Our pledge to reverse the decline of 15 threatened species by 2030

Today, we are proud to announce that Twycross Zoo will reduce the decline of 15 threatened species by 2030...

We are thrilled to share some exciting news, furthering our commitment to global conservation efforts. Today marks a significant milestone as we mark the first-ever World Species Congress, an international initiative aimed at reversing the decline of species worldwide and reducing their status on the IUCN Red List.

As a leading conservation charity, Twycross Zoo is dedicated to protecting endangered species and their habitats. We are proud to announce our pledge to reverse the decline of 15 threatened species by 2030, in line with our ambitious conservation strategy. This commitment includes reversing the Red List status of four great apes: chimpanzees, Western lowland gorillas, bonobos, and Bornean orangutans.

Our approach involves a combination of ex-situ and in-situ projects, working in collaboration with other zoos and conservation partners like the Borneo Nature Foundation (BNF), whose partnership with the zoo works to develop and evaluate an education and awareness raising programme, designed to protect the species, habitats, and rich biodiversity of Borneo for the long-term.

Twycross Zoo is also dedicated to ensuring the future of six species within EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) Ex-situ Programmes (EEPs), including Critically Endangered species like the Ecuadorian Amazon parrot and Eastern black rhino, species which both have fewer than 1000 individuals remaining in the wild. Ex-situ conservation work is a vital part of zoo’s contribution to global wildlife conservation, through this work, we manage genetically healthy populations to support their wild counterparts.

But our commitment doesn't stop there. We're also focused on protecting five British native species, such as the hazel dormouse and Kentish Glory Moth. Through initiatives like reintroducing dormice into the local countryside, we're making strides in conservation right here in the UK.

Dr. Rebecca Biddle, our Director of Conservation, expressed her excitement about our participation in the World Species Congress, emphasizing the importance of collaboration in preserving species globally, saying: “We’re delighted to be part of the first ever World Species Congress, which allows us to play a critical role in preserving species globally, and allowing them to thrive. We’re excited with work with other organisations across the world to amplify our collective conservation efforts and facilitate critical connections that accelerate our impact for species.”

The World Species Congress, hosted by Reverse the Red, brings together organizations committed to accelerating successful species recovery efforts through collaboration and innovation. As a proud member of this coalition, Twycross Zoo stands at the forefront of global conservation efforts.

To track our progress, we will utilise species recovery curves, enabling us to monitor developments and adjust our conservation efforts accordingly. Dr. Biddle continued by highlighting the pivotal role that zoos play in species conservation: “The way in which Twycross Zoo is tracking progress is one example of the pivotal role that zoos can have in species conservation, through managed ex situ programmes and working with field partners to protect and restore populations in their natural habitats.”

At Twycross Zoo, our overarching aim is to save the species with which we share our planet. Our conservation strategy aligns with goals to build conservation resources and capacity, both locally and globally, and to conserve UK native wildlife and habitats.

None of this would be possible without the continued support of the public. It is your support that enables us to carry out vital conservation work and make a real difference for endangered species worldwide. Together, we can ensure a future where all species thrive.

Join us in our mission to protect and preserve our planet's precious biodiversity. Together, we can make a difference.

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