We’re delighted that Chester Zoo has won a Conservation Gold Award from the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) for their work on our Pine Marten Recovery Project.

Chester Zoo is a major partner in The Vincent Wildlife Trust’s Pine Marten Recovery Project. To help Wales’ pine marten population recover, the Project has translocated 51 pine martens to woodlands in mid-Wales over the past three years. Chester Zoo was integral to the translocation and releases and played a major part by constructing and installing release pens for the pine martens.

Sarah Bird, Chester Zoo’s Biodiversity Officer, said: ‘I am thrilled that our work with the Vincent Wildlife Trust to help pine martens has been awarded a gold award by BIAZA. It is an exemplary project that is really setting standards for reintroductions of carnivores in the UK. It has been a pleasure to work with VWT and other partners on this charismatic and beautiful native British mammal – well done everyone!’

Dr Jenny MacPherson, VWT’s Pine Marten Project Manager, said ‘Chester Zoo is a vital partner in The Vincent Wildlife Trust’s pine marten species recovery project, and this award recognises the success of this ambitious project to return the native pine marten to mid Wales.’

To find out more about our Pine Marten Recovery Project, visit the project website.

A pine marten in a release pen, constructed by Chester Zoo. Photo: ©Nick Upton

Banner photo: ©Robert Cruickshanks