Animals
By Jill Dando News An extremely rare pygmy shrew with an albino mutation was found by Anita McMillan near St Austell, Cornwall, while out for a walk. “I went for a walk with my zoom lens, hoping to capture some good photos of birds or butterflies,” said Anita. “This was
Animals
By Charities Correspondent Conservation and education charity Bristol Zoological Society has won five industry awards for its efforts to conserve and protect the world’s most threatened species. The charity, which runs Bristol Zoo Project, has been recognised by the UK sector’s leading body, BIAZA (British and Irish Association
Animals
By Charities Correspondent Two of the Mammal Society’s Youth Ambassadors (Felix Ford, 18 and Liane Rouys, 18) will be undertaking a 154km wildlife survey in the Highlands from 23rd to 30th June 2025, as they trek the iconic route of the West Highland Way. Along the route these intrepid
Animals
By Charity Correspondent A record 211 Nightjars were recorded across RSPB nature reserves in 2024, thanks to decades of heathland restoration and the dedication of staff and volunteers. The success marks a significant recovery for this Amber-listed species, which had previously suffered due to habitat loss. Nightjars are elusive, nocturnal
Animals
By Evie, Liv and Livvy, Year 7, Jill Dando News Correspondents at Clevedon School Bees are so important, yet we often do not value them enough. They help produce a lot of the food that we eat daily, not just honey! They are one of the top pollinators in the
Conservation
By Jill Dando News One Butterfly Conservation volunteer has counted a staggering 523 Small Blues in just an hour-and-a-half at the Balnagown Estate near Invergordon, while other volunteers have discovered two new colonies of the species - one south of Wick and one at Nairn Railway Station. Another volunteer recorded
Animals
By Community Correspondent Noah's Ark Zoo Farm had a big celebration this week! Their much-loved Brazilian tapir, Toby, turned 24! To mark the occasion, his keepers made him a special birthday treat. Not just any treat though – this was a giant ice lolly carefully tiered with all his
Animals
By Jill Dando News A 'chatty’ Bactrian camel calf has been born at Whipsnade Zoo in the heart of Bedfordshire. The baby boy, who is yet to be named, was born on the 18 May, to first-time mum Orla, and dad Oakley, following a 13-month pregnancy. Whipsnade Zoo camel
Animals
By Jill Dando News Zoos and aquariums across Great Britain will see their animal welfare standards modernised for the first time in over a decade, following the launch of new government rules designed to strengthen protections and improve conditions for animals in captivity. The updated Standards of Modern Zoo Practice
Animals
By Jill Dando News Whipsnade Zoo can reveal the names of its youngest litter of northern African lion cubs, born to mum Waka, following a month-long naming bonanza. The conservation zoo’s tiny pride have been named Bertie, Oya, Malaika and Kibibi – names chosen by local school children and a
Animals
By Jill Dando News Philadelphia Zoo is excited to share that three more critically endangered Western Santa Cruz Galapagos tortoises have hatched at the Zoo. These hatchlings are from the same clutch of eggs that produced four female tortoises earlier in 2025. The hatchlings’ parents, female Mommy and male Abrazzo,
Animals
By Jill Dando News Conservationists are celebrating a rare double discovery on England’s East Coast Wetlands, where two record-breaking Oystercatchers were found within a month. The birds, both well beyond the average lifespan for their species, underscore the critical importance of this coastal habitat for migratory and long-lived waterbirds.
People
By Jill Dando News International Animal Rescue (IAR) marks Earth Day 2025 by sharing Stories of Hope and Harmony, highlighting how they’ve worked with communities through empathy and collaboration to help humans and wildlife coexist. These powerful images capture real-life moments of people forming deep connections with nature and
Animals
By Jill Dando News A rare dragonfly is starting to be introduced to a hidden corner of Cumbria at RSPB Campfield Marsh this week, marking a significant step in conservation efforts for this endangered species. This initiative aims to increase the biodiversity of invertebrates of the South Solway Mosses National
Animals
By Jill Dando News Three Endangered African grey parrots have hatched at Bristol Zoo Project after their parents were rescued from the illegal pet trade. Conservation and education charity Bristol Zoological Society, which runs the zoo, took in a group of the birds at the end of 2024 after they
Animals
By Jill Dando News Haggis, the internet-famous pygmy hippo calf at the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland’s (RZSS) Edinburgh Zoo, has been introduced to dad Otto for the first time. After some inquisitive sniffs and playing, dad Otto and mum Gloria soon settled in for a nap, leaving Haggis