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People and wildlife can thrive together

Wildlife populations and ecosystems are essential for human health and wellbeing. However, human activities expose wildlife populations to disease, resulting in population declines and species extinctions. They also expose people and domestic animals to disease from wildlife hosts with serious implications for human health and livelihoods. This interconnection between people, animals, plants forms the basis of our approach. 

At ZSL, we know that conservation works best when it's powered by science. From research to fieldwork, and in our zoos, we find out why species are at risk and what we can do to improve co-existence with wildlife, safeguard nature and create a healthier, more sustainable future for both wildlife and people.

    Straw coloured bat hanging beneath a large leaf
    Leading research on viruses found in bats

    Understanding bats and disease

    Bats make up 22% of all mammals, and their unique immune response which enables them to remain healthy despite carrying viruses that would cause serious disease in people and other mammals.

    Dormouse on a weighing scale at London Zoo, sitting in a plastic container.
    Providing essential wildlife health checks

    Wildlife Disease Risk Analysis and Health Surveillance

    Our DRAHS team provides essential wildlife health checks for conservation projects.

    Badger between two trees
    Badger vaccination

    Badger vaccination

    We’ve established the Badger Vaccination Project to research the impact of TB vaccination among badgers on rates of infection within wild populations.

    Sperm whale in the Wash
    Understanding strandings

    UK Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP)

    The Cetacean Strandings Investigation Programme (CSIP) coordinates the investigation of all cetaceans, marine turtles and basking sharks that strand around the UK coastline. 

    desert baboon with infant
    In collaboration with Tsaobis Nature Park

    Tsaobis Baboon Project

    The aim of the Tsaobis Baboon Project is to carry out fundamental research in behavioural and population ecology using desert baboons as a model system.

    hedgehog-on-gravel
    Protecting British Wildlife

    Garden Wildlife Health

    Through this collaborative project, Garden Wildlife Health is safeguarding the health of British wildlife.

    Mountain chicken frog sitting on forest floor
    Project

    Mountain chicken frog conservation

    Creating routes to recovery through cutting-edge scientific research and breeding at London Zoo.

    Red kite flying - identifying fork tail clearly visible
    Protecting red kite health

    Red kite conservation

    We are protecting red kites to ensure their numbers never crash again, by providing expert health surveillance and supporting reintroductions.

    sand lizard examination in gloves
    A closer look at sand lizard translocations

    Analysing disease risks during sand lizard translocations

    The sand lizard has disappeared over much of its former range in the UK. Habitat loss and fragmentation are cited as the main factors in the species decline.

    Male hihi close-up black head with a white streak, and yellow streaks along body
    Bringing hihi back from the brink of extinction

    Hihi conservation

    How this tiny bird is helping reframe wildlife conservation translocation programmes globally.

    mallorcan midwife
    A disease which devastates amphibian populations globally

    Amphibian chytridiomycosis

    Echo Parakeet
    The last surviving native parrot in the Mascarenes

    Echo parakeet management programme

    The echo parakeet was listed as Critically Endangered in the 1980s.

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London Hogwatch

Innovative technology and community engagement work - a project seeking to protect and save this threatened native UK species.