Chester Zoo opens new science centre to help save species

A new science centre which will play a major role in the conservation of the world's most threatened species has opened at Chester Zoo.

The zoo now houses the International Centre for Zoo Science, which will enable conservationists to conduct further research into wildlife and animal behaviour.

The facility, Europe's largest wildlife research lab, will encourage the breeding of endangered species by analysing hormones, the attraction said.

Dr Sue Walker, head of science at the zoo, said the centre would also accommodate training courses for visiting researchers from all over the globe.

The new facility means the zoo can grow its research in wildlife reproduction, animal behaviour and welfare, the human dimension of conservation, and emerging technology.

The centre, supported ]by funding from Cheshire-based energy company Urenco, will focus on international collaborations, partnerships and training conservationists.

Lesser studied species will also be looked at, including the Grandider's vontsira mongoose and the bokiboky, two highly threatened small mammal species from Madagascar.

Dr Simon Dowell, conservation science and policy director at the zoo, said: "Conservation zoos like ours are well aligned to making significant contributions to global international targets to halt and reverse species loss."