Chester Zoo

Chester Zoo’s mission is ‘to be a major force in conserving biodiversity worldwide’. The zoo achieves its mission by significantly contributing to the protection of species and habitats through a combination of field conservation, research, conservation breeding, advances in animal welfare and education.

Each year the Zoo is involved in many conservation projects working directly with threatened species in the wild. It participates in field conservation through Field Programmes, Field Projects, Studentships and Scholarships and Technical Support. Chester Zoo has strong partnerships with a large number of conservation professionals and organisations and works alongside partners such as Ecosystems-India, Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, and local Wildlife Trusts. It also works with local communities to educate about and protect species and habitats.

Chester Zoo has developed specialised research capacity in the following main disciplines: animal behaviour, endocrinology, nutrition, veterinary and environmental education research, which is led by staff with scientific expertise in their field. In addition, they support a number of projects carried out by visiting students and other external researchers, and develop collaborative partnerships with research institutions and in situ conservation partners. Chester Zoo staff are actively involved with the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) Research Group and various international bodies.

Chester Zoo has been involved in several native species reintroduction projects including Sand Lizards, Hazel Dormice, Black Poplar and Harvest Mice. In addition they support conservation breeding and reintroduction projects abroad as part of their field programmes. Chester Zoo utilises the best techniques and equipment available and employs highly trained staff, leading to excellent conservation breeding success for these projects. Regular long-term monitoring is a key component of these reintroduction projects.

For more information on Chester Zoo please visit their website- www.chesterzoo.org