Latest news with #ChesterZoo
The Guardian
a day ago
- Science
- The Guardian
Rare maccoa ducklings hatch at Chester zoo for first time
Chester zoo has successfully hatched one of Africa's rarest species of duck for the first time. It said the successful breeding of four maccoa ducklings formed part of growing efforts to safeguard Africa's most threatened species. The maccoa population in the wild is estimated to be only 5,000, and recent surveys found only 14 in Kenya and fewer than 100 in Tanzania. The ducklings are now in Chester zoo's Heart of Africa zone, a 22.5-acre habitat supporting endangered African species. The habitat is home to 57 species of animals including giraffes, zebras and ostriches. Andrew Owen, the head of birds at Chester zoo, said: 'These ducklings are very special as they're the first of their kind to ever hatch here at the zoo, making it a really historic moment for our team. 'This success gives a real boost to the future of the species and these vital new additions will contribute to the safety-net population in zoos. These birds are facing rapid decline in the wild, so every hatchling really does count.' The zoo is just one of seven in Europe, and 12 globally, that care for the ducks and it hopes to play a vital role in their survival. Maccoa ducks are found in nutrient-rich freshwater wetland and lakes. They can be seen diving for food and are known for features such as stiff tails and deep-blue bills. They are listed as endangered on the International Union for Conservation of Nature's (IUCN) red list of threatened species. Water pollution and climate change has led to their habitats degrading and the species' rapid decline. Bird conservationists at the zoo say their successful hatchings will help the long-term protection of the ducks.
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- General
- Daily Mirror
Majority of UK shoppers puzzled by widespread use of palm oil
New research shows that while 58 per cent of consumers try to make responsible choices whenever possible when it comes to shopping but are still confused by palm oil Research has discovered that a third of shoppers believe the use of palm oil as unnecessary. Shoppers voiced that there are more ethical and sustainable alternatives available on supermarket shelves. As a result, a staggering two thirds confess they are puzzled as to why palm oil is used in so many everyday items including ice cream, cleaning products and chocolate. The study also unveiled a lack of understanding around sustainable palm oil and the difference between the two types. Four in ten have only a vague understanding of how sustainable palm oil is utilised. Meanwhile, a fifth claimed to have heard of the term, but have no idea what it meant. The research was commissioned by Ferrero as part of its partnership with Chester Zoo, which has launched an online lesson for schools and families to educate them about palm oil and how it can be sourced and used more sustainably Cat Barton, the zoo's policy lead for deforestation commodities and regenerative agriculture, said: "Not all palm oil is made the same. When sourced responsibly, sustainable palm oil can actually be part of the solution, not the problem." She explained that sustainable palm oil is a high-yield crop, meaning it requires significantly less land than alternatives like sunflower or rapeseed oil. This, she said, can help alleviate pressure on forests and biodiversity. "I've seen first-hand how sustainable palm oil can protect rainforest habitats while supporting local communities to thrive," she added. The research revealed that 58 per cent of consumers try to make responsible choices whenever possible when shopping, and 52 per cent have become more conscious of their habits over the past decade. Two thirds prioritise products with recyclable packaging, whilst 60 per cent actively seek out items made from recycled materials. The majority also opt for Fairtrade-certified goods, and 34 per cent look for products that are deforestation-free. Three quarters of consumers are calling for more education in schools on making sustainable choices to safeguard the environment, with many agreeing that teaching kids about sustainability can influence their understanding of the global consequences of their shopping habits. Ferrero UK's Director of Corporate Affairs Charlie Cayton said: "By helping people understand the facts, we can empower them to make choices that support conservation and drive better practices across the supply chain. "Chester Zoo is a brilliant partner to help shine a spotlight on the issue and we are so proud to be working with them on the cause."
Scottish Sun
2 days ago
- General
- Scottish Sun
Brits avoid buying products containing palm oil, study finds
Customers say they are trying to make responsible choices SIX in 10 Brits have actively avoided buying products containing palm oil, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 28% believe its use is unnecessary, given there are more ethical and sustainable alternatives available on supermarket shelves. 1 Wildlife broadcaster and conservationist Lizzie Daly hosts Chester Zoo's World Rainforest Day Online Lesson, supported by Ferrero – inspiring young minds to protect ecosystems and understand the importance of sustainable palm oil. Yet, 63% of shoppers admit they're baffled as to why palm oil appears in so many everyday items. With products from ice cream (36%) and cleaning supplies (33%) to chocolate (31%) and biscuits (30%) causing the most confusion. However, the study also revealed a lack of understanding around sustainable palm oil, with 80%not knowing the difference between the two types. A fifth (22%) have heard of the term, but don't know what it really means, 28% have never come across it, and 39% only have a vague idea of how it's used. The research was commissioned by Ferrero as part of its partnership with Chester Zoo, which has launched an online lesson for schools and families to educate about palm oil and how it can be sourced and used more sustainably. Cat Barton, policy lead for deforestation commodities and regenerative agriculture at the zoo, said: 'Not all palm oil is made the same. 'When sourced responsibly, sustainable palm oil can actually be part of the solution – not the problem 'I've seen firsthand how sustainable palm oil can protect rainforest habitats while supporting local communities to thrive. 'It's a high-yield crop, which means it uses significantly less land than alternatives like sunflower or rapeseed oil, helping to reduce pressure on forests and biodiversity.' The research also found 58 per cent of consumers try to make responsible choices whenever possible when it comes to shopping, and 52% have become more conscious of their habits over the past decade. I stayed at London Zoo's transformed Christmas lodges with hot chocolate stations and private night tours Two thirds (65% ) prioritise products with recyclable packaging, while 60 per cent actively look for items made from recycled materials. Half (52% ) opt for Fairtrade-certified goods, and 34% seek out products that are deforestation-free. The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 76% believe more should be done to educate children in schools about how to make sustainable decisions that protect the planet. Nearly two in three (63%) think teaching children about sustainability helps them to understand the global impact of everyday purchases. And 77% believe there needs to be better wider public education around sustainable palm oil specifically. Charlie Cayton, director of corporate affairs at Ferrero UK, said: 'There's a lot of confusion and mixed messages out there. 'Many people don't realise that choosing palm oil free can actually lead to worse environmental outcomes. 'By helping people understand the facts, we can empower them to make choices that support conservation and drive better practices across the supply chain. 'Chester Zoo is a brilliant partner to help shine a spotlight on the issue and we are so proud to be working with them on the cause.'
The Sun
2 days ago
- General
- The Sun
Brits avoided buying products containing palm oil, study finds
SIX in 10 Brits have actively avoided buying products containing palm oil, according to research. A poll of 2,000 adults found 28% believe its use is unnecessary, given there are more ethical and sustainable alternatives available on supermarket shelves. 1 Yet, 63% of shoppers admit they're baffled as to why palm oil appears in so many everyday items. With products from ice cream (36%) and cleaning supplies (33%) to chocolate (31%) and biscuits (30%) causing the most confusion. However, the study also revealed a lack of understanding around sustainable palm oil, with 80%not knowing the difference between the two types. A fifth (22%) have heard of the term, but don't know what it really means, 28% have never come across it, and 39% only have a vague idea of how it's used. The research was commissioned by Ferrero as part of its partnership with Chester Zoo, which has launched an online lesson for schools and families to educate about palm oil and how it can be sourced and used more sustainably. Cat Barton, policy lead for deforestation commodities and regenerative agriculture at the zoo, said: 'Not all palm oil is made the same. 'When sourced responsibly, sustainable palm oil can actually be part of the solution – not the problem 'I've seen firsthand how sustainable palm oil can protect rainforest habitats while supporting local communities to thrive. 'It's a high-yield crop, which means it uses significantly less land than alternatives like sunflower or rapeseed oil, helping to reduce pressure on forests and biodiversity.' The research also found 58 per cent of consumers try to make responsible choices whenever possible when it comes to shopping, and 52% have become more conscious of their habits over the past decade. I stayed at London Zoo's transformed Christmas lodges with hot chocolate stations and private night tours Two thirds (65% ) prioritise products with recyclable packaging, while 60 per cent actively look for items made from recycled materials. Half (52% ) opt for Fairtrade-certified goods, and 34% seek out products that are deforestation-free. The study, carried out via OnePoll, also found 76% believe more should be done to educate children in schools about how to make sustainable decisions that protect the planet. Nearly two in three (63%) think teaching children about sustainability helps them to understand the global impact of everyday purchases. And 77% believe there needs to be better wider public education around sustainable palm oil specifically. Charlie Cayton, director of corporate affairs at Ferrero UK, said: 'There's a lot of confusion and mixed messages out there. 'Many people don't realise that choosing palm oil free can actually lead to worse environmental outcomes. 'By helping people understand the facts, we can empower them to make choices that support conservation and drive better practices across the supply chain. 'Chester Zoo is a brilliant partner to help shine a spotlight on the issue and we are so proud to be working with them on the cause.'
BBC News
3 days ago
- Science
- BBC News
Blue-eyed ground dove: Three chicks hatch from one of the world's rarest bird species
Conservationists say there is new hope for one of the world's rarest bird species, after three chicks hatched as part of a breeding are thought to be just 11 adult blue-eyed ground doves in the wild, so experts from the UK, Brazil and the US have teamed up to try and save the species from Bosso, is the technical director of Parque das Aves, the bird sanctuary in Brazil where the new chicks said: "Seeing these chicks is exciting. Each hatching represents a real chance to reverse the fate of this species. It is a joy and also a great responsibility." Experts say the species, which is only found in Brazil, is quite a mysterious more than 70 years there were no confirmed sightings, that is until 2015 when it was to the IUCN Red List the species is critically endangered, its numbers are said to have declined due to habitat loss driven by farming and timber try and help save the species, a team of Brazilian and international bird conservationists - including some from Chester Zoo in the UK - started to incubate a number of eggs that were laid in the wild to create a population in human care. Conservationists say the arrival of the three chicks has boosted the survival odds of the are currently being hand-reared by a team of experts at the sanctuary in Owen, who is the head of birds at Chester Zoo, travelled to Brazil to help with the says "the long term aim is to have a viable insurance population" that can help to reinforce numbers in the is also taking place to maintain habitats in the Cerrado, which is an area of tropical savanna in Brazil, so that the birds in human care can eventually be released and boost the wild population.
