Koala numbers are decreasing at an alarming rate in the wild due to habitat loss and disease, with estimates at less than 100,000 remaining in their native Australia. However, scientists working with a group of koalas at Longleat have discovered vital genetic clues which may help to secure the long-term survival of the iconic Australian […]
Keepers at Marwell Zoo are celebrating the arrival of a critically endangered mountain bongo, which is a species of African antelope. The female calf was born to first-time parents Kailina and Ituri on the 29th September and has been named Ada, which means firstborn daughter. The youngster, who looks stunning in her bright chestnut coat […]
Bats are often portrayed as vampire-like creatures and something to fear, especially at this time of year. However, many UK bat species are actually very small and vulnerable, eating only insects, and could welcome a helping hand as winter approaches. Playing an important role in pollination and seed dispersal, these nocturnal mammals are vital to […]
Sir David Attenborough has made a short film with The Wildlife Trusts, for which he is president emeritus, urging people to take immediate action for a Wilder Future. Following the recently published State of Nature report, which warns of continued, devastating wildlife declines globally, Sir David is calling for powerful new laws and for a […]
Conservation charity The RSPB has released some top tips on helping wildlife this season, with spokesperson Beth Markey offering her advice on how to make our gardens nature-friendly in preparation for winter. Don’t tidy your autumn garden At this time of year, it’s really important to avoid the urge to cut back and tidy too […]
International conservation charity Zoological Society of London (ZSL) launched a brand-new pop-up experience in London this week. Based within a store just off Carnaby Street, the initiative is part of ZSL’s For People. For Wildlife. UK Aid Match appeal which aims to raise vital funds to tackle the illegal wildlife trade. Made from recycled card, […]
A Grevy’s zebra foal has taken its first steps out in the field at Marwell Zoo, in Hampshire. Born on 26th of September to second-time mum Nafeesa, the new foal will not be named until health checks determine the gender. Marwell is the only zoo in the UK where visitors can see all three species of […]
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Highland Wildlife Park has welcomed a littler of threatened snow leopard cubs. At just seven-weeks olds, the cubs are still being nursed by mum Animesh but have started to leave their den and explore outside. The cubs will stay by their mothers side for at least two years, until […]
Longleat welcomed two endangered Amur tiger cubs in June, the first at the Wiltshire safari park for nearly 20 years. This week male Rusty and female Yuki, who weighed just over a kilogramme when born, took their first steps outside. Initially cautious, the cubs soon overcame their nerves and began exploring their outdoor enclosure, under […]
The newest addition to the rhino family at Cotswold Wildlife Park & Gardens is Stella, who arrived on 7th of September. Stella is the first female calf for parents Monty and Ruby and the third to be born at the Park in its forty-nine-year history. Female rhinos only reproduce every two-and-a-half to five years, so […]
Witches and wizards, creatures of the night and spooky animal tales; read our pick of the best places to visit to keep your little horrors entertained this Halloween and half-term holiday … Head to ZSL Whipsnade Zoo for hairy, but not too scary, Halloween fun at Boo at the Zoo this October half-term from Saturday 19th to Thursday […]
Cats Protection has launched a petition calling on the Government to introduce laws to ensure all owned cats are microchipped. The UK’s largest cat charity is calling for microchipping to be made compulsory, as it already is for dogs, to give lost or injured cats the best chance of being reunited with their owner. Almost 8 out […]
An adorable red panda kit has been born at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s Edinburgh Zoo. The young male, who arrived in July, received his first health check with head vet Simon Girling and keeper Leanne Deacon and will soon start to explore outside after spending his first few months in the den. The […]
Wildlife photography pulled Paul Williams back from the brink. After years struggling with mental illness, triggered by PTSD while serving as a police officer, Paul discovered the power of photography to improve wellbeing. Finding solace in the natural world, Paul created this enchanting book of beautiful photographs to tell the story of how nature helped […]
The Natural History Museum has revealed images from its Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition 2019. A sleeping seal, a zombie beetle and a tragic turtle are just some of the captivating and emotive photographs selected by judges from this year’s entries. Now in its fifty-fifth year, the competition showcases the world’s best nature photography […]
Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has confirmed 2019 as a ‘Painted Lady Year’ after nearly half a million were recorded in just three weeks as part of this summer’s The Big Butterfly Count. The high number of Painted Lady butterflies occur as a natural phenomenon about once in every decade, when migratory butterflies arrive in the […]
A litter of endangered Asiatic lion cubs has been born at RZSS Edinburgh Zoo. At just three weeks old, the cubs are not yet on view to the public as they are still being nursed by mum Roberta. The coming months will be crucial for the new arrivals, however, as Roberta originally gave birth to […]
It’s been a busy summer for The Deep in Hull as they welcomed not one, but two gentoo penguin chicks. The first arrived in June weighing 90 grams, and the second in July weighing 98 grams. Both are doing well and gaining in independence but will stay close to their parents for the next few […]
Keepers at Longleat have enjoyed a baby boom among its herd of Grant’s zebra this summer with four new arrivals making 2019 ‘one of the best years ever’ for the safari park. Following a year-long pregnancy, foals are born weighing just over 15kgs and rather than their familiar black and white stripes, babies appear with […]
In 2018, scientists at conservation charity ZSL conducted the first-ever count of seal pups born in the Thames. The results have just been published and show an incredible 138 arrived in one season, proving that harbour seals are breeding in London’s river. To carry out the research, hundreds of photos were taken from a light […]
Famous for its bright red feathers, the scarlet ibis is one of the most striking birds in the world. Keepers at Paignton Zoo have successfully bred this colourful wading bird – although the chicks are anything but scarlet at the moment. Originating from South America and the Caribbean, the scarlet ibis get their dazzling plumage from […]
During a recent trip to the Isle of Wight, I visited Monkey Haven with my daughter – an award-winning animal sanctuary with charity status located a short drive from the island’s centre of Newport. On arrival, we were welcomed by friendly staff who handed us an activity booklet, packed full of fascinating facts and a […]
Edinburgh Zoo is home to the UK’s only giant pandas which keepers recently moved to a new enclosure. The panda pair were relocated to avoid being disturbed by building noise as the former Corstorphine Hospital located next to the Zoo is redeveloped. Male Yang Guang – which translates to ‘sunshine’ in Chinese – and female […]
With the school holidays almost over, why not head over to ZSL London Zoo where kids of all ages can enjoy a Summer Family Festival which runs from Friday 30 August to Sunday 1 September. At no extra cost to a standard Zoo ticket, experience fantastical storytelling sessions, creative arts and crafts and a chance to […]
Cotswold Wildlife Park is celebrating the birth of a Chapman’s Zebra foal. At just a few days old, the newborn female has been attracting the attention of visitors with her incredible speed, galloping around the paddock. Foals are up on their feet soon after birth and can run with the herd within a few hours […]
The Wildwood Trust near Canterbury is celebrating the arrival of four extremely rare wildcat kittens. Keepers are particularly pleased with how well first-time mum Jura is coping with her litter – the largest number bred to one mother at the charity. Wildcat Keeper Jack Poncé said; “We are so proud of our lovely kittens, two […]