North West
One of the UK's most visited zoos with over 35,000 animals representing 500 species.
FeaturedA 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.
FeaturedA 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.
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.
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.
FeaturedChester 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.
FeaturedThree 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.
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.
FeaturedFive 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.
A python at a UK zoo has undergone pioneering cancer treatment, becoming the first of her species to receive this procedure after a tumour destroyed part of her jaw. The successful intervention represents a significant milestone in exotic animal veterinary care and conservation medicine.
FeaturedJodie Foster, a 15-foot reticulated python at Chester Zoo, has made a full recovery after becoming the first known snake to undergo electrochemotherapy, a pioneering cancer treatment adapted from human medicine in collaboration with the University of Liverpool. The treatment successfully eliminated a fibrosarcoma tumour that had returned and begun invading her jawbone, and Jodie is now cancer-free and eating normally.
Statement On The Proposed Peak Cluster Pipeline And Its Environmental Impacts
A leading UK conservation charity has issued a statement opposing the proposed Peak Cluster carbon dioxide pipeline, citing significant risks to ecologically important habitats and wetlands under their management. The charity warns that the current route would jeopardise their commitment to manage 30% of their estate for UK biodiversity by 2030 and their £4+ million Networks for Nature conservation programme.
A female babirusa piglet named Rana has been born at Chester Zoo, marking an important addition to the species. Babirusas are rare Indonesian pigs with distinctive curved tusks, and births in captivity are significant for the species' conservation.
FeaturedChester Zoo's conservationists are working with Action Indonesia and Indonesian partners to protect wild babirusa populations through camera-trapping projects, population monitoring, and breeding expertise sharing. Recent camera trap studies in Sulawesi recorded only two babirusa sightings across 2023 and 2024, highlighting the species' catastrophic decline driven by African swine fever, habitat loss, and hunting.
FeaturedChester Zoo has welcomed Rana, a female babirusa piglet, marking the first birth of this species at the zoo in several years. Rana is the fifth piglet born to mother Matano and offers hope for a species now classified as Critically Endangered, found only on four Indonesian islands and threatened by habitat loss and African swine fever.
The zoo is hosting Action Indonesia Day on August 8–9, 2026, featuring talks, activities, and crafts to raise awareness of three critically endangered Indonesian species: babirusa, banteng, and anoa. Visitors can learn about conservation threats and take action to help protect these little-known wild cattle and pig species facing habitat loss and disease in their island habitats.
ZooPulseUK has confirmed that Action Indonesia Day 2026 will take place, marking a significant conservation and visitor engagement initiative. The event will focus on Indonesian wildlife and conservation efforts.
FeaturedA young anoa named Mentari has been born at the zoo and is already charming visitors. The birth comes as the zoo launches special afternoon talks about anoa and other endangered Indonesian species throughout August.
FeaturedFive secretarybird chicks have hatched at Chester Zoo, marking the first-ever breeding of the species in the zoo's 95-year history. The chicks were born to parents John and Jolene as part of coordinated international conservation efforts, with experts believing the techniques developed at Chester could help boost breeding success across Europe's conservation programme.