Chester Zoo backs Cheshire Science Corridor cutting-edge research bid

The Cheshire and Warrington Science Corridor links together national and international research facilities and science-based businesses, providing opportunities for collaboration and innovation.

Now, newly forged links between the zoo and businesses and organisations in the Science Corridor will allow for vital, cutting-edge conservation research to take place – adding significant value to the region’s science and technology offering.

It is believed Chester is the first zoo in the UK to become part of any major science and technology cluster.

Chester Zoo’s lab technician John O’Hanlon works on developing a vaccine for a virus affecting Asian elephants globally.

Dr Simon Dowell, conservation science and policy director at Chester Zoo, said: “Chester Zoo is already a major player in the field of international conservation science. At a time when species face extinction on an unimaginable scale, we’re making a substantial contribution to the task of preventing extinction and restoring biodiversity.

“Over the last decade, as a mere snapshot of the zoo’s scientific work, we’ve worked with 481 institutions across 38 countries in Europe and have provided over 1,500 evidence-based recommendations, trained 50 PhD students in partnership with 15 different UK universities and collected and analysed more than 110,000 biological samples to give us fresh insight into countless species.

"We use our knowledge and expertise to influence government environmental policy and are leading efforts to protect and restore vital habitat for wildlife, both globally and here Cheshire.

“As a major, not-for-profit wildlife charity, we work with visitors, communities, and business and policy makers to inform, inspire and empower a step-change to more pro-conservation behaviour. Joining the Cheshire Science Corridor will enable us to grow these connections and have an even greater impact.

Chester Zoo’s lead conservation scientists Leah Williams collects southern cassowary dung to be analysed in the zoo’s labs as part of a project to expand knowledge of the species.

"As the world faces a biodiversity crisis, the role of zoos like ours in securing a future for wildlife on our planet is becoming increasingly vital. Partnerships like this are absolutely key. With one million species at risk of extinction, including many here in the UK, we must stand together for nature.

“We now look forward to getting to know our partners in the corridor better and really driving work that will change the world for the better.”

The Cheshire Science Corridor is well on the way towards becoming an internationally renowned science and technology cluster focused on life sciences, net zero, nuclear and high value manufacturing that is home to world class businesses, research and talent.

Critically endangered golden mantilla frogs are weighed during a health check-up at Chester Zoo.

Clare Hayward, chair of Cheshire and Warrington LEP, said: “With assets such as Alderley Park and AstraZeneca’s Hurdsfield manufacturing plant, we have a world class life sciences cluster to complement the Golden Triangle and help Level Up the North.

“Bringing together our strengths in human and animal life sciences across the public and private sectors, the zoo will also add significant value to the region’s science and technology offering, particularly strengthening our capabilities in endangered species breeding programmes, conservation and zoonotic diseases that can cross over into human populations.

“The zoo is both a key tourist asset for the Cheshire and Warrington economy and is also leading cutting-edge vital conservation research both in the UK and across the world. The zoo will be a key addition to the Cheshire Science Corridor and our life sciences cluster.”