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Tag: Charity

Dartmoor Zoo is playing host to the beautiful; ‘St Luke’s Guiding Lights – Roaming Exhibition’ from 17th August until 30th August.

We’re also thrilled to have sponsored our very own lighthouse named ‘Love is the Highlight’ by the artist Jina Gelder. The beautiful lighthouse displays a collection of adorable meerkats and can be found as part of the travelling collective.

Be sure to check out the fabulous display of not one, not two, but TEN lighthouses (including our own!) in our Jaguar Suite, to the left of our Jaguar Restaurant.

 

 

Ever dreamt of naming a zoo animal?

Now’s your chance.

Chana our Brazilian Tapir is eating for two – we’re not sure on when we can expect the arrival of this little bundle of joy, but keep posted across our social media channels for a birth update!

In the meantime, Dartmoor Zoo is offering an incredibly rare opportunity to celebrate one of our soon to be, newest arrivals: a beautiful Brazilian Tapir calf. Through this special Crowdfunder, supporters can enter for the chance to win one of just five exclusive Brazilian Tapir experiences.

But that’s not all.

One overall winner will receive the ultimate prize, enjoying the exclusive experience and becoming the person who gets to officially name the Brazilian Tapir calf.

The experience will take place in the South America Habitat with one of our amazing Keeper team. You’ll be able to meet and feed our Brazilian Tapir family and ask any and all questions to find out about this incredible species. We anticipate the experience will last between 20 – 30 minutes and can accommodate 4 guests per experience. T&Cs apply.

By supporting this Crowdfunder, you’ll be helping us continue our vital conservation, animal welfare, research and education work while entering for the chance to name and meet our adorable calf in person.

Every contribution made through this Crowdfunder directly supports the care of our animals, the maintenance of their habitats, and the conservation projects that help protect vulnerable species for future generations.

This isn’t just a chance to win an unforgettable experience. It’s a chance to make a real difference.

Help us give this young Brazilian Tapir the very best start in life and leave your own lasting mark on Dartmoor Zoo’s history.

One FREE postal entry per person.

Thank you for supporting Dartmoor Zoo and good luck!

BUY NOW

On June 30th 2026, Dartmoor Zoo hosted its annual research conference; ‘Research Rundown’, a showcase of the fascinating research conducted by our researchers and keepers over the past year. We were also joined by guest speakers from Paignton Zoo, and Newquay Zoo.

This year’s event featured ten talks and research posters, covering a wide range of topics, from animal behaviour and welfare, to feeding schedules and diet preparation. It was a brilliant day of knowledge-sharing and collaboration between zoos.

 

Here’s a quick rundown of the talks presented:  

  • Louise Cox – Research and Welfare Officer, Dartmoor Zoo: Introduction and an overview of research at Dartmoor Zoo. 

  • Lucy Butler – Dartmoor Zoo: What’s the Pecking Order? The Influence of Social Hierarchy on Cognitive Feeder Engagement in Captive Greater Rheas.

  • Emily Evison – Paignton Zoo: Behavioural and cognitive assessment of welfare in a zoo housed red-necked ostrich.

  • Emily Caldwell-Ley – Paignton Zoo: Developing and validating a judgement bias methodology, to assess welfare in Aldabra giant tortoises.

  • Charlotte Hubbard – Newquay Zoo: The impact of long versus short term amitriptyline usage on cognitive bias testing in white faced capuchins.

  • Cory Wilson – Newquay Zoo: Should zoo food be chopped or whole? Exploring the impact of diet preparation on behaviour and food distribution on Visayan warty pigs.

  • Hannah Sumner – Dartmoor Zoo: Investigating the impact of feeding schedule on tiger behaviour.

  • Ella Hooper – Dartmoor Zoo: Training two Iberian wolves for end of life care and management.

  • Alisha-Rose Sayer – Dartmoor Zoo: Observing a wildcat… the story so far.

  • Katie Butler – Paignton Zoo: Investigating the effects of contraception on behaviour and social dynamics in a troop of captive hamadryas baboons.

  • Alice Hoggarth – Paignton Zoo: Hormone Harmony: Investigating the impact of female-based hormonal contraception on the social behaviour and welfare of captive Sulawesi crested macaques.

 

 

Why is Research in Zoos Important? 

Research in zoos is crucial for improving animal welfare, evaluating and enhancing enrichment provision, supporting conservation, and helping animals thrive both in captivity and in the wild. It helps us make evidence-based decisions, track behaviour changes, and better understand the species we care for. 

Sharing these insights across institutions also means we’re constantly learning from each other, which ultimately benefits animals on a broader scale. 

To shed more light on research at a zoo and the role of placement students, our Research and Welfare Officer, Louise Cox, shares her insights:

‘Conducting research is one of the main aims of a modern zoo, and it helps us learn more about our animals to provide them with the best possible welfare, as well as supporting conservation. We predominantly research animal behaviour, though we also look at what they’re eating, what’s in their poo & how our visitors are using the site!

Our placement students are so valuable in helping us collect data and know what our animals are doing, and it’s great to give them the opportunity to not only share their results with the wider zoo team, but also help build their confidence with public speaking and networking with colleagues in other zoos.’

 

DZS Placement Students 

This year’s Research Rundown offered a fantastic opportunity to showcase the brilliant work of our two research placement students, Hannah and Alisha-Rose. While the event wasn’t a formal farewell, it was a great way for them to round off their placements by presenting their research to peers and professionals in the zoo community. 

 

Hannah 

‘My name is Hannah and I’m studying Zoology at the University of Plymouth. I decided to complete my placement year at Dartmoor Zoo as they provide wide range of opportunities available to learn at the zoo, not only in research but also in education and some keeper roles. I couldn’t resist applying, especially with the number of big cats they have, which I’m a huge fan of! In the future, I would like to go into animal behaviour and welfare research, which is an area the zoo focuses on heavily, so it aligned perfectly with my interests.

I have been studying Dragan the tiger for my main research project, looking at seeing how his feeding schedule impacts his behaviour. Alongside this, I was also observing the mother and cub leopards as part of another project. Getting to see the birth of the cub, Zeya, has definitely been a highlight, and she has grown so quickly!

During my placement at Dartmoor Zoo, I have learned a huge amount about research methods and data collection. Through monthly observations, I get to see how multiple species behave over long periods of time and develop a deeper understanding of their personalities.

I have also really enjoyed the public engagement side of the placement. Being able to share what I’ve learned and talk about how we help conserve wildlife and educate the public about the animals we have is incredibly rewarding. Another favourite experience was taking part in keeper days, seeing some animals up close especially species I had never seen before coming here was amazing, and I feel very lucky to have had that opportunity.

Overall, this placement has taught me so much about my interests and has opened my eyes to new areas of research and species I hadn’t previously considered. The team here have been incredibly supportive and always happy to answer questions.’

 


Alisha-Rose

‘My name is Alisha-Rose, and I am studying Wildlife Ecology and Conservation Science at the University of the West of England. I applied for a placement at Dartmoor Zoo because I was drawn to the zoo’s commitment to conservation and education. I also grew up just 15 minutes away and spent much of my childhood visiting the zoo. Experiencing its operations firsthand has been both fascinating and rewarding.

This placement has proved to be an incredible opportunity that is enhancing my skills and knowledge in the field. I have worked on a project involving our European wildcat, Moraig, in which I was investigating behavioural activity budgets using camera traps. Additionally, I’ve conducted behavioural observations using the software Zoomonitor on some of the animals at the zoo, including our East African grey crowned cranes and meerkats. I have also had the opportunity to help with other tasks across different departments, including the education team and restaurant, which has allowed me to engage with many animals and visitors.

Throughout my placement, I’ve been introduced to monitoring technologies that help understand animal movements and habitat use. I’ve also learned about enrichment techniques that improve animal well-being, ensuring they thrive in their environments. These experiences are deepening my understanding of the practical applications of wildlife science and conservation, equipping me with the skills necessary to make a meaningful impact in the field.’

 

 

We want to say a big thank you to all our speakers, staff, and students who made this year’s Research Rundown such a success. Events like this are a great reminder of why we do what we do, and how vital it is to keep learning, questioning, and exploring. 

 

From extinction to reintroduction!
Dartmoor Zoo are thrilled to announce they are part of an exciting breed to release project, reintroducing the previously extinct, Black-Veined White Butterflies (Aporia crataegi) back to the UK.

Dartmoor Zoo was approached by Ambios Ltd. about becoming a partner with them on a Black-Veined White Butterfly breed to release project, including other project partners such as Knepp Rewilding, Royal Holloway University and Butterfly Conservation.

The females arrived on Tuesday 23rd June and our role at Dartmoor Zoo is to provide a safety net site for rearing the adults. Their species name translates to “of the hawthorn” and within 10 minutes of arrival, one of the females laid a batch of eggs on the hawthorn within their habitat, so it was a delight to see this conservation project, in action.

Impregnated females are collected in Normandy each summer and imported under a Natural England Licence to be placed into a rearing habitat. The females then lay eggs which hatch late summer, with larvae staying small (4.2mm in length) semi-dormant on hawthorn plants until the following spring. They then enter an intensive growth phase before pupating and emerging as adults. A proportion of these adults will then be released into a designated release site in East Devon, again under Natural England Licence. The process then begins again with the next batch of impregnated females to ensure strong gene diversification, helping this species to thrive back in the UK.

CEO David Gibson commented: “Whilst Dartmoor Zoo is probably better known for conservation breeding of Threatened big cats such as Carpathian Lynx and Amur Leopard, we also know it is just as important to look after the smaller animals. The Black-Veined White Butterfly is an ideal example of how we can all help to conserve UK wildlife.

When we were approached by Ambios Ltd to partner with them, Knepp Rewilding and Royal Holloway University in the captive breeding and release of Black Veined White Butterflies, we were delighted to help.

This enigmatic species should still be fluttering around the hedgerows of Devon and as recently as 100 years ago they were part of our native biodiversity. Now this exciting breeding and reintroduction project will result in the beautiful and enigmatic butterflies being released into East Devon as soon as next summer.”

Black-Veined White Butterflies went extinct in the UK approximately 100 years ago. They were once resident across much of the UK, but it is speculated that with a change in farming practices after the first world war such as an intensification of farming, increase in use of pesticides and removal of many native hedgerows, the species died out.

With short dispersal flights at roughly 3-5 miles for a full-fledged adult, they lack the ability to jump the channel and would be extremely unlikely, without support such as projects like this, to re-colonise in the UK.

Ambios Ltd. Director Simon Roper commented: “The Black-Veined White Butterfly reintroduction project is a perfect fit for our non-profit organisation. It provides a practical real-world example which we can tell as part of our nature recovery training programmes. Working with Dartmoor Zoo and a network of organisations across the UK, we all intend to see this iconic, once native, species thriving in the hedgerows of Devon over the years to come.

As an organisation we are completely committed to nature recovery. Our work on the Sharpham Estate focuses on improving the skills of people who want to find jobs working with nature and species reintroduction.  We’ve been training the next generation of wildlife professionals for the last 25-years.”

If you are able and willing, please donate towards more conservation projects like this, or you can purchase one of our ‘Name a Butterfly’ packs to directly support this project. You’ll receive a certificate (blank for your personalisation), some wildflower seeds and a butterfly print, reusable shopping bag. Please note, although you can visit the habitat on our site, there is no way to directly identify which butterfly you have named.

On 21st January 2025, Dartmoor Zoo welcomed Churchill, a male serval. He arrived under circumstances that would change his life forever and, in many ways, ours too.

When we first heard about the situation at The Cat Survival Trust, we knew we needed to help. Churchill was recused alongside 27 other cats from deeply concerning conditions, who have now gone to other collections to begin their new life. Thanks to the collective efforts of Dartmoor Zoo, Hertfordshire Zoo and The Big Cat Sanctuary, Churchill was given a second chance, and a forever home. 

Since that day, Churchill has settled into life at Dartmoor Zoo, growing in confidence, character, and curiosity. From the careful preparation of his new habitat, to being introduced to his companion Sabra, every step of his journey has been shaped by patience, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to his welfare. 

Now, a year on from his rescue, we’re reflecting on how far Churchill has come, from a serval at risk, to a much-loved individual thriving at Dartmoor Zoo. His story is one of resilience, collaboration, and the difference that timely intervention can make for wild animals in need. 

As we mark this milestone, our CEO Dr David Gibson, Keeper Hannah Ivory, and Head of Estates and Maintenance Stuart Franklin share their reflections on Churchill’s first year with us.

 

Dr. David Gibson, Dartmoor Zoo CEO.

 

“Rescuing an animal is never straight forward. Along with the logistics and challenges that come with the initial rescue there is always a worry of how badly the animal has been affected by its experiences. What will its long-term health be like, how resilient will it be psychologically? Thankfully in the case of Churchill the male Serval our worst fears didn’t materialise.  

A year on and he has settled into life here at Dartmoor Zoo perfectly. Thankfully he is fit and healthy with a great appetite and doesn’t seem to have any underlying health issues that we can see. He has accepted his companion, Sabra, extremely well and his interactions with our keepers are playful and full of trust. He is undoubtedly living a very worthwhile life, free of stress and anxiety and we look forward to him being in the zoo for a long time to come.“ 

 

 

Hannah Ivory, Dartmoor Zoo Keeper.

 

“Churchill came to us with some questionable serval manners but has settled really comfortably into life with our female, Sabra, who has taught him many a lesson on cat etiquette. He has always showed his keepers his very cheeky and playful nature and his love for food, with anything he can jump and throw around in the air being his favourite. 

The duo are now inseparable and although she isn’t afraid to tell him off for trying to steal her food, they love spending time together snuggled up in their beds or investigating new enrichment items together.” 

 

 

Stuart Franklin, Dartmoor Zoo Head of Estates and Maintenance

“Churchill was the first new addition to the zoo after I started. It was really exciting to be involved in the rescue of such a charismatic animal. Right from the very first day it was as though he had spent his whole life at the zoo. His smiling, friend-shaped persona has made him a firm favourite of mine. 

The house in his new home was built from scratch specially with servals in mind – warm, well insulated. Over the period of construction probably around 150 people were involved, including a large number of volunteer groups, without which we could never have finished in the timescale.”

 

Thank you for joining us in celebrating Churchill’s first year with us. If you’d like to help us continue the important work we do at Dartmoor Zoo, please consider making a donation.

Donate

 

 

This week (October 19th – 25th) we join wildlife lovers worldwide in celebrating Wolf Awareness Week 2025, a time to recognise one of natures most fascinating, intelligent and misunderstood animals.

Wolves have shared the landscape with humans for thousands of years, inspiring stories of admiration, reverence, and unfortunately for some, fear. Many cultures have depicted wolves as dangerous or cunning villains, the “Big Bad Wolf” lurking in fairy tales and folklore. Yet others have seen wolves as spiritual relatives, or “kin,” embodying strength, loyalty, and wisdom.

Examples of this cultural reverence include:

  • Native American groups, particularly on the Northwest Coast, where wolves are honoured as ancestral figures and crest animals.
  • Turkic peoples (West, Central, East, and North Asia as well as parts of Europe), whose myths often trace their own origins back to wolves.
  • Slavic and Balkan traditions, in which wolves appear in folklore and spiritual tales, sometimes carrying sacred significance.

This mix of fear and respect reflects the complex relationship humans have had with wolves throughout history. Wolves are not only woven into our cultural imagination but have also shaped our biological history.

Wolves are the ancestors of domestic dogs, and both belong to the Canidae family. Humans likely began forming mutually beneficial partnerships with wolves between 14,000 and 29,000 years ago. Some researchers believe wolf pups drawn to human camps were given scraps of food. The friendlier, less fearful pups survived and bred, passing on traits that eventually gave rise to the dogs we know and love today.

Yet despite this shared history, wolves remain wild at heart, independent, intelligent, and vital to the balance of nature. As apex predators, they feed on everything from small rodents to large ungulates, regulating prey populations and maintaining the health of ecosystems. When wolves disappear, prey species can grow unchecked, leading to overgrazing, soil erosion, and the collapse of plant and animal diversity.

In other words, the same animals that have inspired awe, fear, and stories across cultures are also ecosystem engineers, caretakers of the wild whose value goes far beyond the myths we tell.

 

Iberian Wolf

When most people think of wolves, the grey wolf comes to mind. But there are many subspecies, including the Iberian wolf (Canis lupus signatus), found only in the northwest of the Iberian Peninsula, which includes northwestern Spain and northern Portugal.

Like many wolf species worldwide, Iberian wolves face serious threats: habitat loss, human-wildlife conflict, and illegal hunting. Although hunting is banned, an estimated 45% of Iberian wolf deaths are still caused by humans, and populations are fragmented, with wild populations estimated to be between 2,000 and 3,000 individuals. Conservation efforts are vital to ensure these wolves do not disappear from the Iberian Peninsula.

At Dartmoor Zoo, we are proud to provide a safe and stimulating home for two Iberian wolf brothers, Raul and Gregorio, now in their golden years at around 13–14 years old. Ella Hopper, one of our dedicated keepers, shares insight into her work with them:

“Working with the brothers has been challenging but incredibly rewarding. They have gone from animals that lack trust and need to build their confidence, to waiting for me to arrive at training time which is incredibly heartwarming and truly represents the bond we have been able to build. Seeing their faces eagerly looking for me is exactly why we do the job we do. My training has solely been to create a positive relationship between our wolves and keepers by building this up over time and with our presence. 

Wolves take a lot of time, requiring great deals of trust and respect, but once gained, they are incredibly playful and unbelievably loyal. Throughout my career, I’ve had the pleasure of amassing 15 years of working with wolves and part of this honour is getting to show people what’s really behind the bad reputation. Wolves are still hunted and persecuted to this day and yet we have their ancestors in our homes and on our sofas, calling them ‘man’s best friend.”

 

5 facts about Iberian Wolves

  1. Their scientific name, Canis lupus signatus, comes from the Latin signatus, meaning “marked,” referring to the characteristic dark marks on its lips, legs, and tail. 
  2. The Iberian wolf was nearly driven to extinction in the 1970s by hunting and habitat destruction. 
  3. Iberian wolves live and hunt in small, hierarchical family packs led by an alpha pair.
  4. Iberian wolves are considered one of the national animals of Portugal.
  5. They can live for about 6 to 8 years in the wild, but up to 16 in captivity.

Iberian wolves are more than captivating animals, they play a vital role in their ecosystems. By preying on herbivores like deer and wild boar, they prevent overgrazing and allow forests, grasslands, and other habitats to recover. Their influence extends beyond numbers; the presence of these apex predators shapes the behaviour of prey species, creating cascading effects that support biodiversity and restore ecological balance. In turn, healthier ecosystems provide humans with clean air, fresh water, and fertile soil, highlighting the broader impact of these wolves.

 

 

How You Can Make a Difference

Protecting wolves means protecting entire ecosystems, from the forests they roam to the rivers and grasslands that flourish because of their presence. By safeguarding wolves today, we’re ensuring that future generations can witness and learn from these extraordinary animals.

By learning more about wolves like Raul and Gregorio, we hope to inspire a deeper appreciation for these remarkable animals and the vital role they play in our ecosystems. With your support, we can continue to protect their habitats and help wolf populations recover.

Here are 3 simple ways you can stand up for wolves:

  1. Learn – You’re already off to a great start by reading this blog! Keep exploring and discovering more about wolves.
  2. Fundraise – Host a bake sale, organise a fun run, or get creative! Every effort makes a real difference, find out more today.
  3. Spread the Word – Talk to friends, family, and your community about why wolves matter.

Thank you for joining us in celebrating these incredible creatures and taking steps to secure their future. Together, we can ensure wolves remain a thriving part of our world for generations to come.

 

Sources:

https://www.nathab.com/blog/3-ways-to-celebrate-international-wolf-day#:~:text=On%20August%2013%2C%20the%20world,bring%20attention%20to%20their%20plight | https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/tossing-wolves-our-leftovers-could-have-led-their-domestication-new-study-finds-180976713/#:~:text=Humans%20domesticated%20wild%20wolves%20at,a%20hot%20topic%20among%20archaeologists. | Dartmoor Zoo Animal Pack | https://wolf.org/wolf-info/basic-wolf-info/wolves-and-humans/ | https://animals.fandom.com/wiki/Iberian_Wolf#Population_number | https://www.giraffa.co/iberian-wolf/#:~:text=It%20gets%20its%20Latin%20name,a%2020th%20century%20zoologist.

At the start of July, Dartmoor Zoo hosted its annual research conference; ‘Research Rundown’, a showcase of the fascinating research conducted by our researchers and keepers over the past year. We were also joined by guest speakers from Paignton Zoo, Newquay Zoo, and Plymouth University. 

This year’s event featured nine talks and two research posters, covering a wide range of topics, from animal behaviour and welfare, to the visitor experience and animal hormone analysis. It was a brilliant day of knowledge-sharing and collaboration between zoos and universities. 

 

Here’s a quick rundown of the talks presented: 

 

  • Louise Cox – Research and Welfare Officer, Dartmoor Zoo: Introduction and an overview of research at Dartmoor Zoo. 
  • Jo Clark – Head of Research and Education, Dartmoor Zoo: Utilizing citizen science to help understand the visitor experience. 
  • Liani Curtis – Placement Student, Paignton Zoo: Investigating the behavioural effects of contraception on a troop of Hamadryas baboons: Implications for animal welfare and management. 
  • Abbie Starsmeare – Keeper, Dartmoor Zoo: You’ve changed! Does castration make male sitatunga less ballsy? 
  • Dr Niko von Engelhardt – Associate Professor, Plymouth University: Investigating the faecal cortisol levels of multiple species in response to evening events. 
  • Lucy Butler – Placement Student, Dartmoor Zoo: Investigating the impact of changing feeding schedules on binturong behaviour. 
  • Nilo Mason – Placement Student, Dartmoor Zoo: Eyes on the tiger: which external factors influence the activity budget of an Amur tiger? 
  • Jenna Crawford – Keeper, Dartmoor Zoo: Managing marmoset wasting syndrome – a case study. 
  • Dr Kathy Baker – Research Coordinator, Newquay Zoo: 13 years of research with captive Owston’s civets. What we know, what we don’t, and where do we go from here? 

And two fantastic posters one from Maddy Tattersall, Placement Student at Newquay Zoo: Enriched experiences in Asian short-clawed otters, and one by Leila Dixon Reid, University of Plymouth student: Factors that influence visitor interaction with signage and dwell time at zoo exhibits. 

 

 

Why is Research in Zoos Important? 

Research in zoos is crucial for improving animal welfare, evaluating and enhancing enrichment provision, supporting conservation, and helping animals thrive both in captivity and in the wild. It helps us make evidence-based decisions, track behaviour changes, and better understand the species we care for. 

Sharing these insights across institutions also means we’re constantly learning from each other, which ultimately benefits animals on a broader scale. 

To shed more light on research at a zoo and the role of placement students, our Research and Welfare Officer, Louise Cox, shares her insights:

‘Conducting research is one of the main aims of a modern zoo, and it helps us learn more about our animals to provide them with the best possible welfare, as well as supporting conservation. We predominantly research animal behaviour, though we also look at what they’re eating, what’s in their poo & how our visitors are using the site!

Our placement students are so valuable in helping us collect data and know what our animals are doing, and it’s great to give them the opportunity to not only share their results with the wider zoo team, but also help build their confidence with public speaking and networking with colleagues in other zoos.’

 

DZS Placement Students 

This year’s Research Rundown offered a fantastic opportunity to showcase the brilliant work of our two placement students, Lucy Butler and Nilo Mason. While the event wasn’t a formal farewell, it was a great way for them to round off their placements by presenting their research to peers and professionals in the zoo community. 

Lucy and Nilo joined us in September 2024 as part of their university placement years and quickly became valued members of the Dartmoor Zoo team. Over the past ten months, they’ve not only developed and carried out their own research projects but have also contributed to a wide range of zoo activities. 

 

Lucy 

‘My name is Lucy and I’m studying Psychology at the University of Southampton. I chose to spend my placement year at Dartmoor Zoo because I want to go into animal behaviour and welfare research in the future. I have absolutely loved my placement at Dartmoor Zoo!

Highlights include observing a wide variety of animals, making firehose enrichment, working on my research project, and getting involved with zoo events. I have loved learning about so many different areas of research as well as getting stuck into zoo life. My main project involved observing Malu, the Palawan binturong’s nocturnal feeding behaviour. My placement has taught me so much and has really helped me see that I want to continue working in this field.’ 

 


Nilo

‘My name is Nilo, I am studying BSc Zoology at the University of Reading. I applied for a research placement at Dartmoor Zoo because zoo research is something I am passionate about. 

I have loved this role and took many projects under my wing to build skills across the board. Some of the projects I had worked on during my placement include monitoring the tiger and jaguar on CCTV cameras and conducting age and welfare reviews on ZooMonitor (an app for collecting behavioural data) for various animals.

As well as research, I have also gained experience in other areas, such as taking on a keeper role for a few days, helping marketing create educational content, and assisting the public engagement team during workshops and talks. This placement has given me a variety of experiences and has allowed me to build on my confidence immensely, especially when talking to the public. I am super grateful to be here!’ 

 

 

They also took their research a step further by presenting their research posters at the BIAZA Research Conference, gaining valuable experience and insight into the wider world of zoo-based science. 

As their placements have come to an end this July, we want to say a huge thank you to Lucy and Nilo for everything they’ve contributed to Dartmoor Zoo. You’ve made a real impact here, and we’re excited to see where your journey takes you next!

 

 

We want to say a big thank you to all our speakers, staff, and students who made this year’s Research Rundown such a success. Events like this are a great reminder of why we do what we do, and how vital it is to keep learning, questioning, and exploring. 

 

Like many other places, Dartmoor Zoo are feeling the impact of the cost-of-living crisis with electricity bills reaching new highs of £72,000 and animal feed surpassing £60,000 for the year. This has led to the creation of Dartmoor Zoo’s ‘Give us an Hour’ fundraising campaign, where the ask is for an hour of your time, whether that is wages, volunteering or fundraising.

This campaign struck a chord with violinist, Niobe, who is taking centre stage on Saturday 2nd March, 2:30pm at Dartmoor Zoo and performing in front of Dragan, a spectacular Amur tiger. Niobe, who is just 10 years old, has a special place in her heart for animals and wants to use her musical talents to raise much needed funds for Dartmoor Zoo.

Niobe commented: “I absolutely love Big Cats! They’re so amazing and majestic with all different personalities. My favourite are cheetahs because they’re beautiful, fast, and graceful. I really hope I can help all of the big cats at Dartmoor Zoo by earning money for them with my music.”

Aimee, Niobe’s mum commented: “Niobe’s two favourite things are Big Cats and playing her violin. Although she’s only ten, I’m so proud of her commitment and effort to achieve this well-intentioned goal and I sincerely hope she gets the support needed to make a positive difference to the zoo.”

This practice session leads up to her full performance in Ashburton where Niobe will take to the streets and busk for an hour. Cash can be given on the day, but an online fundraising account also exists, where people can donate in support of Niobe’s talents and Dartmoor Zoo.

Fundraising Lead Vanessa Apicella commented: “I’m thrilled that Niobe has chosen Dartmoor Zoo’s ‘Give us an Hour’ appeal as the platform to showcase her talents! The support we’ve received has been extraordinary, and we eagerly anticipate her complete performance in Ashburton. I’ll definitely be there to cheer her on, and I hope you will join me in supporting her.”

To show Niobe support, you can see her performance in Ashburton, outside of the Arts Centre (West Street) on Saturday 30th March at 11am, so make sure to bring some change and cheer on this amazing young fundraiser in the making!

To support Niobe online, you can donate via her fundraising page!

Travelling from Karlsruhe Zoo in Germany, Emily, Flaviu’s new love interest, arrived at Dartmoor Zoo on Tuesday 27th February. At 7 years old, Emily has been selected as a compatible match for Flaviu within the European Breeding Programme.

Director of Karlsruhe Zoo Prof Dr Matthias Reinschmidt commented: “We are very pleased that a very nice place has been found for this lynx bred by us as part of the studbook.”

Initial observations and health checks have been conducted and Emily seems calm, in good spirits and is settling into her new home well. These observations will continue to monitor her overall wellbeing after the move, whilst also conducting introductions between the new pair.

Emily and Flaviu are Carpathian Lynx, a subspecies of Eurasian Lynx, the largest of all 4 species. The majority of this species can be found in Romania, Slovakia, Poland and Ukraine, whilst the population in Hungary, Serbia and Bulgaria is scattered.

The total number of lynxes in Europe (including Russia and Belarus) is estimated between 17 – 18000, with the Carpathian Lynx species responsible for approximately 2100 – 2400 of this population.

Lynx were once native to the UK, being hunted to extinction some 1,300 years ago. Their last stronghold is thought to have been the Scottish Highlands, although some more recent cultural references can be found from Welsh poetry as late as the 9th Century.

Lynx have been successfully reintroduced into the wild in Switzerland, Germany and Slovenia and there have been formal proposals to reintroduce Lynx into parts of the UK. Many feel that they are the most suitable large predator for reintroduction in the UK. Proponents argue that they would help to naturally control deer populations and, therefore, their reintroduction would help restore habitats, particularly forests which are currently being over-grazed by deer.

CEO David Gibson commented: “We are very excited about the arrival of Emily our new female Carpathian Lynx. Emily was born in Karlsruhe Zoo in Germany as part of the European Breeding programme for this species. She is a very beautiful cat with lovely markings, and it is wonderful to see how calm she is exploring her new home. We are hoping that she forms a breeding pair with our male Lynx, Flaviu. It’s a huge privilege for us at Dartmoor Zoo to be part of the European Lynx breeding programme. We’re extremely excited at the thought of possibly welcoming new kittens, and with your support, this can be just the beginning of many more programs we can embark on.”

Here’s How You Can Help: 

Support Wildlife Conservation: Your donations directly contribute to our conservation efforts and support breeding programmes, ensuring a future for species like Flaviu and Emily.

Raise Awareness: Help us spread the word by sharing this news. The more people who understand the importance of wildlife conservation as well as how international breeding programs can help, the bigger the impact we can make.

Learn and Visit: Come meet Flaviu and our new arrival Emily! Witness their beauty and learn about the importance of conservation efforts in ensuring the survival of their species and that of others across the world.

Dartmoor Zoo has welcomed a new binturong to the DZS family. Not yet named, he’s happy, healthy, and settling into his new home nicely. The binturong was transported to Dartmoor Zoo on Wednesday 5th July from ‘Get to know animals’ at Epping, Essex, London.

Dartmoor Zoo’s Curator Scott commented:

“Binturongs also known as the Bearcat, Malay Civet Cat and are members of Viverridae, they are most closely related to Civets, Genets, and Fossa.

Predominantly found in India, Nepal, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia, Philipines, Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Vietnam and some areas of China, the IUCN classifies them as Vulnerable due to the illegal pet trade, deforestation, poaching for furs and being captured to make civet coffee.  Unfortunately, binturongs are also captured and eaten in Laos as it is considered a delicacy.

Our binturong is a Palawan binturong from the island of Palawan in the Philippines and is a very unique subspecies that has been isolated for a while. They are smaller and more nocturnal than other subspecies and much rarer in captivity. There is a huge illegal wildlife trade problem in Palawan where many animals including binturongs are taken from the wild and then sold. Unfortunately, the punishments for this are negligent and do not deter the offenders from repeating the offense.

Our binturong was imported from Asia legally by an unknown source but most likely was taken from the wild due to the issues on Palawan, before leaving the private individual and finding a home at ‘Get to know animals’ where they gave him amazing treatment and helped settle him in and bring him out of his shell.”

Our binturong is a magnificent animal, a symbol of the diversity and beauty of our natural world. But this incredible animal has suffered greatly at the hands of those who did not understand the importance of protecting and respecting all living beings. For far too long, he endured neglect and abuse, living a life of fear and pain.

Here at Dartmoor Zoo, we are incredibly honoured to be able to give him this new lease of life and feel he deserves a new name to reflect this and that’s where you come in!

The keepers have shortlisted five names and with a minimum £1 donation you can pick your favourite. The name with the most votes will be announced on Facebook, with the bonus of one lucky donor who will win a family pass to Dartmoor Zoo, where they can see the binturong in person! The five names are:

  1. Mee-Noi which means little bear in Thai
  2. Malu which means shy in Indonesian
  3. Bao which means treasure in Vietnamese
  4. Mahina which means vulnerable in Filipino
  5. Irawan which is a river in Palawan

To pick your winner and give our binturong a new name for his new life, you can make your charitable donation here.