Workington MP Mark Jenkinson has visited Chester Zoo.
The Conservative MP undertook a formal visit to learn more about combatting deforestation, sustainability, and protecting endangered species.
He met with the zoo’s team of keepers and deforestation experts alongside Jamie Christon, the zoo’s CEO and Jen Kelly, the zoo’s Head of Sustainability, to hear about the wide range of conservation efforts being led by Chester Zoo.
Mr Jenkinson discussed sustainability targets and net-zero opportunities, as well as the challenge of decarbonising the UK’s largest visitor attraction outside of London.
Mr Jenkinson also heard about the vital work being done at Chester Zoo to develop conservation efforts that are preventing extinction worldwide. He met with the zoos’ elephant experts to hear about the development of the world’s first safe and effective vaccine for elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus (EEHV) – a devastating disease that is proving a major threat to the long-term future of the already endangered species.
Mr Jenkinson said: “Chester Zoo is a world leader in conservation and science that is playing a critical role in preventing wildlife extinction both here in the UK and worldwide. I am proud that it is a British zoo that is leading the way with this ground breaking conservation work at this critical time for our planet.
“Everything from the impressive sustainability targets to the tangible scientific research being undertaken, such as the drive to tackle the global EEHV crisis – an awful disease affecting Asian elephants everywhere – highlights the important role our zoos play in preventing extinction and protecting our planet.”
