ZOO DAY

I had a wonderful day with Leanne and the girls on Saturday. I haven't been to the zoo for many years and it has really changed. It's become more than a place just to see exotic animals; many of the 200 species there are classified as endangered or vulnerable.

41 species are part of EEP or ESB breeding programmes (European Endangered species breeding programmes).It actively supports a number of different conservation groups around the world working to protect endangered species in the wild through the Action for the Wild Programme. This is dedicated to assisting conservation projects worldwide. The charity supports and encourages conservation projects that address conservation priorities at both local and global levels. This is achieved through education, research and the provision of financial and technical assistance. To find out more please click here

The UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve is also being created in KwaZulu Natal South Africa by Action for the Wild from a series of cattle farms. The 20,000 acre park will provide a haven for a huge range of species of mammals, birds and reptiles. To find out more please click here

Research is one of the primary objectives of Colchester Zoo and the World Zoo Conservation Strategy highlights research as a major role for modern zoos. This research includes both animal-based studies and visitor studies. Animal-based studies can focus on behaviour, welfare, nutrition, husbandry, environmental enrichment, ecology, reproduction and conservation. All animal-based research undertaken in the Zoo is non-invasive and mostly conducted through observation of the animals in their captive environment.

Colchester Zoo has its own green policy which staff follow to reduce the environmental footprint caused by the running of zoo operations which works to lead by positive example, promoting and guiding visitors and staff towards a greener lifestyle. It has a number of special events throughout the year to promote not only sustainable living but also to raise awareness of the conservation of our planet, including conservation of animal and plant species and their habitats. This includes support of World Environment Day in June and World Animal Day in October. As well as in the office, keepers sections and catering outlets recycling is obvious as you walk around the zoo. Some of the things I noticed (and were advertised)were

No bin liners are put in smaller bins, instead the rubbish is emptied into large sacks
Zoo maps are recycled either for shredding for animal bedding or to be reused by visitors
Gummy bins are located around the zoo site for chewing gum recycling
Water butts are dotted around the zoo to collect rainwater for use in the zoo
There are compost systems for recycling waste to use on the gardens

I took so many photos; and had intended to do a lovely slideshow filled with captions and information; however, as my pc is somewhat tempremental if I overwork it! (plus as the sun shone today I've been busy in the garden) it'll have to be a slideshow of photos as they came out of the camera.......some are distorted as they were taken through glass and sometimes the animals REFUSED to pose! I have managed to include some penguins for Talj and a little bit of Africa for Auds........

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If you want a closer look at any of the photos just visit my (work in progress) web album by clicking on it below

colchester zoo