North West
One of the UK's most visited zoos with over 35,000 animals representing 500 species.
Stanley, a male Northern Giraffe born at Chester Zoo in August 2022, has moved to Longleat Safari Park as part of the Northern Giraffe conservation breeding programme. His relocation supports the coordinated breeding efforts to strengthen populations of this critically endangered species.
FeaturedChester Zoo's decade-long partnership with the Giraffe Conservation Foundation and Uganda Wildlife Authority has contributed to a population increase of more than 600 Nubian Giraffes in Uganda over the last 10 years, with numbers continuing to rise annually. The work includes genetic translocation of giraffes, annual population surveys, and support for ranger teams combating poaching and wire snares in Murchison Falls National Park, which holds the largest remaining wild population of this critically endangered subspecies.
FeaturedA behavioural study of Chester Zoo's Bermuda skinks has documented activity patterns matching those observed in the wild, including previously unrecorded nocturnal activity. The findings suggest the zoo's population, which achieved the first successful breeding outside Bermuda in 2016, could be suitable for future reintroduction efforts.
FeaturedChester Zoo has successfully bred and released 800 lesser Bermuda snails to Nonsuch Island in Bermuda, a species feared extinct for over 15 years. The reintroduction marks the first time two snail species have been part of a coordinated breeding and release programme in Bermuda, with a further 10,000 greater Bermuda snails also returned to boost populations across nine islands.
FeaturedKris, a three-year-old male Northern Giraffe, has arrived at Chester Zoo from West Midlands Safari Park to join the resident female herd as part of a coordinated conservation breeding programme. His arrival has been carefully planned based on genetics, age and temperament to help strengthen the breeding programme for Northern Giraffes, one of the world's most endangered giraffe species with fewer than 7,000 remaining in the wild.
Chester Zoo has opened a new Madagascar lemur habitat designed to house crowned lemurs alongside red ruffed and ring-tailed lemurs. The habitat provides space for the zoo's conservation breeding programme focused on protecting these endangered primates.
FeaturedFive Eastern Black Rhinos from zoos in Czech Republic, United Kingdom, and Denmark have been released into Akagera National Park in Rwanda as part of the largest ever translocation of rhinos from Europe to Africa. The move, coordinated by EAZA, the Rwanda Development Board, and African Parks, aims to increase genetic diversity and restore the critically endangered subspecies to the wild.
The head of Big Life's rhino programmes discusses his 13-year career protecting over 200km² of rhino habitat in the Chyulu Hills from poachers and armed gangs. Rangers conduct twice-daily patrols using thermal imaging and community intelligence to combat snaring, poisoning, and illegal wildlife trade linked to international black markets.
Chester Zoo's primate experts are working with field partner Madagasikara Voakajy to protect forests in Madagascar's Mangabe New Protected Area, where crowned lemurs and thousands of unique endemic species face habitat loss. The zoo has been actively involved in Madagascar conservation efforts for nearly a decade.
FeaturedFour crowned lemurs have arrived at Chester Zoo from Montpellier Zoo in France as part of an international breeding programme to protect this critically endangered species. The two males (Hajao and Rak) and two females (Ilo and Pia) will share a new Madagascar lemur habitat with red ruffed and ring-tailed lemurs, with conservationists hoping to establish a successful breeding population.
FeaturedChester Zoo's botanics team has been propagating black poplar cuttings for over a decade as part of a major effort to save one of Britain's most critically endangered native trees. Over 1,000 new trees raised from Cheshire poplars have been planted across the county since 1995, with the zoo's horticulturists using a careful year-round propagation process to ensure healthy saplings ready for wild planting.
FeaturedConservationists have begun the first major butterfly survey in Madagascar's Mangabe protected area, identifying 61 species during initial fieldwork including several species confirmed in the region for the first time. The ongoing project will produce Madagascar's first official butterfly identification guide and aims to protect butterfly biodiversity while demonstrating the importance of forest conservation and reforestation efforts.
Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary, run by Mount Kenya Wildlife Conservancy, has reached a milestone with its 100th bongo birth in captive care. The sanctuary currently houses approximately 900 bongos across zoos and sanctuaries globally, supporting genetic diversity for the species.
FeaturedMountain bongos have been photographed in Kenya's Maasai Mau forest for the first time in over six years, offering hope for the critically endangered species. The sighting includes an older male and a younger male and female, captured by trail cameras as part of a conservation survey coordinated by the Mountain Bongo Project.
Four male mountain bongos bred in European zoos have been translocated to Mawingu Mountain Bongo Sanctuary to reinforce the captive population. The translocation supports genetic diversity efforts while conservationists work to protect wild populations in Kenya.
A high-tech camera survey in Kenya's Aberdare mountains detected only 28 individual mountain bongos, with ranger reports suggesting fewer than 40 remain in the wild population. The critically low numbers underscore the urgency of conservation efforts for Africa's largest forest antelope.
A zoo has completed a large-scale tree-planting project, adding 5,200 trees to its estate grounds. The initiative represents a significant commitment to environmental stewardship and habitat enhancement on the zoo's property.
FeaturedZookeepers at Chester Zoo have successfully hand-reared a newborn aardvark calf named Womble after the mother was unable to produce sufficient milk. The calf, only the second aardvark ever born at the zoo, required supplementary bottle-feeding throughout the night for several weeks but is now thriving alongside its mother in the Heart of Africa zone.
FeaturedThe new flamingo chicks bring the zoo's Caribbean flamingo population to more than 140 birds, making it one of the largest flocks in the UK. Conservationists highlight that breeding programmes like this are essential for protecting species facing decline from habitat loss and pollution.
Chester Zoo has been ranked the best zoo in the UK by TripAdvisor based on millions of online reviews, and also ranks eighth best zoo or aquarium in Europe. The zoo credits its visitors for the achievement and says the recognition will support its conservation work across 37,000 animals.