Real-life heroes at Bristol Zoo Gardens this half-term

There is a chance to see some real-life heroes at Bristol Zoo Gardens this half-term. 

Image: Keeper Nicola Cooke.

They are the Conservation Heroes who are part of Bristol Zoological Society’s work to save wildlife both in the country and across the world.

Starting on February 19 to 27 the Zoo is celebrating seven of them and they are each featured on life-size boards all around the site.

They include vet Sara Shopland, who as well as helping animals at the Zoo travelled to New Zealand on an emergency mission to test and treat Critically Endangered flightless parrots.

Senior reptile keeper Adam Davis is another of the heroes. He has been involved in breeding a host of endangered animals including blue-spotted tree monitor lizards, a first for a UK Zoo.

Bug and aquarium keeper Nicola Cooke is also one of the Conservation Heroes.  She helps look after hundreds of insects and fish and she ran a 44-mile ultramarathon to raise money for the Avon Gorge and Wildlife Project.

There is a fun quiz about them which can be filled in as families walk around the Zoo and read the Conservation Heroes’ boards. At the end there are animal stickers as rewards and mementos.

Scott Raven, Public Programme Co-ordinator for Bristol Zoological Society, said: “Our heroes are working hard to look after and save wildlife.

“When people have learned about our Conservation heroes we hope they will want to find out more about our conservation work in 10 countries across the world.”

To book tickets for half-term at Bristol Zoo Gardens and to see our Conservation Heroes go to bristolzoo.org.uk.

Bristol Zoo Gardens and Wild Place Project are run by Bristol Zoological Society, a conservation and education charity which relies on the generous support of the public not only to fund its important work at both zoos, but also its vital conservation projects both in the UK and across the world.

To find out more about the exciting future of Bristol Zoological Society, visit future.bristolzoo.org.uk/