Zoo News Feed

Cheetah Cub

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 16:18:49 Z

Cheetah cub Juba underwent surgery at the zoo’s animal health centre this afternoon (Friday 3 Feb) to mend a fracture in his right ankle.

The hour-long operation which was carried out by consultant orthopaedic surgeon Rob Pettitt from the University of Liverpool, together with the zoo’s own vets and nurses, will help the cub’s mobility in the long term.

The decision to operate followed an x-ray and examination days before.

Juba was born at the zoo early last summer to mum KT. His sibling Rufaa remains unaffected.

Chester Zoo vet Steve Unwin said: “We believe the fracture has been caused by a weakness in Juba’s leg, which has been aggravated by the rough and tumble antics of young cubs.

“Cats are adept at hiding any discomfort but we are fortunate that we are able to keep a very close eye on our animals and so quickly picked up that something wasn’t quite right.

“Juba has been a model patient and we are pleased that, at this point in time, the operation seems to have gone well.

“Although Juba will need some rest off-show for the next few weeks, we are hopeful he will be back up on his paws again in no time.”

The operation saw surgeon Rob plate part of the ankle to stabilise the fracture and allow it to heal.

Juba’s post-operative wounds are small and he has been returned to the cheetah den along with the rest of his family.

We pay tribute to the man who transformed Chester Zoo into an award-winning tourist attraction

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:27 Z

Fred was the husband of June Williams, George Mottershead’s youngest daughter. George set up the zoo in 1931.

Fred started work at the zoo in 1947, aged 22, and remained here for almost 40 years.

Dr Mark Pilgrim, Director General of Chester Zoo, said: “During Fred’s time with us and through hard work and ingenuity, Fred transformed the very fabric of the zoo.

“During the austere post-war years, he used whatever materials he could find and salvage to build innovative enclosures that were the first of their kind, always putting animal welfare first. These included the lions, polar bears and the aquarium, which was a collaboration between Fred and June.”

In June last year, Fred and June celebrated June’s 85th birthday with their family at the opening of the restaurant June’s Pavilion, named in her honour.

Fred and June were also the guests of honour at a dinner to celebrate the zoo’s 75th anniversary in 2009.

Dr Pilgrim added: “Fred was always very modest about his achievements but we owe him a great debt of gratitude for laying the foundations for us, both in terms of the setting up of the zoo but also in the physical building of it.

"Both he and June remain great friends of the zoo and everyone here is saddened at the loss of such an extraordinary gentleman. Fred will be greatly missed.”

Fred passed away peacefully at the Hospice of the Good Shepherd in Backford and his funeral service will be held at Blacon Crematorium at 10am on January 26.

Fred and June married in February 1949 and have lived in Upton all their lives. They have three children, George, Joy and Linda, and two grandchildren, Adam and Emma.

Check Out Our New Exhibits This Half Term

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:27 Z

The £500k developments promise to breathe fresh life into the zoo and also sees a new species added to the zoo’s collection – a pair of sloths.

At a cost of £250k, the Giant Otter centre is one of the only places in Europe where you will be able to see the otters diving for food, through large underwater viewing windows.

The new exhibit also features an undercover seating area, a crawl-in viewing dome and state-of-the-art off-show cubbing dens.

Simon Mann, our Development Director, said “This new enclosure is at the absolute cutting-edge of design in terms of both animal welfare and the exciting viewing opportunities it offers the public.

“Giant Otters are charming animals and it’s fascinating to see them swimming underwater. We think people, and the otters, are going to love it.”

But that's not all, we will also unveil our new-look Spirit of the Jaguar exhibit following a £250k makeover.

The refreshed enclosure will ultimately feature a pair of sloths, which have just arrived from Germany, Agoutis and a colony of Leaf-cutter Ants, as well as four South American Jaguars.

It also includes an aquarium which will contain large shoals of fish - such as Cardinal Tetra, Altum Angel fish, Discus fish - and Amazonian Turtles.

A number of trees and plants native to South America have been brought in from a special nursery in Holland and a cinema, set inside a cattle ranch, to highlights our field conservation work in Brazil.

Simon Mann added: “This second exciting development will breathe yet more fresh life into the zoo.

“We’ve created a naturalistic environment, added new species and given it an authentic South American theme, all of which will really enhance the visitor experience.

"It aims to make people feel like they’re seeing these fantastic animals and plants from the Pantantal itself.”

Book your tickets now for Fast Track entry.

Rhino keeper Mark has pedalled a third of the way to the Moon

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:27 Z

Mark Cleave has cycled to work from his home in Broughton in Flintshire, every day for the last 17 years, pedalling 72,726 miles in the process - that’s equivalent to almost three times around the world, or nearly a third of the way to the moon.

Mark said: “I’ve ridden into work every single day for the last 17 years. Come rain, sleet, wind, snow, hail, fog or shine, I haven’t missed a day, nor used any other means of transport.”

But whereas the mere thought of getting the bike out of the shed and hitting the road at 6:25am every morning may be daunting to most, the rewards are well worth it for the committed keeper.

“I cycle 93 miles a week but it’s no problem at all. In truth, I’d cycle a heck of a lot further to work with Black Rhinos. They’re just incredible animals and it’s an absolute privilege to work with them day in, day out.” said Mark.

“We run a hugely successful breeding programme at Chester Zoo, which I’m delighted to be involved with. And with the species now massively threatened from poaching in the wild, I’m proud to be able to say that we’ve had several baby black rhinos born in my time here - providing a vital safety-net should wild populations become extinct.”

Rare piglets born at Chester Zoo

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:27 Z

The birth of a pair of babirusa piglets is being hailed as “positive news for the future of the species” - with wild populations in serious decline in their native Indonesia.

Their arrivals are also an important achievement for us as they are thought to be the only babirusa born in Europe in over a year.

Our Curator of Mammals, Tim Rowlands, said:

“Babirusa pigs are highly threatened and are said to be the rarest pig species in the world. That’s why these births are so important and are such a great achievement.

“Zoos provide the last insurance policy against extinction and we hope the duo will grow up to become a vital part of the international breeding programme to safeguard the species.

“This is certainly exciting and positive news for the future of the species.”

The two piglets were born eleven weeks ago to mum Majene and dad Sausu.

Tiger Cubs

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:27 Z

Ashme died this afternoon after a very short illness. The cause of the illness is not yet known and a post-mortem will be carried out.

Mum Kirana and the remaining siblings, Nila and Tila, are currently off-show as maintenance work is being carried out in their enclosure.

This time is also being used to give the 12-week-old cubs their second round of vaccinations and the family will be back out again later this week once work is complete. Both Nila and Tila seem in good health.

Our sympathies are with the carnivore and veterinary teams.

Baby Brazilian Tapir Makes Her Debut

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:27 Z

Little Talia was born just after Christmas to mum Jennifer and dad Cuzco, who are part of the European Breeding Programme aimed at creating a safety net population of the species in event that they become extinct in the wild.

Tapirs are currently listed as vulnerable on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of endangered species.

They are hunted illegally and threatened by the destruction of their rainforest habitat.

Our Curator of Mammals, Tim Rowlands, said: “It is a sad fact that the Tapir is in decline in the wild but the arrival of Talia is good news for the future of the species.

“When she grows up, she will hopefully go on to play a vital role in the worldwide breeding programme and help ensure the continuation of these wonderful animals.”

Tiger triplets have their first ever health check

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:27 Z

The rare cubs were checked by our vets and keepers who determined their sexes, wormed them, fitted them with microchips and gave them their vaccinations for cat flu.

Curator of Mammals, Tim Rowlands, said:

"They basically receive the same vaccines that a pet cat is given when it’s taken to the vets.

"The only difference is we're much more cautious about handling the cubs than we would be with domestic kittens."

Each of the cubs – which are only found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra in the wild - was also weighed and given a general check up.

Vetinary Officer, Livia Benato said:

"The cubs received a physical examination to check they are healthy and in good body condition.

"Happily, all three cubs – all girls - have been given a completely clean bill of health."

On news that the trio were all shown to be female, Keeper Alan Woodward added:

"It's fantastic that we have three little angels as opposed to three wise men this Christmas."

The cubs were born here on October 21 and are the offspring of mum Kirana and dad Fabi.

Their arrivals are a big success for us and good news for the future of the species - with only 400 Sumatran tigers thought to be left in the wild, where they are poached for traditional medicine.

They will now become part of European-wide breeding programme, providing an important safety-net in the event that wild populations become extinct.

We've Shattered Our All-time Attendance Record

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:27 Z

Over 1,400,000 people have flocked through the zoo’s turnstiles so far in 2011 - the very first time the conservation charity has broken the 1.4 million visitors mark. The numbers already surpass the previous best of 1,373,459, set in 2008.

Managing Director of Chester Zoo, Barbara Smith, said: "Never before in the zoo’s history have so many people visited us in a calendar year and so we’re absolutely delighted – it’s a fantastic feat.

"Our sincere thanks go to every single person that has come here because, as a registered charity, every visit helps us to carry out all of our vital conservation work – helping save species from extinction both here in the UK and overseas.

"The fact that we’ve had so many visitors in 2011 helps us to do more and more of this good work, which is fantastic.

"I’m extremely proud of the zoo and what it has achieved this year. The numbers are more proof that we are doing things right and we will continue to make improvements, for both animals and visitors."

We're now hoping to build on our success with a number of exciting developments planned.

The UK’s first ever breeding centre for endangered Giant Otters will be unveiled in the next few weeks and its main entrance and Jaguar house are also undergoing major re-vamps.

A "bigger and better" set of animatronic dinosaurs from America are also set to return in 2012, following the huge success of Dinosaurs at Large!, an exhibition that featured in the zoo earlier this year.

Your chance to re-name our Spirit of the Jaguar Exhibit

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:27 Z

The theme of the exhibit revolves around the relationship between the cattle ranchers and the jaguar.

It will focus heavily on tales of human/wildlife conflict and the conservation measures being used to mitigate against it (rather than the ancient beliefs of the Arara tribes and their spiritual relationship with the jaguar, as was the previous theme).

Inside, there will be a cowboy’s ‘bunk house’ with a veranda for guests to sit on and various items of cowboy paraphernalia.

A number of trees and plants native to South America will be brought in from a special nursery in Holland and a theatre, set inside a cattle ranch, will showcase our field conservation work in Brazil.

To complete this transformation, we’re giving the exhibit a new name and that’s where you come in. We want you to help us come up with it.

With a nice prize for the winner, this is a great opportunity to write your name into Chester Zoo history and come up with an evocative new title for our exciting new jaguar exhibit!

Please visit our Facebook or Twitter sites, find the thread that relates to the naming competition and send your suggestions to us by 5pm on Friday 16 December 2011.

Get naming and good luck!

Please note: this naming competition is also open to all Chester Zoo staff.

How giving a hen as present this Christmas can change lives, save Elephants and stop deforestation

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The life-changing gifts go to the needy people the zoo’s Act for Wildlife campaign is working with, in a deprived part of India. And what’s more, the hens are also saving wild elephants and preventing deforestation.

Act for Wildlife’s Michelle Duma explains:

“Right now, families in the Indian region of Assam are reliant on collecting firewood to make a living. This is resulting in large-scale deforestation, which is destroying the habitat of the Asian elephant.

“These elephants are subsequently left exposed and forced to go in search of new homes. This often takes them into villages and townships, where they come into contact with humans and cause all sorts of damage and sometimes, deaths. Villages retaliate by killing the elephants and the situation is one of compete disharmony.

“Giving a hen can change all of this.

“Having hens to rear provides families with an alternative way of earning a living – one which means forest are saved. And by protecting the forests, the elephants have a safe home. Ultimately, this means that people can live side-by-side with them, without conflict.”

The hens provide a host of services to their owners. They can be reared and sold on to other families, lay eggs and their dung can be used as fertiliser.

“These hens are not just for Christmas – they’re sure to be appreciated for years,” adds Michelle.

“They’re the perfect gift. You certainly don't need to worry about it being an unused or unwanted present - they can potentially change people's lives and save elephants.”

The impact of the hens will be monitored to ensure that they provide long-term benefits for the communities.

And Chester Zoo’s Act for Wildlife guarantees that 100% of the money goes to the project, with not a penny going towards admin fees.

To get your hen or to find out more, visit www.actforwildlife.org.uk/buy-a-hen

Aardvarks Tip The Scales

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Along with his older brother Tatsu, nine-month-old Scorch was given the once-over by Senior Keeper James Andrewes.

"We currently weigh our two aardvarks a couple of times a week,” James said.

“It’s important as it helps us monitor their health and general well-being.”

The results made happy reading with Scorch coming in at 43.8kgs and Tatsu a touch heavier, at 45.5kgs – ideal weights for their ages.

Both Aardvarks are set to make their public debut in the next few weeks when they move into their new home alongside the Meerkats.

Cheetah Cubs

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Two of four cubs born in June, Kinza and Shendi had been receiving veterinary treatment for an illness for a few weeks. Kinza died on 1 November and Shendi died on 12 November. The siblings had been suffering from cowpox.

The cub’s mother KT and the two male cubs, Rufaa and Juba, have also been undergoing veterinary treatment for the same illness. There is no risk to visitors or staff from this illness but the cheetah family is being kept in quarantine and off-show to enable their treatment to continue.

Our adult cheetahs – Matrah, Singa, Burba and Adaeze - remain unaffected and are separated from KT and her cubs. We have also been liaising with experts around the world to seek their advice.

Cowpox is a common virus throughout Europe carried by wild rodents and occasionally seen in domestic cats. We believe it is most likely that one of the cubs picked this up via a wild rodent.

Director General Dr Mark Pilgrim said: “This is very sad news for all of us at the zoo and for our visitors too, who have been so enamoured with our cheetah cubs. Cowpox is a common disease and we believe one of the cubs may have come into contact with a rodent which carries it.

"Kinza and Shendi received the best care possible from the veterinary and carnivore teams and our thoughts are with them. We are treating the remaining cubs and their mother and they are responding well to treatment.

"We would like to reassure visitors that there is no risk to them and these are isolated cases.”

Tiger Cubs Make Their Debut

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The trio of endangered Sumatran cubs are the offspring of five year old mother Kirana and four year old father Fabi.

The births are a big success for the zoo and good news for the future of the species, as it is thought that only 400 Sumatran tigers are now left in the wild, where they are poached for traditional medicine.

Tim Rowlands our Curator of Mammals, said:

“Sumatran tigers can only be found on the Indonesian island of Sumatra are one of the rarest big cat species in the world.

“It’s estimated that there are just a few hundred left in the wild and only around seven per cent of their original habitat remains, which is why these triplets are so, so important.

“To think they’re now part of a safety-net in case wild populations go extinct is pretty remarkable and quite humbling.

“We are thrilled, Kirana is very happy and we are sure our visitors will be equally delighted.”

Tim also said the cubs are “doing fine” and complemented mum Kirana on her parenting skills.

"Kirana is so far doing a great job.

“She has started to take the cubs out and about every now and then having looked after them inside her den for the last three weeks and is being a very attentive mum.”

It will be a few weeks until keepers can discover the sexes of the tiny tiger triplets and a decision can be made on their names.

We've Won Awards!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

We took home awards for Large Visitor Attraction of the Year and Best Tourism Event for Dinosaurs at Large!

And after some fantastic work from our very own internal 'Green team' we were nominated for the Sustainable Tourism Award.

We’re also pleased to pick up seven commendations at the BIAZA ACE Conference last week. The BIAZA commendations were for:

• Significant Advances in Husbandry and Welfare: The use of positive reinforcement training techniques to enable foot care in giraffes without the risk of sedation
• Conservation Breeding: Breeding and rearing the Denison’s barb Puntius denisonii, at Chester Zoo
• Best Field Conservation Project: Restoration and Reforestation of the Grande Montagne Nature Reserve, Rodrigues
• Best Education Project: public and general visitor: Vets – the inside story
• Best Education Project: schools and educational institutions: Chester Zoo: The Challenges of driving up quality in education
• Best PR Project: Dinosaurs at Large!
• Best Research Project: Does it matter if you are dull? How carotenoids affect fitness in frogs

Thank you to all the teams involved in our nominations, and a very special thank you for everyone who voted for Dinosaurs at Large! as the Best Tourism Event on Facebook.

Farewell to Salvador

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The 20-year-old has been with us since 2001, having moved here from Poland, but had recently encountered problems associated with old age.

Salvador was an amazing ambassador for his species and a much valued member of the collection.

Our thoughts very much go with the teams who have worked with him over the years.

Three Rare Sumatran Tiger Cubs Born

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The footage - captured on CCTV cameras inside the tigers' den - shows mother Kirana and two of three endangered Sumatran cubs, born on 21st October.

The births are a success for the zoo and good news for the future of the species, as there are currently only around 400 Sumatran tigers left in the wild, where they are poached for traditional medicine.

Tim Rowlands, the our Curator of Mammals said: "Kirana is so far doing a brilliant job. She is keeping them inside their indoor den and is being a very attentive mum."

*Visitors to the zoo shouldn't expect to see the cubs just yet as Kirana is choosing to raise them inside in their cubbing area.

Corrie Star Helps Us Celebrate Record Memberships

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

There are over 38,500 of you enjoying all the benefits of zoo membership, including unlimited free entry, invitations to special Members' talks and events and discounts in our shops and cafes.

Our Memberships and Adoptions Manager Karolyn Curwell said:

“Never before have we had so many people signed up as members and so we’re absolutely delighted – it’s a fantastic feat.

“Our members are really important to us because, as a registered charity, their guaranteed, year-long support helps us to carry out all of our vital conservation work – helping save species from extinction both here in the UK and overseas.”

We're lucky enough to have a number of high-profile members, including actor Ian Puleston-Davies, who plays the tough-talking builder Owen Armstrong in Coronation Street.

Corrie star Ian Puleston-Davies and daughter Maggie (centre), with Zoo Keeper Belinda Porter and Memberships & Adoptions Manager Karolyn Curwell (right)

Ian's been a member at Chester Zoo for several years and said:

"I have been visiting Chester Zoo since I was a child and the anticipation and excitement each visit brings has never waned over the years.

“In fact, now I have my two children in tow, I have the added enjoyment of watching them react in exactly the same way - sheer joy that cannot be bettered anywhere else.

“We are so proud of our local zoo and 'flash' our membership cards with pride."

A special thank you to all our members who are part of our record numbers. And don't forget that giving a zoo membership is a fantastic gift idea for Christmas!

Health Check for Rare Reptiles Known as 'Living Fossils'

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Keepers Isolde McGeorge and Karen Entwistle measure Red, a female tuatara, during a health check.

Often referred to as a ‘living fossil,’ the reptile is one of the oldest species on earth and must undergo bi-annual checks on their growth and development.

Chester Zoo is the only place in Europe that keeps the rare and unusual species and currently houses a breeding group of five females and one male.

Isolde said:

“We need to perform these checks to make sure they are healthy animals.

“The species has never before bred outside of its native New Zealand and so to try and make sure this group is the first to do so, we keep a very close watch on them”.

Tuatara can live for well over 100 years but now only occur on a few islands off the coast of New Zealand.

Isolde added:

“They really are amazing creatures as they belong to an order all of their own.

“Tuatara might look like lizards but they actually are not. Unlike lizards, they do not have ear holes and they have completely differently structured teeth, which are actually fused to their jaw bone.

"They have a third eye in the middle of their heads, which is equipped with a lens and a retina but is not used for sight but for taking in UV light.

“The males don’t have a reproductive organ and they are also incredibly slow creatures – taking only five breaths and eight heart beats a minute.”

The species has iconic status in its homeland because its ancestors were widespread at the time of the dinosaurs.

Blue Peter Films at the Zoo

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

UPDATE: Watch us on Blue Peter (available on iPlayer until 6th November)

Working alongside our own Zoo Nutritionist Andrea Fidgett, Helen discovered what goes into selecting the best possible diets for each of the zoo’s 7,000 animals.

She also prepared meals for four special ‘dinner guests’ – Eliza the great Indian hornbill, Flora the Komodo dragon, Sid the Visayan warty pig and Lushui the red panda.

First Pic of Our New Baby

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The 11-week-old youngster, whose gender is not yet known, is the first of the species to be born at the zoo.

The baby will be named once keepers can get close enough to tell whether it is a boy or a girl.

Parents Pedro and Bliss, both aged two, arrived in 2010 as part of an international breeding programme.

All three have just moved into a new enclosure and will be visible in the coming weeks.

Anteater Facts

• The giant anteater is the world’s largest species of anteater.

• An individual may eat up to 30,000 ants in one day.

• It is one of only two types of mammals without any teeth even in adulthood.

• An anteater's tongue can reach two feet in length, and is covered in a sticky saliva, allowing it to trap ants. It can extend and withdraw it up to 150 times per minute.

• Giant anteaters are predominantly solitary, except for mothers and their offspring. A single offspring is produced after a gestation period of 190 days.

They are carried on their mother's back, aligned with the white stripe, so that they are very well camouflaged. Young are weaned after two months, although they may continue to be carried on their mother's back until they are nine months old.

• The species is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.

We Got Gold!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The year kicked off with a target of reaching €9999. This is no easy task, and our staff had fun exercising their brains for innovative ideas to raise awareness and funds.

Our various activities included the well attended ‘Saving Apes: Frontline Conservation’ event, ‘Ape Week’ at the zoo during the Easter week and our staff running as ‘gorillas and keepers’ in the BUPA Great Manchester Run.

One of the four pre-selected projects which the campaign raised money for was HUTAN’s Kinabatangan Orangutan Conservation Programme (KOCP), part of our Realm of the Red Ape Programme.

Last month, Roger Wilkinson, Head of Field Conservation and Research, collected a cheque on behalf of HUTAN at the close of the campaign at the EAZA annual conference in Montpellier.

All in all, the ape campaign this year was a huge success, raising awareness about threatened apes and inspiring people to spread the word about ape conservation.

THANK YOU to all who supported our events, and watch this space for information on the 2012 Southeast Asia campaign.

Photo: Scott Wilson, Conservation Officer, with the cheque from EAZA to HUTAN

October Sunshine Draws Record Crowds

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

As the country bathed in sunshine, over 20,000 people passed through our gates on Saturday and Sunday – almost double the previous highest of 10,416 in 2007.

Elephants were seen cooling off by splashing about in pools as our keepers gave them extra hose downs, while the spectacled bears were spotted tucking into frozen water melon.

Managing Director Barbara Smith said: "Our animals like to make the most of the sunshine and our visitors certainly seemed to enjoy it too.

“It was about time we finally had some nice, warm weather and the more days we can have like that the better.

“When people visit the zoo, they’re actually supporting the huge number of conservation projects we are involved with - both in the UK and all around the world. So, to have had so many visitors last weekend helps us to do more and more good work, which is fantastic.”

We're all now hoping for another bumper week as our Dinosaurs at Large! exhibition – the biggest to ever take place in a UK zoo – draws to a close.

Barbara added: “This week offers the last chance people will have to come see our superb Dinosaurs at Large! exhibition before it becomes extinct.

“The dinosaurs have really captured people’s imaginations and offered something completely different. But, after Sunday 9th October, they’ll be dismantled, packed up and shipped back to the States. So if you’ve not yet had chance to come and see them yet, we’d urge to hurry before it’s too late.”

We welcomed our one millionth visitor four weeks earlier than in 2010, having seen attendance rocket since the opening of Dinosaurs at Large! in July.

We Need Your Vote

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

We've entered Quantum Leap in the NatWest CommunityForce programme and have a chance to be awarded £6,000 - but only if we have enough votes.

It won't cost you a penny to vote, but could make a £6,000 difference to children in our local area.

How To Vote

1. Click here to register on the CommunityForce website

2. Search for the Chester Zoo page and vote!

Up to 16,000 school visitors come to the zoo under the programme every year. We are now hoping, through NatWest’s CommunityForce project, to be able to fund transport for some of those who visit under Quantum Leap in 2012.

We've staked our claim for a £6,000 CommunityForce grant – but we need to achieve a high level of votes before the cash can be allocated.

Melanie Cowieson, the our Development Manager, said: “Chester Zoo is a fabulous educational resource and helps students of all ages engage with the world around them.

“For some schools, however, the cost is prohibitive. Through CommunityForce, we have the potential to connect with children and make a difference to their education.

“To vote for us takes just the click of a button but that one click has the potential to make a huge difference to many school children and we’d appeal to people to start voting.”

First Pics of Our New Lions

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The four-year-old lionesses have arrived from Rotterdam Zoo, as part of a European breeding programme designed to safeguard the future of the species.

With only a few hundred Asiatic lions remaining, the species is faced with a serious threat of extinction.

Book your tickets online this weekend and be one of the first to see them.

Friends of Chester Zoo Raise Money for EAZA Campaign

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The campaign's aim was to make a significant and lasting contribution to the survival of ape species - almost all of which are either endangered or critically endangered - and their habitats.

Event highlights included behind-the-scenes access to some of Chester Zoo's world-leading primate exhibits such as Realm of the Red Ape and Monkey Islands, and a summer barbecue, which included a private tour of the zoo and an auction of memorabilia, ape artwork and animal encounters, all donated by Chester Zoo.

The barbecue evening was sponsored by local accounting firms Philip Bates and Co. Ltd. and Phillip Bates and Co. Financial Services Ltd. who are based in nearby Neston on the Wirral.

"Our two businesses were delighted to jointly sponsor the recent barbecue for the EAZA Campaign at Chester Zoo," said Chairman Philip Bates.

"It was great to see such clear commitment and enthusiasm from those attending to, and for their cause. Our team and their families certainly enjoyed the evening enormously and were particularly excited to see the jaguars and spectacled bears.

"Thanks for a wonderful evening and well done for raising funds for such a worthy cause."

All the events were organised by NEZS member Stuart Robinson. "We would like to thank Philip Bates and his staff for their generosity and for embracing the campaign's important conservation message," Stuart commented.

"In addition, I couldn't have made this happen without the full support of Director General Dr. Mark Pilgrim and Curator of Mammals Tim Rowlands, who organised such privileged access to the zoo.

"I'd also like to thank Head of Discovery and Learning Stephen McKeown, Jane Redfern and Dominic Strange on the business and events team, conservation officers Scott Wilson and Catherine Barton, the Oakfield House staff and all the keepers who gave their valuable time to the cause and made the barbecue evening so enjoyable for everyone concerned."

www.eaza.net
The European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), represents and links more than three hundred institutions and organisations in thirty-six countries. Formed in 1992, EAZA’s mission is to facilitate cooperation within the European zoo and aquarium community towards the goals of education, research and conservation.

www.pbatesfs.co.uk
Phillip Bates and Co. Financial Services Ltd. are independent financial advisers based in Neston, Cheshire.

www.pbates.co.uk
Philip Bates and Co. Ltd. are independent chartered accountants, registered auditors and business development advisers located in Neston, Cheshire.

Our One Millionth Visitor

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Our one millionth visitor is Dawn Islip from Holywell in North Wales.

Along with her family, she was given free entry and a VIP tour of the Dinosaurs at Large! exhibition by the zoo’s resident dinosaur keeper, Lauren Lochrie.

We're also excited to have welcomed our one millionth visitor almost four weeks earlier than in 2010, after seeing attendance rocket since the opening of Dinosaurs at Large! exhibition in July.

PHOTO: From left to right – Our Dinosaur Keeper Lauren Lochrie, Mia Kadar (9); Emma Islip (7); Jayden Kadar (5); Zara Islip (4) and Dawn Islip (one millionth visitor)

Barbara Smith, our Managing Director, said: "I am absolutely delighted that Chester Zoo has already welcomed its millionth visitor this year.

“Last year, it was late-September before we reached that mark – so this year's fantastic figures are testimony to the zoo's success as a tourist attraction.

"Chester Zoo, like all forward-thinking organisations, is always evolving and offering new, bigger and better experiences for visitors. We work hard to make each visit different to the last and as ever there has been a tremendous amount for people to see and do at the zoo this year, including the opening of the Dinosaurs at Large! exhibition - the biggest in the zoo’s history.

“To have already attracted one million visitors is more proof that we are doing things right and we will continue improving the zoo for both animals and visitors. Every visit also helps us add to the already huge number of conservation projects we support in the wild, both all over the world and in the UK.”

After a successful summer, we now have our sights set on the exciting developments planned for the coming months.

We're building an underwater viewing area at the giant otter enclosure and the Jaguar House is having a huge makeover – including a new aquarium with some exciting new animal species.

Keepers Hand-rearing Flamingo Chick

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The four week old Caribbean flamingo chick is being hand-reared after it was rejected by its parents.

The chick is fed via a syringe at regular timed intervals, four times a day and will require such special attention for around another four months.

Trainee Keeper Alex Gray said: “It’s an intricately planned and time consuming job but we just want to make sure he becomes strong enough to be able re-join the others”.

When it is time, the chick will join back up with the rest of the flock – including 14 others that have also recently hatched – in the our Flamingo Lagoon.

Keeper Hand-Rearing 400 Endangered Spiders

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Lead Keeper Karen Entwistle is hand-rearing 400 baby fen raft spiders in a purpose-built, bio-secure pod at the zoo.

Karen said: "The spiders are all kept in separate test tubes so they do not attack each other and I have to individually hand feed them with fruit flies. It’s a very, very time consuming job for that number of spiders but it’s vital for the future of the species."

The dedicated keeper spends four hours a day; four days a week, alone with the spiders in the special breeding facility – particularly surprising as she confesses to having suffered from arachnophobia until her early twenties.

“Up until about the age of 21 I was a huge arachnophobe. I’d run a mile at the sight of even a house spider,” she added.

“But as soon as I started working at Chester Zoo and began to learn about them, I soon realised what fascinating creatures they are and my fear just disappeared”.

Fen raft spiders are one of only two British spiders that are fully protected by law and are named after their ability to float on water in the fens and wetlands where they live – thanks to their hairy legs.

Chester Zoo is working with the government body Natural England, Suffolk Wildlife Trust and the BBC Wildlife Fund in attempt to boost their numbers in the wild.

Karen said: "Fen raft spiders have become isolated to just a few pockets of habitat in England and their numbers have declined to preciously low levels. It would be difficult for the remaining populations to recover on their own.

“I’m helping see them through to adulthood before they are released as that will give them a much better chance of survival.

The release of the spiders, which are one of the UK’s most endangered species and grow to have a 10cm leg-span, is planned for late September.

Top Scores for Chester Zoo in Prestigious Which? Report

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Of the UK’s most-visited sites that charge for admission, the zoo was rated as the public’s favourite, receiving the highest customer score.

The Which? survey asked 3,001 members of the public for their views on the UK tourist attractions they visited between May 2009 and May 2011.

And the zoo achieved high marks with a score of 78%, based on overall satisfaction and the likelihood to recommend to friends and family.

The report rated the UK’s largest zoo highly for its ‘range and quality of facilities, along with the entertainment and engagement offered’.

Barbara Smith, Chester Zoo's Managing Director said, “Families come to us for a great value day out, all year round and we’re delighted the zoo has been recognised in this way.

“We’ve built lots of immersive exhibits, placing visitors really close to the animals and we regularly stage different events to create a highly entertaining, fun and educational experience for all of our visitors.

“Since the Which? survey has been concluded, we’ve also completely refurbished and re-themed our restaurants and food outlets to bring visitors a tastier food offering, in much more authentic and vibrant surroundings.

“And we’ve unveiled the biggest exhibition in the zoos history – Dinosaurs at Large! – bringing over 13 animatronic dinosaurs from the States in another UK-zoo first”.

The survey said the average time spent at the zoo was five hours with the average cost per hour being £3.40 – less than any other paid for attraction in the top 20 of the UK’s 20 most-visited.

Barbara added: “With over 7,000 animals to see across 110 acres of beautiful, landscaped gardens, Chester Zoo will certainly keep you busy for the whole day.

“And we offer great value for money, providing free parking alongside our very competitive ticket prices”.

“Chester Zoo, like all forward-thinking organisations, is always evolving and offering new, bigger and better experiences for visitors.

“We’re always striving to give our visitors more and more and we hope to share plans for other exciting developments in the not too distant future”.

Customer scores and star ratings for all 20 attractions appear in the August issue of Which? magazine.

Dinosaurs at Large! ...in Tatton Park?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The garden, designed to be a representation of the environment and plants during the Mesozoic era, also features an escapee from our Dinosaurs at Large! exhibition.

The pictures below show the exciting work in progress, ahead of the show which runs from 20th to 24th July.

Find out more about Dinosaurs at Large!, or visit the RHS Flower Show Tatton Park website.

Are you an Armchair Conservationist?

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

A poll conducted for Chester Zoo's new conservation campaign, Act for Wildlife, showed that 67 per cent of UK adults believe the average 10-year-old has more interest in technology than wildlife.

But although the overwhelming majority of UK adults – 94 per cent - feel conservation is important, only a small percentage help the cause (15 per cent).

Dr Mark Pilgrim, Director General of Chester Zoo, the organisation behind Act for Wildlife, said the survey proved that there were many ‘armchair conservationists.’

“The survey is a somewhat depressing summary of the world today – that the majority, although they believe conservation is important, are actually far more interested in gadgets.

“But while we are playing with games or chatting to our friends online, somewhere in the world at the same time, a rhino is being poached for its horn or a species is facing the battle for survival in its own territory.

“Act for Wildlife is unique in that we have married the best technological advances with positive action for conservation to create a ground-breaking online community that is taking positive action. Armchair conservationists can now actually make a real difference using the technology that so fascinates them and without having to sacrifice their interests.”

Act for Wildlife, who has television wildlife presenter and veterinary surgeon Steve Leonard as a patron, will support five major projects for orangutans, Asian elephants, black rhinos, threatened birds and UK wildlife.

Act for Wildlife will be run entirely online and supporters who donate to the projects will be able to engage with them, getting updates from the projects and meeting the people working directly at the heart of conservation. Blogs from the field and videos will provide a behind-the-scenes look at what is being achieved.

Dr Pilgrim added: “We’re passionate about protecting all wildlife, now and in to the future. For the first time, through this unique venture, we are able to connect the zoo’s work and the people that support it through social networks. What’s more, the funds that are raised through Act for Wildlife go straight to the projects. There are no hidden administrative costs – every penny raised is a penny for conservation.

“Funds that go into Act for Wildlife will give people the skills and resources to protect their animals and plants and make sure they can continue the zoo’s conservation work in the long term. With updates from the field people will be able to see where their money is going and the real difference it is making.”

Act for Wildlife will enable field workers to tell their story in their own words – but also enable the ‘armchair conservationists’ to do their bit. Every penny raised will go directly into the conservation work.

Michelle Duma, project manager for Act for Wildlife, said: “You don’t have to be a game ranger in Africa to help protect black rhinos. You don’t have to be a community outreach worker is Assam to help communities cope with elephants raiding crops. People can make a difference to conservation from wherever they are.

“Act for Wildlife and its supporters will bring together a community of people whose support will help us to provide these things and more to tackle the real needs of conservation.”

Steve Leonard said Act for Wildlife was a great way for people to get involved with ‘on the ground’ conservation.

He added: “You can really see where your much needed money is going and monitor the progress of these interesting projects as they help animals and people in peril."

Visit our new website led by Chester Zoo, www.actforwildlife.org.uk and Like Us on Facebook below.

Baby Parson's Chameleon Born

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Although currently only a few inches long, the species of chameleon – from Madagascar – is the largest in the world.

Dinosaurs at Large! ...is now Open!

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Our exciting new exhibit, Dinosaurs at Large! is now open to the public within the zoo until 8th October, with the entry included in the standard zoo admission prices.

For more pictures, and the latest news from Dinosaurs at Large! and the zoo, like us on Facebook.

Keepers Cockahoop About New Baby Cockatoos

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Three Philippine cockatoo chicks - the first to be born at the zoo - are currently being hand-reared after recently hatching in incubators.

Andy Woolham, Team Manager of Parrots and Penguins, said: “I might risk the wrath of my wife in saying this, but after 19 years of trying, breeding these birds is just as exciting as my wedding day and the birth of my son.

“The species has a very aggressive nature and that makes successful breeding a very rare occurrence. That’s why this is incredibly significant for their conservation.

“We have been trying to persuade them to breed since the first birds arrived at the zoo in 1992. During this time there has been a programme of dietary and environmental review, which has helped us to make changes to how we look after them and ultimately resulted in this success.

“It has been a long burning ambition of mine and I just can’t stop smiling.

“It is so important that a secure safety net population of this species is established in zoos.”

The rearing of the rare birds marks a first for the zoo and they are now receiving round-the-clock care in their precious early days.

“The three hatchlings look little like tiny dinosaurs at the moment. But they are being hand reared and if things go well, they will soon grow into replicas of their proud parents.”

Also known as the red vented cockatoo, the species is critically endangered in the wild due to a combination of illegal trapping for the pet trade and habitat loss.

We support conservation programmes for the species in its natural home and work closely with organisations in the Philippines. These efforts have seen numbers increase over recent years but the species still remains under threat.

Dinosaur leaves Hollyoaks cast in raptors

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Alex Fletcher (who plays Diane O'Connor) and Jessica Fox (Nancy Hayton) got to grips with the giant raptor - just one of number of dinosaurs that are set to take over Chester Zoo this summer.

Ms Fletcher said: “Hollyoaks Village has been home to all sorts of wicked characters over the years but I think this must be the scariest of the lot.”

While the raptor was visiting the fictional village in Chester, the city will soon be invaded by pre-historic lizards for real - as 13 animatronic dinosaurs prepare to go on display here at the zoo.
Our new exhibition - Dinosaurs at Large! - will show visitors exactly what it would have been like to get up close and personal with such huge creatures.
It will be the first time ever that the robotic dinosaurs from America have appeared in a European zoo. Among them will be the giant apatosaurus - with its distinctive long neck - and the infamous tyrannosaurus rex, the most feared land predator of all time.
The event, which aims to spread the message of extinction, will run from 1st July until 8th October.

WANTED: Dinosaur Keepers

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

But our recruitment chiefs are deadly serious and will pay £6.05 an hour to the right candidates who ‘must not be scared of big, sharp teeth’.

The advert, placed on the our career pages as well as in job centres, says the successful applicants must know their ‘stegosaurus from their diplodocus.’

Alasdair McNee, Corporate Director, said: “This is the first time any company or institution has advertised for a Dinosaur Keeper and so it’s fair to say it’s a job that has been 65 million years in the making.

“It’s certainly not an ordinary role but it’s a serious, specialist position and we’re prepared to search far and wide to find the right people.

“It’s a unique, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity and we’re looking for a special few.

“We have thirteen robotic dinosaurs arriving very soon and so we need to make sure they’re welcomed in by caring, skilled professionals”.

Of course, the position is not all glamour, action and adventure. Applicants must also be ‘happy shovelling two-tonne piles of T-rex dung, if required’.

The jobs have come up as we await a shipment of animatronic dinosaurs from America, which will feature in our summer exposition ‘Dinosaurs at Large!’

To apply to become Chester Zoo’s dinosaur Keeper, visit our career pages, or any UK job centre. The closing date for applicants is Monday 6th June.

Dinosaurs at Large! is at the zoo between July 1 and October 8.

Love Your Zoo Week

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The national Love Your Zoo week begins on Monday 30th May, until Sunday 5th June.

The aim of the week is to encourage people to visit their local BIAZA zoos, to not only have a great day out with the family, but also learn just how much we do for conservation, education and research.

10 Reasons to Love Your Zoo

1. More than 25 million people visit BIAZA’s member organisations every year.

2. More than 1,200,000 people come to BIAZA member organisations each year on an organised educational visit.

3. BIAZA members participate in about 500 research projects every year, many of these measuring behaviour with the aim of improving animal welfare – you are helping us learn about helping wildlife.

4. BIAZA members participate in about 700 conservation projects every year.

5. BIAZA members contribute about £10m a year to field projects.

6. BIAZA members contribute about £645m to the national economy.

7. They create about 11,007 jobs.

8. By visiting zoos you are helping to safeguard the future of vulnerable, threatened and endangered species.

9. You can visit more than 2,000 different species of animal - 400 different species at Chester Zoo!

10. By visiting your local zoo or aquarium you are doing a good thing by taking the time to appreciate our wildlife and hopefully being inspired to make a difference.

Tell us how you Love Your Zoo on our Facebook page.

Zoo Webcams Zoom in on the Penguins

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Baby Acorn first shot to fame earlier this month after being given to the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge as an unusual wedding gift. And now, two webcams will stream live from the our impressive Penguin Island – home to Acorn, seven other youngsters and 39 adult Humboldt penguins – allowing anyone in the world to keep track of their progress.

One camera will give close-up views of the penguins nesting and feeding on the pebble beach, while an underwater cam will also show them swimming.

And viewers should soon be able to spot Acorn and a number of other young penguins who were all born in April.

Keeper, Karen Neech, said:

“In around two months time, Acorn and the other newborns will have developed their waterproof feathers and will learn how to swim in our penguin nursery pool.

“As soon as they’ve found their confidence, they’ll then make the step-up into the big, adult pool.

“In the meantime, people can watch their parents diving for fish on a daily basis.

“It’s a great spectacle and we hope the webcam will encourage people to come along to the zoo to see the penguins for themselves; find out more about them and the threats facing their relatives in the wild.”

TV Vet Steve Leonard to appear at our Ape Summit

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The star of BBC1’s Orangutan Diaries, which looked at the plight of orangutans in Borneo in the face of deforestation, will be joined by world experts in ape conservation in speaking at the crucial event at the zoo on Saturday 7th May.

The summit – which the public are urged to attend - will highlight the main issues being faced by those working in front-line ape conservation around the globe.

Leonard said: “The event is bringing together some leading international experts who are working to save endangered species of ape and presents a unique opportunity for people to come and discover exactly what is being done and what needs to be done in order to ensure they continue to survive.”

With species such as the Hainan gibbon now right on the brink of extinction - with fewer than 20 remaining in the wild – Leonard believes that if mankind cannot ensure the long-term, continued survival of our closest cousins, then the future of the wider natural world is a bleak one.

“Apes are iconic. They’re charming, they’re comical, they’re intelligent, they’re charismatic and they’re so, so like us. We can relate to them and empathise with them. They are our closest relatives. So if we can’t save the apes then how can we save the rest of the natural world?”

As the UN environment programme report, The Last Stand of the Orangutan: State of Emergency, says, the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra are being cleared so rapidly that by the early 2020s they are likely to have vanished.

This means that unless urgent action is taken, their most charismatic inhabitant, the orangutan, could be extinct in the wild within ten years.
However, Leonard insists that thanks to the research that is being conducted into how their long-term survival can be ensured, hope is not lost.

“The most crucial thing is that this is not a lost battle,” he said.

“Organisations like Chester Zoo are putting in huge amounts of time, money and effort to help. They do the research for us; they identify the problems; they work out how those problems can best be tackled and what needs to be done to safeguard the futures of these species.

“So if we act on this information now, we can save more and more habitat and prevent further deforestation. Doing it now is far better than letting it worsen. If left for much longer, then it might well become irreversible.

“Of course, financially, these are tough times for a lot of people. But I think what most don’t realise is that simply giving a couple of coppers is enough to have a real impact. A bit of loose change here and there would make a massive difference.

“If enough people gave just the smallest amount of money, then in places like Borneo – when exchange rates are factored in – it really can go a long, long way. That’s what we need people to see and that’s what we need people to do.”

Our Ape Summit, part of EAZA’s 2011 Ape Campaign, will feature a day of talks, presentations and films and will bring together an international array of experts working on the frontline of primate conservation. It will focus on species such as gorillas, orangutans, chimpanzees, gibbons and bonobos.

The event begins at 9:45am and tickets start from £24 (including refreshments).

To book please call 01244 650240. Bookings must be made in advance.

For more information see our What's On event page or email symposium@chesterzoo.org

Easter Chick Penguins Hatch

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The penguins are an endangered South American species, which naturally live on the coastal areas of Peru and Chile.

Each pair of penguins lays two eggs and will incubate them for 40 days up to hatching. Both parents are involved in incubation and rearing the young.

Keeper Karen Neech said: "It will be around eight weeks before the juveniles leave the nests, so we are keeping a close eye on their development.

"So far we have had 10 chicks hatch so things are incredibly busy for us and the adult penguins. There is so much more food required with all these extra mouths to feed.

"We provide the fish and the parents turn this into a high-protein soup to feed to the chicks, so it really is a combined effort."

The chicks will be named with a British tree theme, in recognition of the Year of the Forest campaign set up by the United Nations to raise awareness of conservation issues.

The first to hatch was given the name Acorn and the last to hatch will be given the name Oak.

The new arrivals mean the zoo now has a colony of more than 50 Humboldt penguins. Chester Zoo also funds conservation initiatives in the penguins’ homeland to help them in their natural habitat where they are faced with many pressures including over fishing of their food and habitat loss.

Click here to view our penguin webcams - you won't see the chicks but you will see the parents around the nests checking up on them.

We're Hot on Keeping Animals Cool

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Our keepers have been busy hosing down the elephants twice a day - ensuring they stay comfortable in the sun with a cooling shower.

With the recent warm weather conditions our Keepers have been providing refreshments for many of the animals, most notably the elephants.

Elephants just love playing with water, so hosing them down and encouraging them to play in the pool is a fun enrichment activity for all of the herd.

But it’s our two babies - Nayan and Jamilah – who have certainly been making the biggest splash.

Painted Dogs Opening Ceremony

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The new exhibit, named the Mkomazi National Park Painted Dogs Conserve, was opened by top conservationist Tony Fitzjohn OBE on 6th April 2011.

The seven dogs have arrived from Sweden and the males have all been given names through competitions. Fans of our Facebook page chose Azizi, Badrani, Diallo, Gamba whilst pupils from Ysgol Melyd in Meliden, near Prestatyn chose the name Ochi.

Guests who attended the opening were also entertained by children from Upton Heath Primary School who sang to them in Swahili.

Royal Wedding Afternoon Tea

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

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Ape Week: Five days to make a real difference to our closest animal cousins

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The event - taking place simultaneously throughout Europe - will see our closest relations in the animal kingdom take centre stage.

The week is in support of the EAZA Ape Campaign - coordinated by the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria - and aims to raise awareness of, and funds for, the conservation of the likes of gibbons, orangutans, chimpanzees and bonobos. Almost all ape species are either Endangered or Critically Endangered, according to the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Chester Zoo has pledged to raise at least €9,999 for the cause, which also aims to make a significant and lasting difference to the continued survival of apes.

Throughout Ape Week at Chester Zoo there will be a special opportunity to meet the Primate Keepers and learn all about the likes of gibbons, orangutans, chimpanzees and bonobos (everyday 11:00 – 11:45) and visitors will also have the chance to ‘Ape Around’ - with touch tables, face painting, information boards, stalls and games (14:30 - 16:00).

Ape Week takes place at Chester Zoo between Monday 18th and Friday 22nd April. Normal admission applies during opening hours 10am-6pm. Click here for more information.

New Changing Places Facility Open

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Found opposite the Jubilee monorail station, the room houses a powered, adjustable bench with a shower washing facility, a height-adjustable sink with soap dispenser, plus an automatic paper hand towel dispenser and a warm air hand dryer unit are also available.

The toilet has easy access hand rails and the room also has a hoist from which all the units in the room can be accessed with ease.

There is plenty of space to move easily should assistance by carers be required.

Chris Williams, Zoo Services Manager, said: “We are delighted to now offer some world class accessible changing and toileting facilities within the zoo. We are now confident we can very much cater to the needs of our less able bodied visitors.”

Introducing: African Painted Dogs

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

He talks about the persecution the dogs face in their natural ranges; their diet and how they have quickly taken to their new home.

The new African-themed Painted Dogs exhibit is set to open soon and features specially-built public viewing windows, a theatre and a bridge offering spectacular views of the enclosure.

Flamingos Annual Health Check

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

The birds have been resident in the zoo since the 1960s and Keepers were keen to assess the condition of every individual flamingo prior to the breeding season, which will begin in late Spring.

The checks will enable the team to learn about the demographics of the group (sex, age, etc) to then enable them to carry out detailed research projects in the future.

Keepers plan to study nesting behaviour and look at how different pairs bond, as it is not yet known whether the flamingos choose different mates over the course of their lives or for how long they breed for.

The health-checks are vital to establishing all of the information needed to allow this important research to happen.

New Speaker Announced for Saving Apes: Frontline Conservation

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Ben has worked for a number of years with the Jane Goodall Institute (JGI). After a chance meeting with the famous primatologist Dr Jane Goodall DBE, Ben moved to Uganda to work with chimpanzees and ran a large field programme for the JGI working to project the largest and oldest mahogany forest in East Africa.

Ben's work covered law enforcement and chimpanzee conservation and he is now studying for a PhD in primate evolution, whilst still actively involved in conserving the world’s apes.

The programme for Saving Apes: Frontline Conservation also includes TV wildlife expert and vet Steve Leonard, Dr David Chivers and Prof. William McGrew, both ape specialists at the University of Cambridge, plus speakers from PASA sanctuaries in Africa and Chester Zoo’s own primate team.

Ben will be talking about snare removal from wild chimps and the bushmeat trade in Africa and the UK.

This event is being held to raise funds and awareness for the 2011 EAZA Ape Campaign.

Places are limited – to book NOW ring 01244 650240

Click here for more information on this event.

Fundraising Success for Ape Campaign

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 10:47:28 Z

Organised by Stuart Robinson and David Round alongside Chester Zoo’s Curator of Mammals Tim Rowlands, Primate Team Leader Andrew Lenihan and Dr. Nick Davis, the zoo’s specialist in applied animal behaviour and animal welfare, participants were given unique access to the zoo’s world-leading primate exhibits.

They included a tour of the off-show facilities within Realm of the Red Ape, the vast home to Chester’s group of Sumatran and Bornean orangutans, Monkey Islands and the zoo’s new callitrichid breeding facility.

“We’d all like to thank Chester Zoo and its staff who so kindly donated their facilities and time so that we could all enjoy a fantastic day and raise money for such a good cause,” said Stuart Robinson. “Chester Zoo’s willingness to embrace our fund-raising ideas sets a precedent that we hope all other zoos will follow during this and future campaigns.”

Find out more about the EAZA Campaign in 2011.