Chester Zoo’s science team will be sharing their knowledge with visitors this summer in a series of special talks which form part of the major new ‘Wild Worlds’ festival.
The zoo has unveiled the new programme of talks as part of its summer festival which celebrates gardens, science and nature.
Sarah Bazley, discovery and learning manager at Chester Zoo, said: “We’re calling all aspiring scientists, animal enthusiasts and those with a thirst for knowledge.”
She explained: “You may know the zoo as a haven for super cute animals, but there is a wealth of fascinating science that underpins what you see as a visitor.
“This summer, we want to give everyone the chance to meet our experts, hear about what they do and – like all good scientists – ask questions!”
All events are free as part of normal zoo admission and take place 1-3pm at the zoo’s new Botanist’s Lab installation (part of the Wild Worlds festival).
For more information, and to book tickets, please visit www.chesterzoo.org/wildworlds
Full event listings:
| Date | Scientist | Topic |
| 2nd July
9th July |
Field Conservation Manager | Palm oil Q&A
The growing oil palm industry and its unsustainable production is one of the biggest threats facing the forests and wildlife of Borneo and Sumatra – and demand is increasing. Visitors can join Chester Zoo experts for a Q&A session on palm oil and learn how to make a difference! |
| 4th July
17th July 23rd August 28th August |
Social Scientist | Social Science at Chester Zoo
Join Chester Zoo’s team of social scientists to discover their six conservation and science specialisms that are preventing extinction right now. Visitors will be invited to explore the role of zoos and learn more. |
| 18th July
29th August |
Technical Assistant | Playing matchmakers: the science of animal breeding
Managing physically and genetically healthy animal populations requires a huge amount of collaboration. Chester Zoo experts work work throughout Europe and worldwide running breeding programmes that keep zoo animal populations healthy for the long term. Visitors are invited to discover how conservationists ensure that all the right animal matches are made. |
| 20th July | Laboratory Assistant, Applied Science | Securing a future for young elephants: vital research into Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV)
Elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) is a deadly virus which affects young elephants typically around weaning age. This talk will reveal more about the vital weekly blood tests being carried out in the Chester Zoo lab, as part of a global fight to find a cure. |
| 23rd July
20th August |
UK Biodiversity Officer | Rare British Trees
From black poplars to Llangollen whitebeams, Chester Zoo’s biodiversity officer reveals how the zoo has been working towards conserving some of the rarest trees in the UK! |
| 26th July
27th July 18th September 24th September |
Field Programme Coordinator | Camera traps and biodiversity surveys
Ready to become a field conservationist? Chester Zoo’s field programmes conservationists reveal how to set up biodiversity surveys and invite visitors to have a go at identifying the species recorded on camera traps in South East Asia and Africa. |
| 1st August | Conservation Scientist | Bringing the lab to the field: testing for disease in wild birds
Beak and feather disease is a virus affecting many parrots and cockatoos populations. Chester Zoo’s experts will give an insight into genetics and how technology and blood testing for the virus in the field gives almost instant results. |
| 2nd August
3rd August 21st August 22nd August |
Behaviour and Welfare Scientists | Zoo, camera, action!
Chester Zoo experts reveal how they monitor the behaviour of zoo animals with footage from behind-the-scenes, recording behaviour, utilising animal data and science to ensure the animals are happy and healthy. |
| 4th September | Reproductive Biologist | Managing the numbers: reproductive management in zoos
From how zoos decide which animals to put together to practical ways zoos promote natural breeding behaviours, visitors are invited to learn more about the science of breeding in zoos! |
| 20th September | Conservation Scientists | Conservation Career Q&A
Conservationists will give an insight into the variety of careers in available at the zoo for aspiring conservation scientists! |
