Marwell Zoo News Spring 2016 by Marwell Wildlife

Marwell News

Spring 2016

Welcome 4 Animals update

Royal arrivals

Explore our aviary

Great Grevy’s Rally

Turtle-y great new arrivals!

Zebra Zoooom!

NEW free app

Keeping you up to date

Oryx re-introduction

Marwell’s Zany Zebras

Best companies success

NEW macaque baby

Photographer of the year

SPRING fun for kids

Cover © 2016 Peter Orr; contents © JJ Cook Photography. Issue no:152. Copyright: Marwell Wildlife. Editor: Becky Churcher, email: editor@marwell.org.uk Design: Mel Hewitt. Marwell Wildlife, Colden Common, Winchester, SO21 1JH UK. 01962 777407. Registered charity no. 275433, VAT no. 631 9661 30. Correct at upload 05/04/2016. ISSN: 1757-3378.

VISIT

Wild Explorers

get closer to the animals & enjoy our zoo trail!

ello and welcome to the spring edition of Marwell News. This year has already got off to a great start and we have lots of exciting news to share with you.

A herd of scimitarhorned oryx from Marwell has arrived in Abu Dhabi as a critical step in an ambitious and globally pioneering conservation project between The Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi,and the Government of Chad. Our Conservation Biologists have been central to the planning of the project, including the careful selection of 14 oryx from zoos across Europe to create a genetically diverse founder population. This really is a huge step forward for the species and we will keep you updated on the project.

Our conservation team in Africa has joined key partners for the first ever photographic census of the endangered Grevy’s zebra in Kenya. This will provide important status information on this highly endangered species. It is believed that more than 80,000 images were collected and now scientists will begin analysing these valuable results. And whilst on the subject of Grevy’s zebra, our herd of Marwell’s Zany Zebras are undergoing spectacular makeovers for the mass art extravaganza this summer. The public can view these incredible creations taking shape at The Marlands Shopping Centre in Southampton.

Our Education Ranger has already visited over 75 schools and youth groups to deliver outreach sessions on the conservation of Grevy’s zebra in the wild.

Read more about the exciting build up to Marwell’s Zany Zebras trail here. This Easter we are hosting a Big Bird Bonanza. Enjoy our penguin talk, meet the biggest to the smallest of our birds and discover which bird lays the biggest egg. Find out more about the world of birds through our Discovery Tables and make treats for the wild birds in your garden plus lots more.

In February, we celebrated being placed 17 out of 100 in the ‘Not for Profit Best Companies to Work For in the Sunday Times’. This is a fantastic achievement for Marwell and we are very proud to be amongst the top 20. Marwell is run by talented individuals

and without them it wouldn’t be possible to deliver our mission to inspire care for the natural world so huge thanks to them all. In this edition you can read all about our new arrivals including lesser kudu, crowned lemurs and snake-necked turtles. What’s more, our critically endangered Sulawesi crested macaque troop grew in size with the birth of another infant. Finally, don’t forget to download our brand new app which offers fascinating animal facts and details about what’s on at the zoo, and is also a lot of fun. Thank you for all your support and we hope to see you soon!

WIN family tickets to our Sunset Party in the Park! For your chance to win one of x5 sets of family tickets, answer the following question:

What date does our Marwell’s Zany Zebras trail begin? enter here!

Hurry, only until 10 April! See inside the African rock doves nest, make a tasty treat for wild birds & take our BIG bird bonanza challenge.

Animals UPDATE

NEW African Species

Oryx moves

In February lesser kudu (Tragelaphus imberbis) arrived from Edinburgh Zoo.

Visitors may have noticed that at the end of December we said farewell to a few of our scimitar-horned oryx (Oryx dammah) as they departed to their new home in Abu Dhabi as part of a ground-breaking international initiative. The Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, and the Government of Chad are aiming to re-establish a freeranging population of oryx - with the help of our herd! Read more about their amazing journey on page 42.

These animals are part of the European Endangered species breeding Programme (EEP) which manages the population to maintain genetic diversity and to avoid species extinction. You can find them settling in next to the giraffe house.

Looking for us?

We like to.... MOVE IT!!!!

Our Bactrian camels (Camelus ferus) and Przewalskiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s horses (Equus ferus przewalskii) have now moved into the valley field behind Cafe Graze. The paddock by the tiger play area will be empty until improvement work is completed to allow access for the addax.

We have welcomed two young crowned lemurs (Eulemur coronatus) to the zoo a brand new species for Marwell! You can read more about this charismatic animal on page 16.

aint

that nice

We have a new colony of leaf-cutter ants (Atta cephalotes) estimated at over 40,000 individuals and a queen. They have successfully discovered our giant network of tubes and have begun showing visitors their impressive work skills. You can watch them on our live webcam here!

Baby Success Last year we were delighted to announce the arrival of Indah; our first Sulawesi crested macaque (Macaca nigra) birth in 10 years! And 2016 has already seen more success with Satana giving birth too. To find out more visit page 60.

MORE monkey business At the end of last year our silvery marmosets (Mico argentatus) welcomed another new arrival. In fact, since their arrival two years ago this species has thrived at Marwell, so two of the family members will soon be moving on to another collection to start families of their own.

Exotic Arrivals Earlier this month a new male Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) arrived at Marwell along with eight golden poison frogs (Phyllobates terribilis) Pictured.

Tropical World saw a brand new species move in this Easter. A breeding pair of Roti Island snake necked turtles (Chelodina mccordi) will took the place of the piranhas in our large aquarium.

Meet Margot & Maisy Our female warthog (Phacochoerus africanus) Delilah has two new companions, Margot and Maisy. The two females arrived from Knowsley Safari Park and have settled in well to their new home and life with Delilah.

P-eek a! boo

Earlier this year we saw several red-necked wallaby (Macropus rufogriseus) joeys popping their heads out of their pouches. These youngsters are still very small so see if you can spot them in the Bush Walk of our Fur, Feathers and Scales exhibit in the zoo.

Eva It is with great sadness that we had to announce the passing of Eva, our 16-yearold Humboldt penguin (Spheniscus humboldti). During her time at Marwell Eva successfully raised five chicks including two males, Lurch and most recently Seaweed, who hatched last year. Eva was a very special character at the zoo and her friendly personality made her very popular with her adopters.

Summer It was also a sad beginning of the year for our small mammal keepers as we lost Summer our 14-yearold Brazilian Tapir (Tapirus terrestris). Whilst at Marwell, Summer raised three tapirs - Rio, Lil Ron and Quito. Both Eva and Summer will be greatly missed by all those who knew her, especially the animal keepers who cared for them.

Sunset Party in the Park Join us on 2 July for an evening to remember at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Sunset Party in the Park. Watch the animals at sunset, meet our larger than life costume characters, be amazed by the fantastic fire performers and enjoy a host of live street theatre performances. Challenge yourself with the inflatable obstacle course, jump on the bouncy castle or just relax and listen to some of the fascinating animal talks taking place. And if all that fun makes you hungry, our catering outlets will be serving a wide selection of scrummy food and drink throughout the evening. The zoo will re-open at 6.30pm for your exclusive visit and will close at 9.30pm.

The best part? Book online by midnight on 5 June & enjoy 20% OFF tickets!

Early Birds!

Book here now!

Lemur royalty

e have welcomed two young crowned lemurs (Eulemur coronatus) to Marwell Zoo - a brand new species for us!

exploring and playing together. We are very happy to welcome this new species to our zoo!â&#x20AC;?

Claire Mound, Team Leader for Primates and Small Mammals said that Delphine, who is 18 months old and Radagast, who is two years old, have been successfully introduced and are now getting to know one another, Claire added: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Radagast and Delphine are settling in very well. Both animals are very inquisitive and spend much of their time,

Crowned lemurs are the smallest species within the genus Eulemur and originate from the forests of Northern Madagascar.

They are distinguishable by their extraordinary colour differences. Males have a chestnut brown colour overall, whereas the femaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s body is grey, with a creamy-white chest. The crowned lemur is vulnerable in the wild and faces many threats such as habitat loss due to cultivation, logging, land development and forest fires.

It is hoped that this new pair will breed to provide valued additions to the European Endangered species breeding Programme (EEP) and the future of the species. Guests can see Delphine and Radagast settling into their new home in World of Lemurs.

LOOK inside our Walkthrough Aviary Our aviary is home to a host of impressive bird species living together. Find out more about them in this bumper feature...

abbler

mei B Mount O African

e rock dov

Northern bald ibis Moustached laughingthrush

Crowned lapwing

Schalowâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s tu

raco

Village weaver Ploceus cucullatus These African brightly coloured birds are very vocal and active. Guests can enjoy watching them fly across the aviary busily building nests. Weavers get their name from the intricate basket nest that the males weave in trees. Male village weavers will use their nests as a way to advertise themselves to females. A male will destroy and rebuild its nest if it hasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t been successful in attracting a female; during the breeding season, a single male can build up to 20 different nests! Empty nests of village weavers are known to be used by other birds and even snakes, wasps, mice and bats!

Luzon bleeding-heart dove Gallicolumba luzonica The Luzon bleeding-heart dove got its name from the red feathers on its chest which look like a bleeding wound. Much like other pigeon and dove species, the Luzon bleeding-heart dove drinks in a different way to other birds; since it puts its beak in to water and sucks the water up, without having to raise its head. Our bleeding-heart doves are called Dave and Sheila! Dave likes to puff out his chest and coo at Sheila.

Crowned lapwing Vanellus coronatus Our pair will almost always be seen together and if they lose sight of one another they will call out to ensure they are close by. If keepers arrive with bugs there will be a crowned lapwing nearby ready to pounce! They have a broad diagonal white stripe on their wings and a black crown on their head encircled by a white ring.

These African birds may be little but they are bold and confident.

Little egret Egretta garzetta These small white herons are widespread and can be found throughout southern Europe, southern Asia and Africa. Smaller populations can also be found in Australia. Here at Marwell we have two males and they are a little shy compared to some of the other species in the aviary. They can often be seen high up on branches or walking through the shallow water in the pool. The little egret is protected in the UK under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981.

Spotted laughingthrush Lanthocincla ocellata This is a new species for Marwell and the biggest of all our thrush species. We currently have one male called Hercules who will be joined by a female very soon. Only a very small number of zoos in the UK currently house the species. This thrush has a particularly loud call.

Moustached laughingthrush Garrulax cineraceus Marwell is the only zoo in the UK to house moustached laughingthrush. These inquisitive birds have only recently arrived and this Easter will be the first time guests can see them outside in the walkthrough aviary. Keepers describe these birds as â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;elusiveâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; and you can usually hear them before you see them!

Schalow’s turaco Tauraco schalowi Schalow’s turacos are not very good at flying! They will often move around using impressive climbing skills to move from branch to branch throughout the tree canopy. Our pair can sometimes be spotted outside when it’s raining enjoying a good wash!

The feathers of Schalow’s turaco are thought to be used in the ceremonial headdresses of the Masai tribe.

Northern bald ibis Geronticus eremita These vocal birds can often be spotted in sunny areas of the aviary which they love. The species is classified as Critically Endangered in the wild. It was once found throughout North Africa, the Middle East and Central Europe; however it is currently found in small areas within the Middle East and Morocco and has most recently been rediscovered in Syria. The bald ibis is the main symbol of â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Birecikâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; (a town in Turkey where large numbers of wild ibis were once found) and appears on many logos including the local councils, names of businesses and restaurants. Several successful conservation projects have been set up by organisations to protect these birds in the wild, often encouraging local communities to become involved.

Mount Omei Babbler Liocichla omeiensis This species is endemic to mountain ranges in Southern Sichuan, China. Here at Marwell we have two Mount Omei babblers and we will be looking to increase the group size over time. This species is from the same family as the robin and thrush and has a beautiful loud call in the mornings. These small birds enjoy foraging on the ground in our aviary.

Blue-crowned laughingthrush Dryonastes courtoisi This species is part of a Global Species Management Plan (GSMP) which aims to provide a genetically and demographically sustainable reserve population. These busy birds will forage in groups across the walkthrough aviary.

Blue-crowned laughingthrush have been known to mimic the call of other species of birds. Our group of males get on well and guests can watch them foraging, feeding, preening, and giving each other presents such as twigs and leaves.

Marwell contributes to the GSMP and is currently a holding facility for males which will go on to breed with females across the world. ÂŠ Rick Chan

They become very vocal when they forage and make a loud ‘kwok’!

Black-crowned night-heron Nycticorax nycticorax Our male night heron will often sit perfectly still in daylight hours watching the busy action of the other birds, but as day draws to a close it’s a very different story. These herons have exceptional eyesight and feed throughout the night from dusk to early morning. Black-crowned night-herons can be found on every continent except for Antarctica and Australasia.

African rock dove Columba guinea In spite of its ‘rock’ title this species does not need cliffs for nesting. In the wild it has become a very urban species nesting on buildings as well as trees. The African rock dove is an ancestor of the feral pigeon and is a similar size. In our walkthrough aviary you will often find them behind the central bench where keepers have built ledges for them to nest on. This species breeds all year round and will pair for life. Nest building is a team effort, with the male finding twigs and roots to give to the female who then makes the nest.

Madagascar teal Anas bernieri Madagascar teal pairs are monogamous and very territorial, defending their nesting site aggressively against intruders. This duck is endemic to Madagascar, where it is restricted to a narrow strip along the west coast and far northeast of the island. The very small population is fragmented and sadly declining. Our Madagascar teal can often be found exploring the pool area.

Hamerkop Scopus umbretta The nest of the hamerkop is the largest domed nest built by any bird species! It is so big that other birds will sometimes build their own nests on top of it. Marwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s hamerkops are always actively collecting objects such as twigs and grass and even more ambitious items such as the aviary education signs! Their impressive nests take months to build and can reach a staggering 1.5 metres in width and height. The nests are domed in shape with a large internal chamber and a small hole to get in and out of, usually lower down to the side of the nest. They even build â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;fakeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; tunnels for predators that take them off track and lead them away from the main nest housing eggs and chicks. There are many stories linked to the hamerkop, including a Malagasy belief that if you destroy their nest you will get leprosy and a warning from Kalahari Bushmen of being struck by lightning if you steal their eggs! These stories have actually given this bird some protection.

Black-winged stilt Himantopus himantopus The long, distinctive red legs of the black-winged stilt account for nearly 60 percent of its height. It is widespread and occurs across Asia, Africa, Europe and the United States. These wading birds can be seen in the aviaryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pool and their long legs allow them to access the deeper water.

They are sociable birds so will mainly stick together as they go about their foraging.

The Great Grevyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Rally

Marwell Wildlife has joined forces with key partners for the first ever photographic census of the endangered Grevy’s zebra in Kenya.

he Great Grevy’s Rally, which took place on the 30th and 31st January 2016, was developed to provide vital information about the status of this magnificent animal. Marwell Wildlife together with the Grevy’s Zebra Trust, Mpala Research Centre, Lewa Wildlife Conservancy, and Northern Rangelands Trust, works intensively with community conservancies to constantly monitor Grevy’s zebra populations and demographics across northern Kenya. However, to accurately estimate the population a thorough ground census needed to take place. In another first, the group engaged and mobilized members of the public in Kenya and trained them as citizen scientists. Marwell Wildlife’s conservation biologists joined landowners, conservancy managers and others then, with an array of vehicles, motorbikes and planes, they drove through and flew over designated areas photographing each Grevy’s zebra they observed.

For two decades Marwell Wildlife has been working with partners in northern Kenya to conserve wildlife in the area. Marwell’s team on location & aerial views of the remote Grevy’s habitat

The charity has been instrumental in helping to create a national conservation strategy for the species and is one of the active members of the Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee which guides and implements conservation action. Marwell’s Conservation Biologist, Dr. Zeke Davidson said the rally was a ‘huge success’, he added: “Together with our partners in the Grevy’s Zebra Technical Committee we have managed to cover over 60,000 square kilometres of remote Grevy’s zebra habitat in the first ever dedicated census of their population in northern Kenya. This is a momentous occasion and we hope it will provide important status information on this highly endangered equid.” “Finding out how many animals you have left in an endangered population is the first step in determining the urgency of conservation action required. Until now we have used informed guesses and rough estimates from aerial counts of Grevy’s zebra to guide us. We are very hopeful that the Great Grevy’s Rally results will give us a more detailed understanding of the species status and its distribution in the landscape. This will help us to focus our efforts and develop effective conservation activity to secure the future of this important species.”

Grevy’s zebras have unique stripe patterns, which allow individuals to be identified. Initial estimates suggest over 80,000 images were taken over the two day rally. Using sophisticated stripe recognition software developed by Princeton University, scientists will now analyse the number of sighted and re-sighted individuals over the two days. In the late 1970s there were 15,000 Grevy’s zebra. Today it is estimated that there are fewer than 2,500 remaining in the wild.

The Grevy’s zebra has suffered one of the most drastic population declines of any African mammal because of climate change, habitat loss and competition with increasing livestock numbers. Marwell’s conservation work includes extensive surveys and monitoring of Grevy’s zebras to understand changes in their populations and distribution at national and local level. The team also studies the species’ spatial and behavioural ecology, disease, and interactions with carnivores. In addition, Marwell Wildlife runs the International Studbook and the European Endangered species breeding Programme (EEP) for Grevy’s zebra and encourages participants to support conservation initiatives in Kenya. Marwell is working extensively with livestock herding communities in the region to find agreeable means by which Grevy’s zebra and other important wildlife can live alongside people now and into the future. One of Marwell’s team, Enrita Naanyu Lesoloyia (pictured bottom left), grew up in a Samburu village and worked as a teacher. Marwell supported her further education and she now runs their engagement programme developing techniques to promote both peace in the region and the consequential environmental improvements through wildlife conservation. For more information and to visit the Great Grevy’s Rallly website, click here www.greatgrevysrally.com

Turtle-y great new arrivals!

ÂŠ Arjan Haverkamp

We are delighted to welcome a pair of Roti Island snakenecked turtles to their new home in Tropical World.

ur new arrivals have moved into a large tank where guests can enjoy an excellent view of their swimming abilities and active hunting skills. This fascinating reptile is a brand new species for Marwell. Roti Island snake-necked turtles (Chelodina mccordi) are expert swimmers and as their name suggests they have a very distinctive long neck which looks like a snake. It is believed that this adaptation enables it to probe between logs and rocks and into mud to hunt for food. Roti Island snake-necked turtles are carnivorous and here at Marwell they enjoy a diet of crab, snails, insects, worms and crayfish. They are largely aquatic but will come onto land to bask and lay eggs. In the wild, Roti Island snake-necked turtles have a very small distribution on Roti Island and Timor in Indonesia. Sadly the species is classified as critically endangered and numbers are struggling due to their huge popularity in the international pet trade. Whilst It is now illegal to capture them this activity still continues which has put these turtles in great danger of extinction.

Their necks are almost the same length as their shell! When the turtle retreats into its shell it will fold its neck sideways into an â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;sâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; shape.

Zebra ZOOOOOM Childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Fund Run

Where Marwell Zoo When 9.30am, Saturday 14 May 2016 Goodie bags for every â&#x20AC;&#x153;trotterâ&#x20AC;? + prizes for best dressed & top fundraiser!

Download our FREE App

Make the most of your day with our fun quiz & animal facts!

k c i l c here

Take note... Hop on the bus!

Fundraising lottery

The M1 bus service has returned and will be running from Eastleigh to Marwell on school holidays, weekends and bank holidays until Sunday 4 September. The service will also run twice a day from Southampton City Centre throughout July, August and September. For more information and a full timetable visit our travel and directions page here.

The Weather Lottery is the UK’s leading fundraising Lottery and offers you the chance to win some big cash prizes whilst supporting the charity of your choice. Select Marwell Wildlife through the lottery and your money goes directly to supporting the care of our animals here at the zoo and the conservation programmes we run worldwide. Entry into the weekly draw costs just £1 per entry and if your numbers match in the right order, you will win the jackpot of £25,000! For every £1 you play we receive 45p. For more information click here.

One visit a year to a range of zoos Become a Marwell annual member and you could visit the following zoos once a year (subject to their terms & conditions); Bristol, Chester, Colchester, Edinburgh, Highland Wildlife Park, Paignton (inc. Living Coasts), Newquay, Rotterdam & Twycross.

Keeping you up to date Don’t miss out on zoo news, exclusive events and special offers. Be sure to register for our monthly email at marwell.org.uk/register You can also join us on Facebook and Twitter

Scimitarhorned oryx re-introduction Marwell oryx begin path to ambitious reintroduction

n important herd of scimitar-horned oryx from Marwell Zoo has arrived in Abu Dhabi as a critical step in an ambitious and globally pioneering conservation project. This large, arid adapted antelope became extinct in the wild, but a ground-breaking international initiative between The Environment Agency, Abu Dhabi, and the Government of Chad seeks to re-establish a free-ranging population of oryx within the speciesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; historical range.

The scimitar-horned oryx from Marwell will breed at the Delaika Conservation and Breeding Facility in Abu Dhabi to produce animals for reintroduction into the vast 78,000 km2 Ouadi Rimé-Ouadi Achim Game Reserve in central Chad.

Marwell Wildlife’s Conservation Biologists have been central to the planning of the project, including the careful selection of fourteen oryx from zoos across Europe to create a robust and genetically diverse founder population. Having been gathered together and managed at Marwell Zoo for a year and after stringent veterinary health checks, the oryx herd was flown to Abu Dhabi in December. They join an existing population of oryx in Abu Dhabi and others imported from the US to create a ‘world herd’ for the purpose of reintroduction. Preparation is already underway in Chad to receive animals for the release stage of the project. Once occurring in large migratory herds that ranged over enormous tracts of the Sahara and bordering Sahelian grasslands, the scimitar-horned oryx disappeared from the wild in the late 20th Century because of uncontrolled hunting and habitat degradation. Marwell Wildlife manages the International Studbook for scimitar-horned oryx, and has been at the forefront of efforts to return the species to a series of fenced protected areas in Tunisia.

The initiative in Chad, being implemented on the ground by the Sahara Conservation Fund, will, for the first time re-establish the species in an unlimited and free-ranging environment. The scale of the operation makes it one of the largest and most ambitious species reintroduction efforts attempted anywhere in the world. The remote Ouadi RimĂŠ-Ouadi Achim Game Reserve was one of the last places scimitar-horned oryx were found in the wild and is now the best hope for their unrestricted return to nature.

Marwellâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Zany Zebras Come to life!

rom mesmerising mosaics and glistening gems to colourful characters and crazy creations, our talented artists have begun decorating their giant Marwell’s Zany Zebras sculptures. The Marlands Shopping Centre is now home to a zeal of zebras as they undergo spectacular makeovers for the mass art extravaganza this summer. Marwell’s Zany Zebras will gallop through the streets of Southampton from July and excitement is already building in the city. After the huge success of Go! Rhinos in 2013, Marwell Wildlife is doing it all again but this time with zebra sculptures. Marwell’s Zany Zebras is already bigger and better with 100 schools and youth groups involved and even more large sculptures on the streets for the family fun trail. The project has welcomed back some familiar faces to create these zany works of art. Local artist Sian Storey, created the hugely popular ‘Wonderland’ and ‘Beauty and the Beast’ in Go! Rhinos. Sian’s colourful design has been chosen for this year’s trail and she is ecstatic to be involved.

Sian said: “The Go! Rhinos trail in 2013 had a huge impact for me as an artist. Not only was it an opportunity to showcase my work to a new and wide audience, but it was genuinely exciting too. Throughout the summer I was spotting my rhinos in newspapers, social media feeds, and even on TV. I can’t wait to be involved again, and unleash my Marwell’s Zany Zebra onto the streets of Southampton this summer!”

Along with returning artists, new designers will be showcasing their artwork on the giant sculptures. Kirstie Mathieson, Project Manager of Marwell’s Zany Zebras said: “We’re thrilled to have a public painting space as it gives the public a fantastic view of the hard work put into decorating these amazing sculptures and gives the artists a space to get to know each other.

We are so excited to have the support from The Marlands Shopping Centre again and can’t wait to watch the zebras come to life in front of our eyes!” Other returning artists include Will Rosie, Deven Bhurke, Denise Hughes, Laura Schillemore and Tom Joyce.

Artists will be at the Marlands Shopping Centre most days so don’t miss your chance for a sneak peek of the zany designs. Find out more about our plans for this summer on our website and find us on facebook and twitter for all the latest news and pictures.

Zebra Rangers

“Your lesson and the assemblies were ‘spot on’ as to their pitch, length, learning levels... your outreach work is very successful.”

Children from across the south are enjoying all things zebratastic as part of Marwell’s Zany Zebras education programme.

he mass art extravaganza has attracted 100 schools and youth groups to sign up to the Education programme to learn more about Grevy’s zebras and design and decorate their own smaller sculpture. These fantastic sculptures will then be showcased as part of the 10 week trail in Southampton city centre and goodbye event at the Ageas Bowl this summer before returning to the school to treasure forever! Our Marwell’s Zany Zebras Education Ranger, Laura Pratt, has been delivering outreach sessions tailored to the different key stages teaching those involved all about Grevy’s zebras, how they are different to other zebra species,their habitat and what they eat as well as the importance of conservation. The children get to become wild explorers as they journey into the life of a conservation biologist and learn some of the amazing skills they use on a daily basis, from recognising the different animal sounds to identifying Grevy’s zebra poo! Laura has delivered well over half of the outreach sessions and feedback has been fantastic. Kirstie Mathieson said: “The education programme is of huge importance to Marwell’s Zany Zebras and it’s wonderful to have the opportunity to inspire care for the natural world. The students are incredibly excited about bringing their designs to life on their very own zebra sculpture and we can’t wait to see them in the trail.” Marwell has been working with Grevy’s zebra for two decades, contributing to the development and implementation of a national plan for their conservation in Kenya. This includes carrying out research to help guide conservation action, monitoring the status of Grevy’s zebra populations throughout their range, and supporting community based initiatives that help people and wildlife. Because their numbers are so low, we also respond to save Grevy’s zebra from critical events such as disease outbreaks or prolonged drought.

“Thank you so much for your time and efforts. I do a lunch duty in the Year 7 canteen, and the students were ‘buzzing’ about your visit, and are now looking forward even more to going to Marwell in 2 weeks.”

Save the date! Look out for these fantastic events

Zebra Zoom at the zoo Children’s Fun Run - 14 May

Marwell’s Zany Zebras Trail goes LIVE 16 July 2016

ÂŠ Lawrie Brailey

Your memory... ...their future

The natural world is changing rapidly around us and our conservation efforts have never been more urgent. Please help us ensure a better future for endangered wildlife for years to come through leaving us a gift in your will. Every single gift, no matter how large or small, makes a genuine difference to the work we can do. Please contact us now on 01962 777977 or via email for more information on what your gift might support. Registered charity number 275433

please leave us a gift in your will

17 100

Best Companies Success

he Best Companies to Work For is an annual ranking of the cream of Britain's happy and motivated workforces. Its appearance each year is now a highly anticipated event in the business calendar. In addition to our impressive ranking, Marwell Wildlife has been awarded the accreditation of two stars - an accolade reserved for companies regarded to be ‘outstanding’.

We employ 256 members of staff in the UK and abroad, from zoo keepers, landscapers and catering staff to conservationists and scientists. The award was based on a comprehensive survey of overall employee engagement. All the scores and ratings assessed to compile the lists are based on employee opinions, and each year the questionnaires are revised and updated to reflect current workplace trends. James Cretney, Chief Executive of Marwell Wildlife said: “This is a fantastic achievement for Marwell and we are very proud to be amongst the top 20 on our first attempt. We have a unique work environment that strongly embodies a combination of passion for conservation, team work and excellent guest service. “What makes this particularly rewarding is the fact that the staff, who achieve so much, are happy and enjoying their work here. Marwell is run by talented individuals and without them it wouldn’t be possible to deliver our mission to inspire care for the natural world.”

We are delighted to announce that Marwell Wildlife was placed 17 out of 100 in the Not for Profit Best Companies to Work For in the Sunday Times lists for 2016.

ÂŠ Jim JimWilson Wilson

Meet our new macaque Marwell’s troop of Sulawesicrested macaques is growing with the arrival of another infant.

he critically endangered Sulawesicrested macaque was born in February to parents, Satana and Douglas. The sex of the baby is yet to be determined as keepers are allowing the baby to bond with its mother before they take a closer look. Sulawesi-crested macaques (Macaca nigra) are the most endangered of the seven macaque species found on the island of Sulawesi. In the wild they live in tropical rainforests and mangrove swamp areas on the Northern Peninsula of the Indonesian island. These animals face many threats in the wild including being over hunted for food, since they are considered a great delicacy. Claire Mound, Team Leader for Primates and Small Mammals said: “As a first time mother Satana has been exemplary so far. She is very sweet natured and having the infant has only made this more noticeable. For now, we expect the baby will spend the first four months close to Satana whilst it gains strength, develops and finds its feet. The new arrival is fantastic news not only for Marwell but also for the species.”

The new infant joins Indah, who was born in July to Drusilla and Douglas. This latest addition will be a valuable asset to the European Endangered species breeding Programme (EEP) which conserves the species to avoid its extinction.

ur gift shop and gallery offers a wide range of products from cuddly toys to fair trade gifts and locally sourced confectionery, all of which will remind you of your day at the zoo. What’s more, all profits are returned back to the charity, supporting our conservation programmes both in the UK and Africa. Latest additions include a range of really wild cushions featuring Marwell’s very own residents such as our captivating snow leopards, magnificent giraffe and charismatic penguins. You may recognise many of these beautiful images as winners of Marwell’s Photographer of the Year competition.

Gifts galore

Be sure to browse our new selection of baby gifts including a collection of wrist rattles, cuddly toys, cosy slippers and beautiful soft blankets. They make excellent unique gifts for new arrivals. ‘Awesome Animals’ Top Trumps are now available to buy. To celebrate their arrival, we have created a trail of seven species around the zoo, including profiles of some key characters such as Bagai the Amur tiger, Ralph the Humboldt penguin, Oliver the pygmy hippo and Mei Mei the red panda. Guests can request a free Top Trumps card when they arrive at admissions, which they can play against the new cards mounted at these locations.

Our Art Gallery inside the gift shop displays a large and constantly updated selection of artist-in-residence Pip McGarryâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original paintings, all available for sale. Recognised as one of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading wildlife artists, Pip has an international reputation for his oil paintings of big cats and African game. They are stunning works of art not to be missed!

Photo fantastic! T

he stunning results of last yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Marwell Photographer of the Year competition are now on display in the zoo. The winning images feature incredible wildlife from all over the world taken by professional, amateur, and young photographers alike. Guests to the zoo can view them near Cold Blooded Corner and Macaque Island.

And now the search is on once again as we launch Marwell Photographer of the Year 2016. As always, judges are looking for the brightest and best of wildlife photography. Top prizes include a 5 day wildlife photography trip to Poland from The Travelling Naturalist as well as top of the range equipment and special access to Marwell Zoo!

Click here for more details & how to enter!