for the reindeer herd.
A coordinated conservation effort has begun across UK zoos to breed one of the world's most endangered bird species. The programme aims to establish a sustainable captive population and support potential future reintroduction to the wild.
Howletts Wild Animal Park is launching the Creepy Cave, a new temporary exhibit featuring small creatures including giant millipedes, tarantulas, reptiles and amphibians. The attraction opens this summer with discounted children's tickets as part of the park's Summer Roar programme.
A litter of Sumatran tiger cubs was born at Howletts Wild Animal Park in April 2026 and are now on display to visitors. The cubs are featured as part of Big Cat Week during the Summer Roar celebration.
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed capybara pup Bru as part of the zoo's bumper baby boom this year. The young capybara is among several new arrivals now available for visitors to see.
Edinburgh Zoo has welcomed giant anteater Snoot, contributing to the zoo's record baby boom year. The young anteater is among the new arrivals visitors can meet during behind-the-scenes experiences.
