Aphra Brandreth was invited to visited Chester Zoo to meet with their CEO and hear about the conservation work and pioneering research that Chester Zoo are leading.
Chester Zoo is home to 37,000 animals! Alongside the dedicated team working at the zoo, they have just over 200 volunteers. They have also recently started a very successful new apprenticeship scheme.
The zoo has led pioneering research into trialing a herpes vaccine for Elephants, Asian elephants worldwide suffer from a deadly disease called EEHV. Currently, there is no cure and many young elephants sadly die of the disease. Chester Zoo are also working closely with the Wildlife Trust of India to make long-term coexistence between local people and elephants a reality in Assam.
Aphra heard about the plans for the development of the new section of the site, Heart of Africa, which is planned to be open next year. And current project to plant 19,000 trees to create a nature corridor.
Aphra said: "It was great to visit the zoo and speak with the team about the work they are doing for education and conservation both in the UK and abroad.£
