Staff at Chester Zoo are used to keeping a tally of their lions, tigers and other exotic animals. But now they are looking for help to add up some of the many UK wildlife species that reside inside the zoo’s grounds.
The special survey – labelled by conservationists as a BioBlitz – will look to find as many species which are native to the UK as possible, in a 24 hour period.
And the zoo is looking for volunteers to help experts with the count.
Sarah Bazley, zoo ranger team manager, said: “We need a host of volunteers who fancy becoming a wildlife scientist for the day, to help us make a record of the diversity in and around the zoo. No experience is required, just a willing attitude and a keen eye.
“They will help find creatures such as great green bush crickets, wolf spiders, elephant hawk-moths and wood mice and maybe nocturnal visitors like badgers, owls and bats.”
The survey, which will take on September 6 and September 7, is part of the 2014 British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) BioBlitz which will see lots of other UK zoos doing the same during the month of September.
To book a place one to one of two available sessions (Saturday, Sept 6, 12-4pm and Sunday, Sept 7, 6am-12pm) or to find out more please contact the zoo via learning@chesterzoo.org or 01244 650205.
