Come and join us for a fun day out and lend a helping hand with our conservsation work

11th May
midday to 6pm

12th May
9am to midday

Register as a volunteer now and get free entry to the zoo!

Scientific research is a priority at DZP and plays a major role in our work on a number of levels. Although much of our conservation research is focused around the exotic species in our collection, we are equally interested in conserving the diverse range of living things outside of the enclosures. We have a huge variety of native species in the hedgerows, ponds and woodlands around the park, and our management of the grounds is designed to ensure that they are allowed to flourish.

However, to be best able to meet the needs of our natural residents we need to know exactly what we have living here which requires the assistance of a host of experts and volunteers to do the intensive research. To that end we will be hosting a Bioblitz event on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th of May 2012.

Join us!

In a Bioblitz, over a 24hr period, a number of specialists aided by enthusiastic volunteers will conduct broad field research in which they will catalogue every single living thing they are able to find and identify.

Whilst this is a vital part of our conservation work, a Bioblitz is an informal and fun way for anyone with an interest in the natural world get a glimpse of the diversity of life that can be found in wild spaces everywhere. It also provides a great opportunity to raise awareness of the importance of native species and to engage with real science.

There will also be lots of activities throughout the day such as bug box building and bug hunts, with face painting and crafts in for younger children. There will also be close encounter sessions and a nature trail and our team will be keeping everyone up-to-date with progress reports throughout the day.

The Bioblitz will run from midday to 6pm on the 11th May and 9am to midday on the 12th May.

If you are interested in helping at the event or have a specific specialism within flora and fauna identification that we could put to good use then please contact: Amy Collie.