The special survey – labelled by conservationists as a BioBlitz – will look to find as many species which are native to the UK as possible, in a 24 hour period.
A BioBlitz is a large scale event that engages large numbers of people with biodiversity, inviting them to get directly involved in surveying and monitoring.
And the zoo is looking for volunteers to help experts with the count.
Sarah Bazley, zoo ranger team manager, said:
We need a host of volunteers who fancy becoming a wildlife scientist for the day, to help us make a record of the diversity in and around the zoo. No experience is required, just a willing attitude and a keen eye. They will help find creatures such as great green bush crickets, wolf spiders, elephant hawk-moths and wood mice and maybe nocturnal visitors like badgers, owls and bats.”
The survey, which will take on September 6 and September 7, is part of the 2014 British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) BioBlitz which will see lots of other UK zoos doing the same during the month of September.
To book a place one to one of two available sessions (Saturday Sept 6, noon-4pm and Sunday Sept 7, 6am-noon) or find out more please contact the zoo via learning@chesterzoo.org or 01244 650205.
Chester Zoo’s BioBlitz is suitable for those aged 12 and above. Children aged between 12-15 must be supervised by a parent or guardian
Around 40 volunteers are required, split between two sessions:
Saturday 6th September: 12noon – 4pm, looking at botany and Invertebrates (aquatic and terrestrial)
Sunday 7th September: 6am – 12noon, looking at early birds and mammals at the zoo’s nature reserve
Places are limited and so booking is essential.