We’re SO excited to welcome our first EVER Youth Board at Chester Zoo. This dynamic group of young people from a multitude of backgrounds, are on a mission to empower young people to take action for wildlife.
What does Chester Zoo mean to you?
The zoo has always been a way for me to escape reality and take time to connect back with nature. I am grateful to be able to be surrounded by over 500 different species of plants and animals, only 5 minutes away from my doorstep! The sheer effort, passion and dedication from every individual working towards the zoo’s mission of preventing extinction, conservation and animal welfare is something I am inspired by and truly admire.
Why do you want to support our Chester Zoo Youth Board?
The current state of our global biodiversity and climate means that now, more than ever, is the time to make a significant impact for the upcoming generation. Coming from a background in wildlife conservation and vet nursing, I can appreciate and want to support the zoo’s holistic approach of preventing extinction through scientific research, influencing policy, animal welfare, education and more. I feel that youth engagement, outreach and highlighting the power of youth voice with the YB, will contribute massively towards the global conservation effort.
What do you hope to achieve from your role on the Chester Zoo’s Youth Board?
From an early age I was encouraged to grow my interest in animals and conservation. I hope to be able to do the same for young people from all walks of life, and in particular those from minority backgrounds, to inspire them to want to protect and conserve the natural world and continue to do so for future generations. I am also looking forward to working with and learning from the other YB members who have different expertise and experiences, as well as networking with organisations too.
What would you communicate to your peers to inform and engage them into conservation projects within Chester Zoo and their wider local communities?
A great way to get started is by researching online for conservation organisations in your local area. Making an impact can be anything from spending time volunteering at projects, attending events, to campaigning in school, college, university, or workplace and even by making small changes in your own day-to-day life- no matter how small you think it is, it will still make a difference!
NOW is the time to ACT FOR WILDLIFE. Conservation is CRITICAL; species are under threat. TOGETHER we can make a BIG difference. Take action TODAY and join us in PREVENTING EXTINCTION.
OUR TEAM OF EXPERTS WORK IN SIX REGIONS AROUND THE GLOBE – REPRESENTING SOME OF THE PLANET’S MOST BIODIVERSE HABITATS. Discover more about our SCIENCE AND CONSERVATION work.