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Rare species recorded in New Forest restoration project

The Willow Emerald damselfly - a recent colonist in the New Forest

Nearly 40 rare species have been recorded in the New Forest during a project to restore areas for nature. The species were identified during surveys undertaken by Wild New Forest last year as part of the Species Survival Fund, which is restoring and creating habitats to halt species decline. The surveys were completed at 10 … Read more

Eurasian Lynx could return to Scotland but not through unwelcome illegal releases

European Lynx (Lynx lynx) adult female in winter birch forest, Bardu, Norway

Lynx to Scotland, a three-charity partnership working to restore lynx to the Scottish Highlands, welcomes the humane capture of two Eurasian lynx illegally released in the Cairngorms National Park. Peter Cairns, Executive Director of SCOTLAND: The Big Picture, one of the charities involved, said: “It’s excellent news that experts from the Royal Zoological Society of … Read more

Trio of rare lion cubs born at Whipsnade

Three newborn African lion cubs sleeping peacefully in their den at Whipsnade Zoo

A trio of rare Northern African lion cubs have been born at Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire, marking a huge conservation success for the vulnerable subspecies. Born to three-year-old lioness Winta, and three-year-old dad Malik, the litter of three arrived on 25th November 2024. Footage captured by the conservation zoo‘s ‘cub cam’ CCTV shows attentive mum … Read more

Where to visit animals this Twixmas 2024

Twixmas at Stratford Butterfly Farm

Scratching your head trying to decide how to keep the kids busy this Twixmas? Then why not try these animal-themed ideas: Glow Marwell There’s still time to visit Marwell Zoo in Hampshire this Twixmas, which has been transformed into a stunning illuminated wonderland until 30th December. Glow Marwell 2024 invites guests to immerse themselves in … Read more

Butterfly Conservation launches first ever Youth Panel

The new Butterfly Conservation Youth Panel

Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation has launched its first ever Youth Panel, championing its mission to engage more young people with nature. This groundbreaking initiative brings together 10 passionate young people aged 16-25 from all corners of the UK to help shape the future of butterfly and moth conservation. The Youth Panel aims to break down … Read more

Marwell welcomes companion for red panda

Marwell Zoo's new red panda

Hampshire-based Marwell Zoo‘s male red panda, Tashi, welcomed a companion in September following the arrival of a female red panda called Cherry from Manor Wildlife Park in Wales. Cherry is settling into her new home where she will share the zoo’s red panda habitat with Tashi, who arrived last year. Cherry is seven years old … Read more

The first Salisbury Cathedral pet service

A dog companion at the pet service

Salisbury Cathedral in Wiltshire recently held its first service for pets. Discover Animals’ Geoff Moore went along to find out more. The ‘All Creatures Great And Small: A Service Of Blessing For Our Pets’ was an informal afternoon service that gave thanks for the joy and companionship that pets bring to our daily lives. All … Read more

Celebrate Halloween 2024 at Edinburgh Zoo

Sloth Nico enjoys some Halloween pumpkin enrichment at Edinburgh Zoo

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo is encouraging visitors to celebrate Halloween with a range of family-friendly and adult-only events this October. Carve pumpkins for the wildlife conservation charity’s animals to enjoy, learn more about species anatomy at the adult-only Skulls and Sips or get up close with wee beasties, nocturnal birds … Read more

Brian May: The Badgers, the Farmers and Me

Anne Brummer and Sir Brian May who are working to end the badger cull

A new documentary, Brian May: The Badgers, the Farmers and Me, is now available on BBC iPlayer, charting Sir Brian May’s journey as he looks to explore the different attitudes of farmers and those who – like himself – oppose the culling of badgers in the ongoing battle against bovine tuberculosis (TB). The film has been … Read more

New Ozi activity sheet encourages children to connect with nature

The Ozi activity sheet

A new activity sheet for children has been developed following the release of animated family feature film Ozi: Voice of the Forest, which is produced by Academy Award Winner Leonardo di Caprio and Mike Medavoy and is in cinemas now. The film encourages young environmentalists to become involved with the fight to protect nature by telling … Read more

Giraffe baby boom at Whipsnade

Newly born male giraffe calf explores his new home at Whipsnade Zoo

Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire has welcomed a second endangered reticulated giraffe calf, just a few weeks after the arrival of another. The baby boy, an important addition to the conservation breeding programme, was born to mum Luna and dad Bashu on Monday 15th July, just three weeks after fellow mum Ijuma had her baby girl … Read more

Trailer for Ozi: Voice of the Forest released

Ozi and butterfly in Ozi Voice of the Forest (Signature Entertainment) (1)

The official trailer and first artwork have been released for new animated family feature film Ozi: Voice of the Forest, produced by Academy Award Winner Leonardo di Caprio and Mike Medavoy, and featuring an all-star voice cast including Amandla Stenberg, Dean-Charles Chapman, Urzila Carlson, Laura Dern, Djimon Hounsou, Donald Sutherland, RuPaul Charles and Hugh Bonneville … Read more

Meet Sacha Dench, the human swan!

Sacha Dench, the human swan

In this short film, Discover Animals’ Geoff Moore meets Sacha Dench, sometimes known as the human swan, although she could just as easily be described as the human osprey or vulture! Sacha’s latest project on vultures follows on from tracing the flight routes of Bewick swans from Northern Russia and ospreys from Scotland to Africa. … Read more

UK’s biggest nature challenge 30 Days Wild celebrates 10 years!

Enjoying 10 years of 30 Days Wild

The Wildlife Trusts are urging the public to nurture nature this June to celebrate the 10th birthday of 30 Days Wild.   This year, the month-long nature challenge to do something wild every single day in June is backed by TV stars Dermot O’Leary, Liz Bonnin and Dr Amir Khan. Since 2015, over three million … Read more

Trio of London Zoo lion cubs get first health check

Feisty lion cub has its first health check at London Zoo

London Zoo‘s trio of 10-week-old Endangered lion cubs had their first health check this week, and their eager keepers were finally able to confirm the sexes of the zoo‘s newest big cats. The zoo‘s veterinary team and keepers carried out the medical exam in the cubs’ familiar dens, where they are most relaxed. The team … Read more

New study proves wild gardens boost butterfly numbers

Comma butterflies will be helped by letting grass grow long in your garden

Letting parts of your garden grow wild with long grass can increase butterfly numbers by up to 93% and attract a wider range of species, according to new research from leading wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation. This is the first scientific evidence that wildlife-friendly gardening practices, such as having long grass and flowering ivy, boost the … Read more

Rewilding Nation campaign backed by Leonardo DiCaprio hits target!

European beavers will benefit from the Rewilding Nation campaign

A campaign for Scotland to become the first Rewilding Nation in the world, backed by Hollywood star Leonardo DiCaprio, has smashed an ambitious fundraising bid to raise £200,000 in just six days – 24 hours ahead of its original one-week target. The Scottish Rewilding Alliance, a coalition of more than 20 organisations, is calling on … Read more

Steve Backshall returns to Longleat for May half term

Steve Backshall returns to Longleat

Steve Backshall, one of Britain’s best-loved and most intrepid naturalists and television presenters, is returning to Longleat in Wiltshire for the first time in over a decade this May half term. He will present an all-new wildlife show, created exclusively for Longleat, from Saturday 25th May until Sunday 2nd June. Tickets are on sale now. … Read more

UK’s first National Marine Park to boost nature in Plymouth

The launch of Plymouth Sound National Marine Park

Earlier this year, Plymouth announced £11.6 million funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to create the UK’s first National Marine Park in Devon. This will be part of a £22 million transformational five-year programme that will engage an entire city in its landscape and heritage. The project will revolutionise the way Plymouth interacts with … Read more

Book on the Bird Table: Saving Sun Bears

Book on the Bird Table Saving Sun Bears

Our latest Book on the Bird Table is the wonderful Saving Sun Bears by Dr Sarah Pye, which follows the inspirational work of Malaysian ecologist Dr Wong Siew Te or ‘papa bear’ as he tries to save the sun bear from extinction. The sun bear has become know as the forgotten bear, being the least … Read more

Spring into a new adventure on Brownsea Island  

Red squirrels can be spotted on Brownsea Island

The National Trust team who care for Brownsea Island in Dorset are looking forward to welcoming back day visitors when it re-opens on Saturday 16th March. Discover Animals’ Geoff Moore made a trip to find out more. Springtime on Brownsea is a great time to look out for a number of key species including red … Read more

Baby Cape porcupine ‘quill’ melt your heart 

Baby Cape Porcupine Dakari at Whipsnade Zoo

A Cape porcupine family at the UK’s largest zoo has grown from three to four, with a spiky new baby joining the prickle – with the little one starting to venture outside just in time for Mother’s Day. Mum Kimya gave birth to the baby, known as a porcupette, at 3.34AM on 13th February  2024 … Read more

Meet the alligators of Florida

One of the alligators of Florida

In this short film, Discover Animals’ videographer Geoff Moore visits Florida to explore Sawgrass Recreation Park and meet its rescued alligators as well as those living wild. He finds out some fascinating facts such as: alligators in the wild can have a life-span of 30-50 years they can’t survive in salt water they are the … Read more

Yorkshire Wildlife Park’s annual animal audit

The animal audit at Yorkshire Wildlife Park

Dedicated rangers needed patience, invention and tasty treats to get the measure of all creatures great and small at Yorkshire Wildlife Park‘s annual animal audit. Each of the hundreds of animals, from tiny meerkats to Eastern black rhinos and giraffes, has to be counted and have their vital statistics recorded as part of a national … Read more

Whipsnade Zoo launches soft play sleepover

Whipsnade Zoo soft play sleepover

Whipsnade Zoo in Bedfordshire is inviting kids to live out their dreams and spend the night at soft play, with the launch of Hullaba-snooze – a brand new sleepover experience at Whipsnade Zoo‘s Hullabazoo indoor play.     Spending the evening within roaring distance of the zoo’s amazing animals, groups of 20 or more can bed down … Read more

Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Ali Morse, who is being celebrated as part of nternational Day of Women and Girls in Science 2024

Today marks International Day of Women and Girls in Science and The Wildlife Trusts are celebrating some of their colleagues and their achievements. The organisation is fortunate to be supported by many inspiring female experts who are creating remarkable impact for both science and nature: Kathryn Brown OBE – director of climate change and evidence … Read more