Z Magazine - Winter 2018 by chesterzoo

magazine for members and adopters

WINTER 2018

Z MAGAZINE FEATURES

News from the zoo with Dr Mark Pilgrim Chief Executive Officer

The dark evenings are now with us but they follow on from an excellent summer season at the zoo.

Britain’s rarest mammal Page 5

Big Cats Page 8-9

I’m really excited to see the central part of the zoo being redeveloped into our new Madagascar-themed area. The project is almost complete and the fossa have arrived and are settling in well. This unique carnivore from Madagascar is vulnerable to extinction, so having it in our care helps to highlight the plight of the island’s species. Conservation priorities can change quickly: for example, the ring-tailed lemur was thought to be common when I first started working in zoos but, 25 years on, it is now listed as 'Endangered’, a category that suggests it is likely to become extinct. Our new area is a great opportunity to showcase Madagascan species like this in beautifully themed habitats which recreate their natural environments. The lemurs will be moving in soon but, because it’s a walk-through experience, they’ll have an extended settling in period, so the area will open to the public during springtime next year. You can always get a glimpse of the progress we’re making from the monorail. Our build projects mirror our work in the field. Madagascar is a developing field programme for us and is highlighted as a priority area for conservation. In December, we will be taking staff on an expedition to Mangabe to do important work with the people and the biodiversity in the region. We’ll tell you all about that in the next issue. The past three months have proven to be disastrous for our elephant herd, as I’m sure you will have heard. We are all devastated to have lost firstly Sithami, due to sepsis, and then subsequently Nandita and Aayu to elephant herpes (EEHV). EEHV is an awful disease that affects elephants both in the wild and in zoos. The research to find a vaccine continues, supported through our Never Forget campaign. It’s a highly complex and challenging task but our resolve remains strong. The successful birth of a Scottish wildcat kitten brought a brighter note. She was born, a little to our surprise, out of season and is hugely important to the conservation breeding of the species. You can read more about that on page 5.

Sustainable palm oil Page 12-13

As part of the opportunity for children to climb and explore, we’ve opened Treetop Challenge, which replaces Conservation Golf. It’s a great place for young adventurers to burn off a bit of energy and enjoy being outside. We’re proud that our founder, George Mottershead is being honoured as part of the commemorations of the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. He is featured in a carved wood poppy trail through Upton, which is honouring soldiers who were killed or, like George, were injured during the war. With Christmas around the corner, The Lanterns is in full swing. It’s been hugely successful for a number of years, and the feedback from visitors and members as to what you do or don’t like very much guides our plans. Based on that, you will see many more lanterns this year, set in some beautiful, creative winter wonderlands. We hope it will give your Christmas a magical start.

Bongo discovery Page 26-27 2

Thank you for all your support during the year. Our zoo membership is larger than ever, which is fantastic as it allows us to achieve our mission of preventing extinction. We highly value your contribution to the zoo and wish you all a very happy Christmas and New Year.

(S)omet(h)ing t(o) sin(g) abo(u)t A tiny, pink-faced primate was spotted by some of our sharp-eyed visitors to Monsoon Forest just days after its birth in October. Starting life with just a light covering of hair, the young silvery gibbon could be seen peering wide-eyed through mum Tilu’s dense, fluffy fur as she sat high up in the branches, watched closely by dad Alven. While female silvery gibbons will sing to declare their territory, we have something else to sing about because the new arrival is of critical importance to the breeding programme for this endangered species. Wild populations live exclusively in the deep rain forests of Java, but the large-scale destruction of their habitat on the Indonesian island, which is densely populated by humans, is putting the

future survival of silvery gibbons in question. Conservationists estimate that fewer than 2,500 adults remain in the wild, which is why we are working with a number of conservation partners to restore and protect habitats in South East Asia. Tilu’s baby, which she will nurse for about 18 months, is among an unprecedented number of new arrivals at the zoo this year. She is one of more than 700 mammals to have been born in our bumper baby boom of 2018! Mike Jordan, the zoo’s Collections Director, said: “As well as being a valuable part of their respective conservation breeding programmes, each new arrival is, importantly, helping us to raise awareness of the issues they face and the conservation work the zoo is doing to try and protect them.”

(M)eet (o)ur s(u)n godd(e)ss Ever since she emerged from her den at 11-weeks-old, our baby sun bear has been on the move, playing with her mum, Milli and generally delighting visitors.

Keepers have named the cub Kyra, which means ‘sun goddess’, and she has been keenly showing off the crescent-shaped marking on her chest which gives this iconic species their name. Being the UK’s first ever sun bear cub, keepers have been closely monitoring her development and have seen that she also lives up to the Malay name for the tree-loving bear, which means ‘he who likes to sit high’. The bears’ powerful front legs, their large, inwardturned front paws with furless soles, and their curved, pointed claws are perfectly adapted for climbing as they go in search of their favourite sticky treat: honey! Lucy Edwards, Carnivores Assistant Team Manager, said: “In the first couple of weeks after she started venturing out, Kyra spent a lot of time wrestling with her mum and standing up on her hind legs, hugging the base of the trees. She was still finding her feet at that stage and was a bit wobbly and clumsy. “As soon as she was strong enough though, her climbing adventures began! She would get half way up the trees and sleep in the forks of the branches. Now she’s grown again and has lots of confidence, so she stays high up in the trees while Milli forages at ground level and she can be quite naughty. If her mum can’t persuade her back down, she’ll leave Kyra up there and go back to the den. “If Kyra gets stuck, though, she cries for help and Milli will come and rescue her. She’s a great mum.” Sun bears are the smallest of the world’s eight species of bear and are listed as vulnerable to extinction on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature’s (IUCN) Red List of threatened species. Their demise is a result of widespread habitat loss to make way for palm oil plantations, hunting and the illegal wildlife trade. Kyra delighted conservationists when she was born at Chester Zoo in June, not least given the remarkable survival story of her parents who were both rescued from illegal wildlife traders in Cambodia. With the attention she has been receiving from our visitors, the world’s press and on social media platforms, Kyra is helping raise awareness of the plight sun bears face in the wild.

Br(i)tain’(s) rar(e)st m(a)mmal The birth of a Scottish wildcat kitten in our off-show breeding facility is being celebrated by a conservation programme that is working to save Britain’s rarest mammal from extinction. Don’t be fooled by this beautiful bundle of fluff, born to mum, Einich and dad, Cromarty in late August; this little Highland tiger is already a tenacious hunter! That’s a positive sign for our partners at Scottish Wildcat Action, which is co-ordinating conservation efforts to bring the species back from the brink. Having been almost hunted to extinction for their fur and to stop them preying on valuable game birds, the wildcats are now protected under UK law. But they remain under huge threat from cross-breeding, or ‘hybridisation’ with domestic cats and from disease carried by ferals. A healthy population of wildcats can cope with some hybridisation on its fringes; however, research from four years ago estimated that as few as 100 individuals remained in the wild. With such low numbers, this genetic introgression could soon wipe them out.

Tim Rowlands, Chester Zoo’s Curator of Mammals, said: “Unlike domestic cats, Scottish wildcats will usually only have one litter a year, so every birth is really significant. We’re pleased to see the kitten is very active and already gaining the skills that these incredible stealthy hunters use to capture their prey. “Conservation breeding in zoos is a key component in the wider plan to prevent the UK’s only remaining wild feline species from disappearing altogether. The hope is for this safety net population to be released into the highlands of Scotland in the future, to restore and maintain a wild population of these wonderful animals for the long term.” We’re also supporting monitoring work in the highlands and Scottish Wildcat Action recently conducted the largest ever survey of the species in wildcat priority areas. Experts are now assessing the images caught on the 347 trail cameras to estimate the population density and assess the genetic viability of wildcat populations. That will help target conservation action and we keenly await the results of this latest research.

As the days grow cold and the nights draw near, in the heart of Chester Zoo, something magical will appear.

Discover the magic… Garden of Delight Begin your lanterns journey in a largerthan-life, illuminated garden. Step into the world of some of the tiniest creatures and see the world through their eyes while making your way through this glowing garden as it towers above you!

7 6

W NTE D A H C N E

oodland

WO(N)DE(R)LAND

Rainforest

Cloud Cuckoo Land

AG(L)OW 9

LIGHTS

ICE KINGDO(M)

(K)OO CUCLand SHANGRI

Wonderland 2

MEADOW

Follow the white rabbit into Wonderland for a journey of illuminated madness! Meet the rollerskating flamingos as they weave their way around and see if you can spot the Cheshire Cat! It will be lively and topsy-turvy with a touch of magic.

Garden of

DEL(I)GHT

Discovery Map

FOR BELIEVERS

RE U T N DVE ere! A r h You starts

So before you turn and think of leaving, take a second look because

seeing is believing... 6

Cloud Cuckoo Land will take you on a trip through big, colourful boulder towers, where you’ll discover some of our brand new lanterns, inspired by some of the world’s most endangered species of birds.

Dive straight into a world of magical lanterns from Christmases past on the second stop along the route. We’re bringing back family favourites, including our beautifully lit family of lions and elephants as well as the chimp and tiger.

Northern

Cloud

Moonlit Meadow

23 November - 23 December

Northern Lights Step into a traditional Christmas wonderland that’s inspired by long winters and Christmas cheer that the Nordic countries have mastered! This Christmas wonderland is home to Father Christmas and his bright reindeers. Keep your eyes out for him cuddled up in cosy blankets on his wooden sleigh.

Rainforest Aglow Step into the depths of an overgrown and overblown tropical world. As you make your way over a wooden walkway be sure to look all around. Hanging above you will be a spectacular ultra-violet jungle of hanging flowers, plants and twisting vines.

Shangri La Shangri La is an exotic world of colour and striking patterns! Meander through a walkway filled with beautiful traditional lanterns and come face-to-face with a herd of lofty, illuminated giraffes!

Enchanted Woodland As you arrive at the Enchanted Woodland, you’ll spot that this world is full of UK animals. You’ll be able to stroll through the glowing trees that will be glistening with falling snow; complete with woodland animal lanterns hiding among the landscape.

Ice Kingdom The final stop on your lanterns journey is the Ice Kingdom where you’ll travel through ice archways and walk among the penguins! This is a place full of sparkling, glowing ice and a lovely way to finish your winter adventure.

Festive feasts Christmas Food Market No festive event is complete without a Christmas market! This is half way round The Lanterns route and a perfect time to stop and take some time to explore our Christmas Food Market and the delicious items on offer, including mulled wine. With a range of food on offer here, you’ll be spoilt for choice!

A real Christmas treat at The Oakfield Our newly refurbished contemporary pub, The Oakfield will also be serving up some Christmas delights. Grab a spot by the fireplace and enjoy a mouth-watering meal and a glass of your favourite drink.

Supper in Bembe Kitchen Before you leave The Lanterns at Chester Zoo and head home, there’s still a chance to fill up on a tasty Christmas roast with all the trimmings. There's also a vegetarian option of a hearty veggie sausage and mash with cranberry gravy.

BIG CATS made with LEGO bricks ®

This February, discover the world’s biggest felines as you’ve never seen them before. We’re bringing an incredible collection of Big Cats made completely of LEGO® bricks to the zoo. You’ll get the chance to get up close to 12 lifed-size cats, unbelievably crafted using thousands of bricks, in this exhibition found in the Dragons in Danger Garden. On your route to the Big Cats, keep your eyes peeled for 9 LEGO® brick endangered animals hiding around the zoo. You’ll be handed a trail map on entry, so you can tick them off as you find them!

Big Cats will be on show from 11 February to 3 May 2019

(A)lwa(y)s Bu(i)ldi(n)g We will soon be unveiling a huge new centrepiece at the zoo, which will give enticing views into a rich, forested landscape and whisk you away to the beautiful island of Madagascar!

This fabulous, immersive, walkthrough experience is due to open in the spring of 2019 and will be home to emblematic, endangered species including ring-tailed lemurs, white-belted ruffed lemurs, crowned sifakas and Madagascar’s largest mammalian carnivore, the fossa. Along with our Madagascar Base Camp Play! area, it completes the first significant phase in the creation of ‘Forests’ - a key part of our long-term vision to sensitively transform and expand the zoo into themed zones. Our Islands project best demonstrates the direction of our development plans. Its naturalistic animal habitats are home to our sun bears and tree kangaroo, Sumatran tigers and orangutans and many other South East Asian island dwellers. They sit comfortably in visitor areas that have been redeveloped with innovative, sustainable architecture that reinforces the distinctive character of this geographic zone. Each element responds to the needs of the animals and our visitors, helping to create memorable experiences, while reflecting the conservation work we deliver across the globe.

transition period while works are completed. Jamie Christon, Chester Zoo's Chief Operating Officer, said: “Our ‘always building’ philosophy is one that’s been part of our history ever since our founder, George Mottershead, first bought Oakfield House and a few acres of land and transformed it into the UK’s first ever zoo without bars. “As our valued members, you have joined us on a journey that has helped us to become a world class visitor attraction, global conservation charity and centre of unrivalled animal well-being. In so doing, we are responding to our mission of ‘Preventing extinction’ and inspiring millions of people to appreciate and treasure the immense biodiversity of our planet. “The best way for us to grow our established education and research efforts, and continue to provide a significant economic impact, and major employment and training opportunities, is through continued investment in the zoo’s evolution.”

Those same evolutionary and environmental aims are firmly built into the new Madagascar walkthrough visitor experience. Among the unique Madagascan species in this environment is the fossa, which is already getting accustomed to its new home. With its mongoose-like head atop an oversized cat-like body, and other traits more like those of civets, the fossa has puzzled scientists trying to classify these wonderful Malagasy carnivores. Most recently, the mongoose has been declared its closest relative. The fossa is perfectly adapted to a life in the forests, with its long tail, semi-retractable claws and flexible ankles enabling it to grasp tree trunks and bound from tree to tree. But the loss of its forest habitat is the greatest threat to the species, and many others in Madagascar, making the fossa vulnerable to extinction. Our Madagascar zone will help to raise awareness of these amazing animals and the work we are doing with our partners and the Malagasy people to protect the island’s biodiversity. Next up will be a new ‘Foothills and Floodplains’ zone. It will include a new, world class habitat for the Asiatic lions and it is anticipated to open in late 2019. Moving animals and creating these habitats is, of course, a complex process and animal well-being is always the first priority. We are currently developing a state-of-the-art offshow facility for some of the animals we care for as part of our breeding programmes. The new off-show habitats and husbandry areas will allow us to smoothly move animals to their new homes, ensuring they have first class facilities in the

(S)UST(A)INAB(L)E PA(L)M OI(L) CITY (C)HAMPION(S) Chester is closer than ever to becoming the world’s first Sustainable Palm Oil City! Chester is at the forefront of the global battle to prevent the extinction of animals affected by unsustainable palm oil production, which is causing deforestation across Indonesia and Malaysia. Our campaign is gathering pace. Chez Jules restaurant was the first to commit to the initiative, and now lots of new businesses have signed up to join the fight and act for wildlife! 49 Watergate Deli, Chef’s Table, Cheshire Dining Experience, Meltdown, Crumbs and Weston Grove Fish and Chips have also come on board as champions. Each organisation has adopted a sustainable palm oil policy and audited their supply chains, leading the way for other restaurants, cafes and fast food outlets in the city centre.

workplaces, visitor attractions, manufacturers, schools and colleges to join the fight to help prevent extinction. If you think your business could get involved please email Faye via f.sherlock@chesterzoo.org

BRILLIANT NEWS FOR ORANGUTANS! DEFORESTATION FREE PALM OIL The Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil (RSPO) has just announced its new, improved standards which deliver deforestation free palm oil. This marks a significant step forwards, fighting back against the habitat destruction that is pushing wildlife towards extinction.

WHAT IS PALM OIL?

To achieve Sustainable Palm Oil City status we need representation from the following key organisations across Chester:

Palm oil is an edible vegetable oil that comes from the fruit of oil palm trees. Up to 50% of products in an average UK supermarket now contain it.

• Restaurants, cafes, hotels and fast food outlets • Workplaces • Schools, colleges, universities, council food outlets and hospitals • Visitor attractions or leisure facilities • Manufacturers, suppliers or retailers based in the city

If we were to stop using palm oil, we would need to find an alternative to supply the global demand for edible vegetable oils. Because other oil crops – such as coconuts, olives, sunflowers and maize – are less productive per square kilometre, even more land would need to be converted to agriculture – causing even greater environmental damage.

Earlier this summer, The University of Chester reviewed their supply chains to give the campaign their full backing. Nine Brand have also crossed the line as the first sustainable palm oil manufacturer. Brio Leisure is the latest organisation to join the movement.

WHAT CAN YOU DO?

Here at Chester Zoo, we are already completely sustainable in all of our food and retail outlets. Along with the businesses mentioned above, we are working with many other organisations in the city centre such as the Countess of Chester Hospital, and will be announcing the latest ‘Champions’ over the coming months.

The solution is to demand sustainable, deforestation free palm oil. Write to your MP, retailers and manufacturers. Look for the RSPO label on packaging. You can find a shopping list of items which include sustainable palm oil by visiting our website – actforwildlife.org.uk/shoppinglist. There’s also a sustainable palm oil Christmas shopping list available, so you can enjoy deforestation free Christmas dinner!

Faye Sherlock, Sustainable Palm Oil City Project Officer at Chester Zoo, said: “It’s truly inspiring to see more and more businesses in the city coming on board to ensure products in their supply chain are sustainably sourced and do not contribute towards the extinction of wildlife. The city of Chester is leading the way on this issue and we’re proud to be spearheading this campaign.” We are calling on all restaurants, food outlets, retailers,

CHRISTMAS LUNCH MONDAY 26 NOVEMBER – SUNDAY 23 DECEMBER

Warm up this winter and start your Christmas countdown by indulging in a delicious Christmas lunch in the stunning surroundings of The Oakfield.

(T)ackl(i)ng s(i)ngl(e)-use (p)last(i)c Two million fewer pieces of single-use plastic entered the world this year, after we revolutionised our food and beverage sales. The figure has been revealed alongside a wide-ranging list of additional environmental achievements in 2018. In 2018, we audited our supply chain and removed more than 2 million pieces of single-use plastic from sale, by finding sustainable alternatives to products and working closely with food and beverage suppliers.

AFTERNOON TEA

Food and beverage deliveries were reduced by more than 30% compared to last year, resulting in a 20% reduction in food miles.

Enjoy a delicious selection of freshly prepared finger sandwiches and rolls, scones and cakes, pastries and macaroons. Choose from a variety of teas, or really treat yourself by adding a glass of Prosecco! Why not surprise someone with an Afternoon Tea gift package this Christmas. Visit www.theoakfield.org for more information. Booking in advance is essential. To book your Christmas lunch, Afternoon Tea, evening event, or to purchase an Afternoon Tea gift package, please email our events team via events@chesterzoo.org or call them on 01244 650209.

EVENING EVENTS Celebrate your special occasion in this unique venue, based in the heart of the zoo. We can cater for 80 to 200 guests and have a range of menus and drink packages available to create the perfect evening event. Get in touch to find out more. Winter offer! If you book your event for an evening between January – March 2019 for 150+ guests, we’ll offer you complimentary venue hire!

We also had electric car charging pods installed in the visitor car parks as part of a long-standing Sustainable Travel Scheme, which already subsidises bus travel and offers 15% discount entry to the zoo for cyclists. As a conservation and education charity, protecting the environment is among our founding principles.

publicly before by releasing the data. “We think it’s important to talk about the issues. We haven’t yet eliminated 100% of single-use plastic from our supply chains because the alternatives are hard to find in some cases, but we’re nearly there. It can be a challenge to persuade suppliers to provide environmentally friendly products, but the more we talk about these issues, the more we can find solutions together as a nation.” In retail shops, ‘bags for life’ and pens are now made from recycled plastic bottles, while sweets that were previously wrapped in plastic are now sold in compostable bags. The sustainability successes also include features within new building designs. We built a new canteen for 900 staff and 200 volunteers this summer, and rain landing on the building is now collected for use in the nearby Plant Project. Up-cycled second hand furniture has been used to furnish The Oakfield restaurant after a major renovation project transformed the grade II listed family home of zoo founder George Mottershead.

Dom Strange, Director of Operations at Chester Zoo, said: “Lots of small changes can make a big difference to the planet. We’ve been committed to this for a number of years now; it’s part of our DNA. But we haven’t celebrated the achievements so

From water saving devices installed in visitor toilets to smart meters, energy efficient LED lighting and high efficiency boilers, the zoo has invested heavily in 2018.

(K)IDS' (Z)(O)O Winner of last competition: Bethan Corley. Answers to baby boom quiz from the last issue: 1. Eleven 2. West African chimpanzee 3. For camouflage 4. 5,000 5. Dodo 6. Six

With the dark evenings drawing in, it’s a perfect time to get crafting! We’ve pulled together some of our favourite ways to get creative in preparation for Christmas. Follow the instructions below to create some easy festive decorations and wintery drawings.

Clay reindeer Time: 15 mins Difficulty: Easy Equipment:

• Air-drying clay • Sticks (make sure you find the sticks on the ground and don’t break them off any plants) • Berries or small stones (found on the ground)

Scratch art Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Medium Equipment:

• Paper • Black acrylic paint • Wax crayons • Sponge or thick paintbrush • Thin paintbrush or cocktail stick (for scratching!)

Method:

1. Using the wax crayons, completely colour your sheet of paper using as many colours as you like. Make sure you don’t leave any gaps or the paint won’t scrape away. 2. Using the black paint and sponge/paintbrush, completely paint over the crayon. Make sure that you can’t see any colour through the black paint. 3. Leave the paint to dry. 4. Once the paint has dried, you can start scratching! Using the wrong end of a paintbrush or a cocktail stick, scratch away your design. The black paint should come away, revealing the colour below!

Time: 20 mins Difficulty: Medium Equipment:

• Sticks (make sure you find the sticks on the ground and don’t break them off any plants) • String • Scissors (parental supervision needed)

Method:

1. Take two lumps of clay (one slightly smaller than the other), and shape them into two thick sausage shapes. 2. Create the legs of the reindeer using four sticks by trimming/ snapping the sticks to a similar length. 3. Push the sticks into the upside of the larger piece of clay (the reindeer body), at an outward angle for stability. Make sure the sticks are pushed almost all the way through the clay, so they won’t fall out! If you turn the clay over, it should stand easily on the four sticks (legs). 4. Push another stick (slightly shorter length than the legs), into one end of the topside of the clay body to create the neck. Make sure it is quite far into the clay for stability. 5. Push the smaller piece of clay onto the neck to form the head. 6. Use another two similar length sticks to form the antlers by poking them into the top of the clay head. 7. Using berries or stones create the eyes and nose of the reindeer by pushing them into the clay head. 8. Take a very small stick and push it into the other end of the clay body to make the reindeer’s tail. 9. Leave the clay to dry overnight and you’ll have a sturdy clay reindeer in the morning!

Wooden star tree decoration

Method:

Craft competition

1. Make five sticks of the same size by snapping them to the same lengths. 2. Ask an adult to cut five bits of string long enough to tie two sticks together. 3. Start tying the ends of the sticks together, angling them in the same direction so that they turn inwards (see picture). 4. Pull the last two untied ends round until you form a star shape, and then tie the last two sticks together. 5. Ask an adult to cut another longer piece of string and tie it round one corner of the star to create the loop you will use to hang it on your tree!

We’d love to see how you got on with our Christmas crafts! Send us your crafts by post or send a photo by email and you could win a plush penguin! Send your entries to: Z Magazine, Marketing Department, Chester Zoo, Upton-by-Chester, Chester, CH2 1LH or marketing@chesterzoo.org by 1 February 2019.

JUNIOR RANGER TRAINING CAMPS

Every Sunday from 13 January - 10 February or 24 February - 24 March 2019

The training camps run every Sunday for five weeks. You can choose from Sunday morning sessions (10.30am – 12 noon) or Sunday afternoon sessions (2 – 3.30pm). Each week we will explore different parts of the zoo and learn about our animals and conservation work. We have lots of fun activities planned! Places are limited and we expect them to be booked up fast, so make sure you book soon to avoid disappointment. (Suitable for ages 8 – 11) Head over to our website to find out more and to book your sessions. If you book before 31 December you can take advantage of our early bird rate of £50! After this date the price will go up to £55.

BIRDS! BIRDS! BIRDS!

ENRICHMENT DAY

Hone in your bird watching and identification skills and get hands on and help our feathered friends by making your own bird box to take home. (Suitable for ages 8 – 17). Head over to our website to find out more and book your session.

Enrichment is an important part of keeping the animals at the zoo fit and healthy (both physically and mentally) and there are many ways we do this – whether it’s a climbing frame, a problem solving activity or providing different types of food in different ways! Join us to learn more about enrichment and help create enrichment activities that our keepers can give to the animals. (Suitable for ages 8 – 17). Head over to our website to find out more and book your session.

Saturday 12 January

BUILDING HABITATS Saturday 16 March

Want to discover more about what goes into designing the different habitats for the many species at the zoo - like our new lemur habitat which is currently being built next to Madagascar basecamp? Join us for our hands on workshop which will have you creating 3D models of the spaces. (Suitable for ages 8 – 17). Head over to our website to find out more and book your session.

HOW TO BE A ZOO KEEPER Thursday 30 May

Junior members 2019 programme 20

This is a unique opportunity offered to Junior Members to spend a day working alongside a Zoo Keeper. Come prepared for a hard day’s work. These activities can be tough and demanding so we strictly limit this event to those Junior Members aged 12 – 17. Head over to our website to find out more and book your session.

Saturday 16 February

ACT FOR WILDLIFE Saturday 13 April

We want you to join us as we lead the way in preventing the extinction of some of the world's most incredible wildlife! Get involved in our ACT FOR WILDLIFE campaign work and join our conservationists. (Suitable for ages 8 – 17). Head over to our website to find out more and book your session.

WORLD OCEANS DAY Saturday 8 June

Join our zoo expedition team in North Wales on World Oceans Day – a global celebration and collaboration for protecting the oceans and the wonderful wildlife found within them. (Suitable for ages 14 – 17). Head over to our website to find out more and book your session.

Above are just some of the events that are available to our Junior Members throughout 2019. Most are open to all Junior Members aged 8 – 17. All activities will be available to book online. For more information keep an eye on our website, or make sure you’ve signed up to receive our e-newsletter; go to chesterzoo.org/preferences to subscribe. Our events programme for July to December 2019 will be published in the summer issue of Z.

Behind the Scenes

“Unlike domestic cats, Scottish wildcats will usually only have one litter a year, so every birth is really significant. We’re pleased to see the kitten is very active and already gaining the skills that these incredible stealth hunters use to capture their It’s wonderful to welcome back The Secret Life of the Zoo, prey. which has returned to our TV screens this winter for a successful sixth series. “Conservation breeding in zoos is a key component in the wider plan to prevent the UK’s only remaining wild feline species Fans of the Channel 4, behind-the-scenes documentary often from disappearing altogether. The hope is for this safety net tell us that, while the animals are obviously the stars of the population to be released into the highlands of Scotland in show, it’s the heartfelt passion, care and dedication of our the future, to restore and maintain a wild population of these keepers that really impresses. The programme helps to show wonderful animals for the long term.” their careful management of animals from all over the globe through our changing seasons and we’re often asked how such We’re also supporting monitoring work in the highlands and a wide variety of species cope during our British winters. Here’s Scottish Wildcat Action recently conducted the largest every what our expert keepers had to say about some of The Secret survey of the species in wildcat priority areas. Experts are now Life of the Zoo celebrities… assessing the images caught on the 347 trail camera to estimate the population density and assess the genetic viability of wildcat David White, Twilight Team Manager: populations. That will help target conservation action and we keenly await the results of this latest research. “Animals in European zoos are better acclimatised to our weather and to the changing seasons than their counterparts in the wild, and many species are very adaptable. You get cold nights even on the plains of Africa, so the meerkats will grow a slightly thicker winter coat and they tend to sleep in a bit longer and stay in the warmth of their den if it’s cold.

“All animals develop coping mechanisms according to their own natural habitat. So red pandas living in the Eastern Himalayas are perfectly adapted to the cold. Their thick fur and hairy paws help them conserve body heat, and wrapping themselves in

their bushy tails and covering their noses gives them extra warmth while they’re sleeping. They can even slow down their metabolism to conserve energy. “When the weather turns, we adjust our management of different species according to the conditions they’re able to adapt to.” The design of our habitats reflect that too. The majority of tropical animals are kept in completely controlled environments, so season changes are negligible, while many other animals have the choice to go outside or to stay in temperaturecontrolled indoor areas. Lucy Edwards, Carnivores Assistant Team Manager: “On really cold days the sun bears may stay tucked up in their indoor areas, as their short black fur is designed to keep them cool in hot climates, but they do still enjoy exploring outside. “The Andean bears, on the other hand, with their thick winter coats, are built for the cold weather. Although they are now found almost entirely in the Andes Mountains, they have a reputation for being adaptable. When they’re searching for food they can wander into rain forests an have even been seen in coastal deserts. “As for the tigers, while Sumatra doesn't have the cold weather

that we have here, Sumatran tigers occupy a wide array of habitats. They’re very used to rain and can adapt to the colder temperatures. Their coats become much thicker and they do enjoy being outside, especially on the four large, heated rocks spread around their habitat.” Zoe Sweetman, Parrots and Penguins Assistant Team Manager: “Penguins are specially adapted to live happily in cold water because it’s rich in their food sources. Humboldt penguins even share their name with the chilly Humboldt Current, which flows from Antarctica up to the Pacific Coast of South America, where the birds live. While the climate there is warmer than ours, the cold currents keep the birds cool while they're at sea, and the penguins at the zoo will happily take a dip in their pool, whatever the weather! “To avoid over-heating, Humboldts have a special adaptation. The pink areas on their face and feet are bare skin, while the feathers on the underside of their wings are thinner. The birds shed body heat by sending blood to those areas - so their pink cheeks don’t mean they’re blushing!” Sarah Roffe, Giraffes Team Manager: “Probably one of the most hardy and adaptable animals is the

Bactrian camel. Their habitat ranges from rocky mountains to dry deserts, where conditions are extreme. They can deal with temperatures from as low as −40°C up to +40°C. Our Bactrian camels now have their long, woolly winter coats. When it warms up, they’ll shed their coats really quickly and huge sections can moult in one go. “Some animals though, like the giraffes, can’t adapt to colder weather. The dark patches on their coats help them regulate their temperature by releasing heat, but they’re not so adept at retaining heat. If it’s 5°C or less outside, we tend to keep the giraffes indoors where we can monitor their temperature. But if the winter sun warms up the paddock and there are no icy patches about, they're let out to stretch their legs. We also create ‘hot beds’ for them, which are basically layers of their dung covered over with straw. It ferments and releases heat and the giraffes really benefit from it.” Come rain or shine, our keepers provide enrichment to keep the animals mentally and physically active and engaging in their natural behaviours - from hiding treats inside food logs and providing new scents or objects to play with, to changing routine, building new structures and rearranging their habitats. For many animals, the snow itself provides a new environment for them, so it’s very enriching. Visiting the zoo during the winter can be a real treat!

! P I Z

(T)REET(O)P (C)H(A)LLE(N)GE CLIMB

F(a)mily (p)lann(i)ng for (R)odr(i)gue(s) fru(i)t bat(s) Our Rodrigues fruit bat colony is the largest single species mammal groups we have at the zoo. It’s an important part of a breeding programme, which was first set up in Jersey in the 1970s after wild populations crashed. Rodrigues fruit bats are only found on a 41-square mile volcanic island in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Numbers there are steadily rising, thanks to some restoration of the species’ forest habitat and education programmes with local people, but they are still endangered and remain vulnerable to the effects of storms and cyclones which hit the region. Back-up populations like ours safeguard the bats’ future. In our Fruit Bat Forest habitat they breed well, but overpopulation can become a problem as David White, our Twilight Team Manager, explained:

Bring your mini monkeys along to the zoo for a BIG adventure on our brand new adventure course! Add even more excitement to your day at the zoo by bringing your little ones along to Treeptop Challenge, the UK’s biggest course of its type! Get them strapped into a harness and guide them around the many fun obstacles along the course. For just £5 per child, this course will have them monkeying around as they leap, balance, climb and laugh their way round. It’s also the first course in the UK to include TWO mini zip lines, so you can watch your little ones whizzzz along!

If you want to book your child a ticket for the Treetop Challenge, you can purchase them at the same time as buying your admissions tickets online. You can also purchase them on the day; just pop along to the Treetop Challenge kiosk, located opposite the entrance to the wooden bridge by Fruit Bat Forest. Children must be under 122cm to use the course (suggested age 2 – 7 years). Visit our website for more information.

“We currently have around 240 Rodrigues fruit bats in our colony. Like most bats, they reproduce slowly; females average one pup a year. But, for a small mammal, they are also relatively long-lived, usually reaching 14 or 15-years-old or more, so finding the best means of managing the population is really important. “Some of our males have gone to other zoos, but that’s not a long-term solution. For the last two years we have been trialling the use of contraceptive implants in the fruit bats as an effective means of controlling their breeding and maximising the health of the population as a whole.” Conservation Breeding and Management is one of our six specialisms at Chester Zoo. Our important work with the bat colony is adding to the knowledge banks of the EU zoo community through a shared resource called the Contraception

Database. Managed by the EAZA Group on Zoo Contraception (EGZAC), it provides information on the use of contraceptive products and their effects on health, behaviour and future fertility, helping to ensure that these practices are safe and effective. Gabby Drake, our Veterinary Officer, said: “Contraception is a common practice in the majority of breeding programmes, but each animal has a different physiology and life history to the next, so choosing the right contraceptive method for each species or context can be challenging. EGZAC’s database showed us that previous trials with Rodrigues fruit bats hadn’t reliably prevented breeding. Our aim was to identify an effective, safe and reversible contraception for the bats, and we have succeeded in that.” During the bats’ twice yearly health checks, our vets scan the females using ultrasound. Contraceptive implants are given to any that are not pregnant. In 2018, the growth rate of the colony has dropped to 21.1% versus the previous rate of 35.1% in 2016, before the contraception programme began. That’s expected to drop again next year, as many more bats have received contraception in the latest rounds of checks. Gabby added: “We’re really pleased with the results. Our continued monitoring of the bats will now determine how long the implants remain effective. We initially placed them in the forearm, so it was easier to check the implant stayed in place. Now we’re sure they are working, we can trial placing them in the scruff - just as we do with their microchips. That will further evolve and improve the contraception method so it can be rolled out across conservation breeding programmes with Rodrigues fruit bats globally.”

B(o)ngo d(i)sco(v)er(y) Our scientists have uncovered the existence of the world’s largest forest antelope in Uganda. The lowland bongo was spotted on the zoo’s motion-sensor camera traps in Semuliki National Park, in the southwest of the country where it borders the Democratic Republic of Congo. East Africa’s only true lowland rainforest is found there and it’s believed to be one of the most ancient and biodiverse forests in Africa. This was the first large-scale camera trap survey of the mammal biodiversity in the 220km2 park, and the wonderful discovery of the rare and elusive lowland bongo is of huge significance to its conservation. The lowland bongo is recognised for its vibrant red-brown and white striped coat and large spiralling horns. Standing at around 1.3m tall at the shoulder, an adult male bongo can weigh over 800lbs. While the species is endemic to the rainforests of Central and West Africa, its presence was previously unknown in the East African nation.

rainforests which still connect the two countries. “The lowland bongo is also rare throughout the forests of Western and Central Africa and declining due to accelerating illegal hunting and habitat loss. Unlike the mountain bongo, there are no lowland bongo held in zoos, so any conservation actions can only focus on wild populations. As thrilled as we are with this discovery, we need to learn much more about this newly found species in Uganda and elsewhere across its range.” In total, the survey captured over 18,000 pictures yielding images of 32 mammal species. Amongst them were large, charismatic animals including forest elephants, chimpanzees, buffalos and leopards but also smaller, lesser-known species such as elephant shrews, the mongoose-like cusimanse and the secretive African golden cat.

Recognising that the discovery of the unique lowland bongo in the survey underscores the importance of Semuliki National Park as a biodiversity hotspot within the Albertine Rift. The Chief Warden Stuart Nixon, Chester Zoo’s Africa of Kibale Conservation Area, Mr Field Programme Coordinator Guma Nelson, said: led the research in partnership with the Uganda Wildlife Authority “We will continue to collaborate with (UWA), with financial support from Chester Zoo and other partners for the Giraffe Conservation Foundation this noble cause in the park. With and the Leiden conservation its proximity to the Pleistocene Foundation, US. refugia, there are rare and endemic species yet to be discovered if more He said: “We were amazed that extensive surveys are done. such a large, striking animal could go undetected for so long, but “The large mammals, primates and bongo are a notoriously shy and the birds have all along been the elusive species. It could be that main conservation assets we focus bongo and other species are moving on to protect this forest in addition to between Virunga National park in ecosystem services and resources DRC and Uganda, showing just to support community livelihoods.” how important it is to protect the

P(R)EVE(N)TING (E)XTI(N)CTI(O)N IN (M)EXI(C)O A fish that became extinct in Mexico more than 15 years ago has made a comeback in its former stronghold, thanks to a small colony being cared for at the zoo. The tequila splitfin, a small species of goodied fish which grows to just 70mm in length, disappeared from the wild completely in 2003 due to pollution and the introduction of invasive, exotic fish species in waters where it had previously thrived. The combined expertise of our conservationists and a determined team at the Michoacana University of Mexico has led to more than 1500 fish being returned to springs in the Teuchitlán River in the state of Jalisco in south west Mexico. With the fish thriving and already breeding in the river, the project has been cited as an International Union for the Conservation of Nature case study for successful global reintroductions. Professor Omar Dominguez, from the Michoacana University of Mexico, said: “This is the first time an extinct species of fish has ever been successfully reintroduced in Mexico. The tequila splitfin is a very important species, used by scientists to study the evolution, biogeography and live bearing reproduction techniques of fishes. We couldn’t allow it to disappear. “This project sets an important precedent for the future conservation of the many fish species in the country that are threatened in the wild, but which rarely take our attention.” In 1998, at the outset of the project, we provided the university’s Aquatic Biology Unit with five breeding pairs of tequila splitfin, from which their scientists were able to found a new colony in the laboratory. Experts there maintained and expanded their numbers over the next 15 years. In preparation for the reintroduction, 40 males and 40 females

from the colony were released into large, artificial ponds, where they were exposed to a semi-natural environment.There the fish encountered fluctuating resources such as prey items, potential competitors, parasites, and predators such as birds, turtles and snakes. Another four years on, this population was estimated to have increased to 10,000 individuals and became the source for the reintroduction to the wild. Two years of field surveys in and around the Teuchitlán River enabled the team to identify the best release sites, while education work with local communities helped them improve awareness of aquatic habitats and show the value of healthy water sources. A long-term monitoring programme, involving local people trained to assess water and habitat quality, was also established. With the river and its surrounding environment restored, both the fish and the community can once again enjoy the beautiful area and all the benefits of a healthy river. Dr Gerardo Garcia, our Curator of Lower Vertebrates and Invertebrates, added: “It is a real privilege to have helped save this charismatic little fish and it just goes to show that with the skill and expertise of conservationists, and with local communities fully invested in a reintroduction project, species can make a comeback from environments where they were once lost. “This is also a great example of how good zoos can play a pivotal role in species conservation. We have been involved technically and financially and, without our aquarists keeping the species alive for many years at the zoo, this fish would have been lost forever. “Following years of hard work by our partners, the wild population is, thankfully, now going in the right direction. It just goes to show that animals can re-adapt to the wild when reintroduced at the right time and in the right environments. Chester Zoo’s mission is to prevent extinction and that’s exactly what we’ve done.”

TIG(E)(R) NU(M)B(E)RS ON T(H)E (R)ISE A new census has revealed that the tiger population in Nepal has nearly doubled over the last decade as a result of successful conservation efforts.

and tigers from potential conflict. Over the last three years, this successful partnership with the NGO Green Governance Nepal has worked with 1,200 households in villages close to Chitwan and Bardia National Parks.

An estimated 235 wild Bengal tigers now live across the country’s five national parks. It’s hugely positive for the species and demonstrates that ambitious conservation goals can be achieved when governments, conservation partners and local communities work together.

Practical measures such as the provision of predator-proof livestock pens, training on stall feeding versus free range grazing and electrical fence maintenance are improving safety. These interventions help to deter tigers from grabbing an easy meal from the villagers’ livestock. While the provision of biogas The success has been largely attributed to better protections, plants and workshops to improve horticultural practices and offer including an increased number of anti-poaching rangers, Nepal’s alternative livelihoods is supporting communities to reduce their political commitment and the adoption of innovative approaches dependence on resources from the forest, where tigers are more to tiger conservation, including our Living with Tigers project. prevalent. They’ve had a great effect particularly over the last four years, since the last tiger survey, when it’s estimated that the Camera trap data, which helps scientists count tigers and population has jumped nearly 20 percent, up from 198. These also monitor their health, is also being used to create maps of are small, but significant gains for a species which the IUCN potential conflict hotspots. Red List classifies as endangered. Funding from the Darwin Initiative is enabling this fantastic work The human population living in and around the national parks to continue through our Living with Tigers project to ensure that relies heavily on forest resources for food, fuel and an income, local communities and the growing tiger population co-exist where a growing number of tigers roam. Our Living with Tigers safely. That’s good news for the people and for the big cats. project deploys a variety of diverse methods to protect people

RHINO PRODUCTS: CONSERVATION ENABLERS (& PARTY ANIMALS!)

(F)UND(R)AISING & RETAIL UPDATE Looking for a sustainable way to wrap up warm as the nights draw closer? Head to our main shop and pick up a cosy fleece from our conservation partners Craghoppers. Not only are they supporting our research work in Madagascar, they’ve also created a fleece made from recycled plastic bottles! We’re stocking a variety of colours and sizes for men, women and children so you can do your bit to end plastic pollution and prevent extinction.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING LIST Get festive with our new range of beautiful Christmas gifts we’ve got to add to your shopping list! There’s a great selection of Christmas goodies available in our main shop – suitable for all ages. Not only can you buy your loved ones a unique gift, but you can do so knowing that all purchases made in our shops help fund our vital conservation work! PLUS if you spend over £20 in our Gift Shop you’ll receive a Christmas stocking or Christmas sack for free! Head to our website to see what’s on offer chesterzoo.org/christmas-gifts

We were thrilled when Deeside-based company Rhino Products Ltd, who are Europe’s leading manufacturers of commercial vehicle accessories including roof racks, roof bars, rear access steps and ladder handling systems, joined forces with us earlier in the year to become Corporate Champions and Field Conservation Enablers for our black rhino herd.

Since partnering with the zoo, Rhino Products have been making themselves a real part of the Chester Zoo family running fantastic rhino-themed initiatives and giveaways, spreading the word about our Kenyan conservation project on #WorldRhinoDay, raising awareness with their customers, and hosting a fantastic summer extravaganza for employees and their families!

Crucially this means they are supporting a brand-new laboratory in Africa; funding the purchase of vital equipment which will allow our field team to analyse samples and contribute towards successful conservation breeding. The current project this research centre is studying involves monitoring the causes of population decline in African mega-herbivores, including rhinos, in order to improve population performance.

Using Manado Street Kitchen as the venue, Managing Director Steve Egerton gave an opening speech to contextualize the partnership. He said: “Rhinos have been the lynchpin of our brand from the very beginning of our journey as the rhinos’ unique, strong and distinctive characteristics are something we try to replicate throughout all our products and endeavours. We are delighted to be able to play our part in ensuring the protection and conservation of these magnificent animals!”

Chester Zoo is a global champion for rhino conservation and is currently home to a herd of eastern black rhinos. This species is now so under threat from poachers that they are classified as critically endangered with as few as just 650 left in the wild. The timing of the company’s sponsorship coincided with the exciting arrival of a new greater one-horned rhino calf at the zoo. Akeno, the male calf arrived to mum Asha (11) following a 16-month gestation and a 20-minute labour, with zoo conservationists hailing the birth as a big boost to the endangered species breeding programme. Greater one-horned rhinos are listed as vulnerable to extinction by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature (IUCN). This year the zoo also welcomed a new black rhino calf called Jumaane to 12 year old mum Malindi who stunned onlookers by going into labour at 12.30pm on a busy day at the zoo and giving birth half an hour later.

With food and drink flowing, guests had special tours of the zoo, led by our expert Rangers – finding out more about the species so close to the company’s heart, along with visiting some muchloved favourites from around the zoo. Rhino Products Design Engineer Manager Kevin Broadbent said of their exclusive evening: “It’s always brilliant when you learn that your employer is supporting a charity, but it’s even better if they get you involved with them!” Corporate hospitality is a great opportunity offered to our sponsors and corporate champions. If you’d like to find out more about corporate packages, email fundraising@chesterzoo.org.

A BIG THANK YOU GOES TO ALL OUR WONDERFUL CORPORATE PARTNERS IN 2018! These companies have been instrumental in supporting our mission to prevent extinction in 2018. 3d Squared Airbus Bank of America Barclays Bank Craghoppers Darwin Escapes M&S Bank MBNA & Lloyds Banking Group

Rhino Products Stagecoach Sykes Cottages The Alchemist Toyota UK Wiley

If you’d like to find out more about how your company can help prevent extinction, email our Corporate Giving Specialist Rose on r.gelder@chesterzoo.org

Rh no PR

D U C T S

VOLUNTEERING AT We're the UK's number one zoo, a conservation and education charity and a great place to LEARN NEW SKILLS and MEET NEW PEOPLE as a volunteer. Don't take our word for it, here's what our current volunteers say... "Fantastic zoo - incredible team - 1st class training. Highly recommended experience"

WE WILL NEVER FORGET The devastating effects of elephant herpes became stark reality at the zoo in October when two young elephants from our Hi Way family herd were struck down by the deadly virus.

vital research, advance our knowledge of this disease and try to ensure the species’ survival.

“Only 18 months ago, a cure for EEHV looked unlikely. However, thanks to research funded by the overwhelming generosity It was an extremely difficult time for our keepers, veterinary team of public donations, we now have renewed hope. We are at and scientists who fought so hard to save Nandita, who was the forefront of ongoing international collaborative research three, and 18-month-old Aayu. The deaths of the two calves on into EEHV, aimed at finding ways of improving outcomes for the same day was a huge blow for our herd and deeply affected elephants who develop the virus.” all our staff, as well as the many visitors, members and social media followers who have watched the progress of the Hi Way Although it’s still not possible to grow the virus in a lab, our herd over the years. We hugely appreciated your messages of researchers have discovered new avenues of medical science support. based on proteins produced by both the virus and the elephant’s immune system. The journey is a long one, but we are moving All elephants carry dormant strains of elephant endotheliotropic towards developing, testing and validating an effective vaccine. herpesvirus (EEHV). It affects young Asian elephants, Until a vaccine is found, we need to establish the best ways of especially those still weaning, and strikes with little warning. providing long term treatment for Asian elephants everywhere. Once symptoms develop, the virus acts extremely quickly and, tragically, it is almost always fatal. EEHV doesn’t discriminate. Our work is backed by more than £220,000 of public donations As well as the cases we know about in zoos, it’s been found in through our Never Forget campaign, a major partnership with at least eight countries across the range of wild elephants. the University of Surrey and the global conservation community. Mike Jordan, Chester Zoo's Collections Director, said: “Asian elephants are an endangered species, and breeding programmes like ours provide the only viable way to carry out

If you would like to help us in the fight for the future of Asian elephants, please text WWNF18 followed by the amount you would like to donate to 70070, for example text WWNF18 £5 to 70070 to make a £5 donation. Thank you.

"Seeing the smile as you help improve someone's day at the zoo, now that is priceless!"

Join Chester Zoo's growing team of committed volunteers We’ll give you all the training you need to take on your volunteering role. You just need to be PASSIONATE ABOUT WILDLIFE, CONFIDENT talking to new people and KEEN to learn. To find out more and to book a place at one of our open days, contact us at volunteers@chesterzoo.org or call us on 01244 389 405.

www.chesterzoo.org/volunteers VOLUNTEER OPEN DAYS: Monday 21 January or Saturday 26 January 2019 These volunteering roles are public facing and do not involve working directly with animals. Our roles are very flexible, but most volunteers work with us for a half day or more each week.

Talking Conservation

Spring 2019 Programme

MEMBERS’ TALKS All of our Members’ Talks are held in the Lecture Theatre, near the zoo’s main entrance off the A41, and they start at 7.30pm. • Our talks are often fully booked so booking is essential • They’re free to members (please bring your membership card and welcome letter)

• We offer a special rate of £2 to adopters • Members of the public and guests are welcome (£3.50 for non-members) • Post-talk refreshments give you the opportunity to have an informal chat with speakers, zoo staff and fellow members.

Our new lemur habitat is coming soon in 2019 and to celebrate, we’re going to bring you bang up to date with what we’re doing in Madagascar, the Mascarenes and the zoo in respect of these islands’ incredible species.

Tuesday 12 February

MADAGASCAR AND THE MASCARENES! The Mascarene Islands (Mauritius, Reunion and Rodrigues) and Madagascar are well known for their unique species, including those which have gone extinct. Ecological issues make conserving their biodiversity an extremely intricate and important task. In this talk, our Field Programmes Coordinator for Madagascar and Mascarenes, Claire Raisin will bring you up to date with Chester Zoo’s work across the Mascarenes and of course, the lemurs of Madagascar.

Wednesday 6 March

HABITAT DESIGN: A LEMUR WALKTHROUGH

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DATES FOR YOUR DIARY MEMBERS' DAYS

ADOPTER DAYS

Saturday 16 March 2019 Friday 5 July 2019

Saturday 9 March 2019 Sunday 6 Oct 2019

A lemur walkthrough sounds a good idea! But where do we start? Join our Project Liaison Officers from our Capital Development team, Chloe and Ian, in a talk about building a new habitat. They will take you through the early planning stages to the day the animals move in to their new home. Learn more about the work that goes in to it behind the scenes!

Wednesday 17 April

CHESTER ZOO AND MADAGASIKARA VOAKAJY EXPEDITION 2018 After the success of the first Chester Zoo expedition to Madagascar in 2016, a team of 15 staff from a variety of departments across the zoo returned in December 2018 to run a second expedition, supporting the work of Madagasikara Voakajy, our conservation partners. During the expedition, they joined with Madagasikara Voakajy’s lemur survey project, in the protected Managbe forest and also trialled new survey methodologies for reptiles, amphibians and birds to help identify which species were present in this highly biodiverse forest. Find out more in this talk!

Interested in attending? Please call Kate Brankin in the Discovery and Learning team on 01244 389831 or email k.brankin@chesterzoo.org

Making voting easier We hope that you love the benefits that membership brings. As a member you have the right to vote on a number of issues that might affect the way that the zoo is run. You can also vote for who you would like to appoint to our board of trustees. We want to ensure that this process is as easy for you as possible and to ensure that we are moving our communications online wherever possible. For this reason when the Annual Report and AGM notices go

out this year we’ll do this by email and give you the opportunity to vote online. The online voting will be overseen by an independent organisation to ensure that the process is fair and transparent. If you have not already let us know your email address now would be a good time to contact the membership team and sign up for emails. If you don’t have access to email then please don’t worry. We can make special arrangements for anyone who can’t receive the AGM notices and voting forms online.

Chester Zoo Upton-by-Chester Chester CH2 1LH Tel: 01244 380280 Email: info@chesterzoo.org www.chesterzoo.org

Our Chester Zoo Z magazine has been produced using vegetable based printing inks and is printed on sustainable FSC resourced uncoated paper. The outer packaging and magazine are also fully recyclable