Conservation & Research

An increasing number of species are threatened with extinction. It is estimated that a third of all animal and plant species face a high risk of extinction in this century.

Chester Zoo’s mission is ‘to be a major force in conserving biodiversity worldwide’. We achieve our 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.

Zoos worldwide operate a close-knit network to coordinate conservation work. Chester Zoo is an active member of national, European and international zoo bodies including the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) and the World Association of Zoos and Aquariums (WAZA). These organisations exist to ensure high standards of practice in zoos, coordinate breeding programmes and help zoos maximise their conservation involvement.

By using the expertise of zoo staff and working with a wide range of national and international partners, we initiate and support a wide variety of conservation activities.

Explore these pages further to discover the many ways that we support biodiversity conservation at home and around the world.