Jersey Zoo
Jersey Zoo, established in 1959 by Gerald Durrell, is a zoological park dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered species. Operated by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, it houses over 130 species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, and is known for its focus on breeding programs and reintroduction efforts. The zoo aims to provide environments that mirror natural habitats and engages in significant international conservation work.
Key Facts
- ›Established in 1959 by naturalist Gerald Durrell.
- ›Operated by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.
- ›Located on 32 acres of landscaped parkland and water-gardens.
- ›Houses over 130 species of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles.
- ›Concentrates on rare and endangered species.
- ›Has a commitment to looking after the island's native wildlife.
Jewels of the Forest, Cloud Forest, Princess Royal Pavilion, the Gaherty Reptile and Amphibian Centre, Discovery Desert, Gorillas Enclosure, Orangutans and Gibbons Enclosure, Lemur Lake and Pontoon, Island Bat Roost, Butterfly Kaleidoscope, Tortoise Tunnel, Kirindy Forest
Western Lowland Gorilla, Orangutan, Jambo, Indigo, N'Pongo, Nandi, Ploughshare Tortoise, Madagascan Big-Headed Turtle, Lesser Antillean Iguana, Cuban Iguana, Serrated Casquehead Iguana, Rio Fuerte Beaded Lizard, Telfair's Skink, Turqoise Dwarf Gecko, Lesser Night Gecko, Martinique's Anole, Emerald Tree Boa, Dumeril's Boa, Galapagos Giant Tortoise, Radiated Tortoise, European Adder, Mountain Chicken, Strawberry Poison-Dart Frog, Blue Poison Dart Frog, Golden Poison Dart Frog, Mission Golden-Eyed Tree Frog, Amazon Poison Dart Frog, Palawan Peacock-Pheasant, Blue-Crowned Laughingthrush, Red-Tailed Laughingthrush, White-Rumped Shama, Nicobar Pigeon, Emerald Dove, Mindanao Bleeding-Heart Dove, Java Sparrow, Pekin Robin, Chestnut-Backed Thrush, Asian Fairy-Bluebird, Grey-Faced Liocichla, Andean Bear, Visayan Warty Pig, Black Howler Monkey, Linnaeus's Two-Toed Sloth, Bush Dog, Golden Lion Tamarin, Emperor Tamarin, Pied Tamarin, Silvery Marmoset, Ring-Tailed Lemur, Red Ruffed Lemur, Alaotran Gentle Lemur, Black-and-White Ruffed Lemur, Red-Fronted Brown Lemur, Aye-Aye, Rodrigues Flying Fox, Livingstone's Fruit Bat, Menelaus Blue Morpho Butterfly, Aldabra Giant Tortoise, Giant Jumping Rat, Narrow-Striped Mongoose, Malagasy Giant Rat, Hammerkop, Meller's Duck, Madagascar Crested Ibis, Red Fody, Namaqua Dove, Northern Bald Ibis, Edward's Pheasant, Bali Starling, Pink Pigeon, Malagasy Black Bulbul, Montserrat Oriole, Wrinkled Hornbill, White-Crowned Robin-Chat, Javan Green Magpie, Sumatran Laughingthrush, Black-Winged Stilt, White-Winged Duck, White-Backed Duck, African Pygmy Goose, Madagascar Turtle Dove, Przewalski's Horse, Mauritius Kestrel, Pygmy Hog, Blue Iguana, Madagascar Pochard, Antiguan Racer, Red-Billed Chough, Yellowhammer, Jersey Sand Lizard, Jersey Crapaud / Common Toad, Jersey's Agile Frog, Fragaria Vesca, Dianthus Gallicus, Anogramma Leptophylla, Linaria Vulgaris, Macaque, Gelada
- Breeding programs for rare and endangered species.
- Reintroduction of species into the wild.
- Conservation of Mauritius kestrel.
- Bringing Przewalski's horse back from extinction.
- Monitoring of Pygmy hogs in Assam, India.
- Saving the blue iguana in Grand Cayman.
- Research and study of the Madagascar pochard.
- Relocation of Antiguan racers back to Antigua.
- Project to reintroduce red-billed chough to Jersey.
- Efforts to maintain genetic diversity of locally rare plants.
About Jersey Zoo
Jersey Zoo, formerly known as Durrell Wildlife Park, is a zoological park established in 1959 on the island of Jersey by the naturalist and writer Gerald Durrell. It is operated by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust, an organization dedicated to the conservation of rare and endangered species. The zoo is situated on 32 acres of landscaped parkland and water-gardens and officially opened its doors on March 26, 1959.
History and Mission
Gerald Durrell founded the zoo with the intention of creating facilities that concentrated more on animal conservation rather than solely on entertainment. This foundational principle continues to guide the zoo's operations, which focus on housing and breeding species that are rare and endangered. The zoo aims to provide environments that closely mirror the natural habitats of the animals, thereby supporting their well-being and facilitating potential reintroduction programs.
Exhibits and Species
Jersey Zoo houses a diverse collection of mammals, birds, amphibians, and reptiles, encompassing over 130 species. Notable exhibits include "Jewels of the Forest" featuring Asian birds, "Cloud Forest" with mixed species including carnivorous animals, and the "Gaherty Reptile and Amphibian Centre." The zoo is also known for its enclosures for western lowland gorillas, orangutans, and various lemur species. Several exhibits are designed to mimic specific ecosystems, such as "Discovery Desert" and "Kirindy Forest," reflecting dry forests of Madagascar.
Conservation Efforts
The zoo is actively involved in numerous conservation programs, both locally and internationally. It has achieved significant successes in rebuilding endangered species populations, such as the Mauritius kestrel and Przewalski's horse. Jersey Zoo also engages in the conservation of local wildlife on the island of Jersey, including efforts for the Jersey sand lizard, Jersey crapaud, and Jersey's agile frog, as well as propagating rare local plants. Internationally, the zoo participates in monitoring and conservation projects for species like the Pygmy hog in India and the blue iguana in Grand Cayman.
Visitor Experience
In addition to its conservation work, Jersey Zoo offers a visitor experience that highlights its mission. A new visitor centre and restaurant were opened in 2011, and a webcam service allows visitors to observe various species. The zoo also has a "Durrell Wildlife Camp" offering lodging for visitors. In 2023, the zoo welcomed 209,474 visitors, its highest number in four years, indicating its continued appeal and importance as a conservation hub.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Jersey Zoo?
Jersey Zoo is a zoological park established in 1959 by Gerald Durrell on the island of Jersey. It is operated by the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust and focuses on rare and endangered species, housing over 130 different species.
Where is Jersey Zoo located?
The zoo is located at Les Augrès Manor in Trinity, Jersey, approximately 5 miles north of Saint Helier, situated within 32 acres of landscaped parkland and water-gardens.
What is the primary mission of Jersey Zoo?
The zoo's primary mission is to concentrate on rare and endangered species, with a commitment to animal conservation and breeding programs. It also works to protect and maintain the genetic diversity of local wildlife and plants.
What are some notable exhibits at Jersey Zoo?
Notable exhibits include 'Jewels of the Forest' for Asian birds, 'Cloud Forest' featuring mixed species including carnivorous animals, 'The Gaherty Reptile and Amphibian Centre', 'Discovery Desert' for meerkats, and enclosures for western lowland gorillas and orangutans.
What conservation successes has Jersey Zoo been involved in?
Jersey Zoo has been instrumental in rebuilding species like the Mauritius kestrel, which had only four individuals in the wild. They were also part of the coalition that brought Przewalski's horse back from the brink of extinction.
Does Jersey Zoo work on conservation projects outside of Jersey?
Yes, Jersey Zoo monitors the conservation of Pygmy hogs in Assam, India, and has had success with the blue iguana in Grand Cayman. They also team up with Madagascar to research and study species like the Madagascar pochard.
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