Zoo science prevails
Conservation cannot wait
“Prevent extinction”
By Lisa Holmes
Celebrating its 90th year, Chester Zoo is one of the world’s leading zoo’s, housing more than 500 species and dedicated to their mission of “Preventing extinction”.
This week marks the release of their new 10 year Conservation Masterplan; a bold vision with the aim to tackle the global extinction crisis using six key targets:
- Preserve options for future conservation for an additional 150 species through conservation breeding and propagation.
- Halt or reverse the decline of 200 highly threatened populations of plants and animal species in the wild.
- Improve landscapes for wildlife totalling 250,000 hectares.
- Train 5,000 conservationists to deliver positive change for wildlife.
- Empower 10 million people to live more sustainably.
- Influence change in five major policy areas for wildlife.
Chester Zoo has an integrated approach to conservation using the skills and expertise of their staff, conservation partners, students, academics and supporters.
Dr Lisa Holmes is the Lead Conservation Scientist for Behaviour and Welfare at the zoo. She works closely with the animal curators and teams to provide an evidence-base for management decisions. With her team of staff and students, she conducts research to monitor the wellbeing of all species and is developing tailored welfare assessments for use within the zoo. She is also Vice-Chair of the Animal Welfare Working Group for the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA).
Check out Lisa’s previous sciku ‘A Zoo Without Bars’.
You can read Chester Zoo’s Conservation Masterplan by clicking on the image below:
