Latest news with #Grevy
West Australian
30-07-2025
- Business
- West Australian
Africa &Beyond Suyian Lodge, in tune with conservation
The &Beyond Suyian Lodge has opened on a 17,800ha private conservancy in Laikipia, northern Kenya. Owned by the Suyian Conservancy Trust, a Kenyan not-for-profit, the conservancy is managed under a plan approved by the Kenya Wildlife Service with oversight from Space for Giants. Space for Giants is a global conservation charity which directly supports rewilding and community development in the region. Once a cattle ranch, the land has been rewilded over decades into a thriving biodiversity corridor — where herders and wildlife now share space. With &Beyond holding sole tourism rights, there is no other lodge on the concession, meaning that guests have the land to themselves. There are elephants, lions, Grevy's zebras, reticulated giraffes, African wild dogs, Laikipia hartebeest and black leopards. &Beyond Suyian Lodge has 14 suites designed in collaboration with Nicholas Plewman Architects, Michaelis Boyd and Fox Browne Creative. A spokesperson for the team says: 'The lodge embodies a raw yet refined aesthetic. Earthy textures, sculptural details and handcrafted finishes reflect the surrounding terrain.' Each suite has a private plunge pool and views across the escarpment. But the spokesperson says the team looks beyond the buildings themselves: 'What sets Suyian apart is its invitation to slow down and connect. From walking with local herders and horseback safaris to yoga on ancient rock platforms and storytelling around the fire, every moment is designed to evoke presence and wonder.' &Beyond executive chairman and CEO Joss Kent says, 'From walking with herders to horseback safaris, from architecture inspired by rock formations to the possibility of seeing a black leopard in its natural range, this is Kenya, reimagined for the traveller who seeks more than a checklist. 'Suyian Conservancy brings the full breadth of Laikipia to life through layered storytelling, meaningful interaction, and a lodge that feels as though it has grown organically from the ground it rests on.' + 'Suyian' means 'wild dog' in the local Samburu language. about SUYIAN CONSERVANCY + Suyian Conservancy is an unfenced wildlife habitat that is part of the wider Laikipia-Ewaso ecosystem. + A spokesperson says it holds the highest diversity of large mammal species of any ecosystem of its size in the world. + It is home to 55 mammal species and over 260 bird species. + Suyian was been managed for decades as a working cattle ranch and as a sanctuary for wildlife, as well as providing support for local communities. + It was created and is overseen by the non-government organisation Space for Giants. about SPACE FOR GIANTS + Space for Giants is an international conservation NGO based in Africa and founded in 2011. + Its mission is to protect the natural ecosystems on which Africa's large wild animals depend. + It works in 11 countries across Central, East and Southern Africa. + Its headquarters are in Kenya and it is registered as a charity in the UK and an NGO in the US. fact file &Beyond Suyian Lodge Suyian Conservancy
Yahoo
25-06-2025
- General
- Yahoo
The Peoria Zoo has a new zebra. It wants you to help name it
The Peoria Zoo has welcomed a new member: a young Grevy's zebra. Described as "striking and spirited," with big ears and personality, the unnamed 5-year-old zebra came to Peoria March 3 from White Oak Conservation Center in Florida, where he was born July 3, 2020. His arrival is part of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums Species Survival Plan, a program managing healthy breeding and transfers along accredited zoos like Peoria's. Visitors can now see the zebra in the zoo's Africa! habitat, where he shares a mixed-species habitat with an 18-year-old female zebra named Phoebe and rhinoceroses. More: Year of transition: Here's a look at recent changes and the future of the Peoria Zoo The zoo is asking the public to help celebrate his arrival by voting for six potential names for the zebra. Each vote costs $1 and proceeds benefit Grevy's Zebra Trust, an organization dedicated to protecting and conserving endangered Grevy's zebras in their habitats. Name options include: Roman Stripes Masikio (Swahili for "ears") Radar Jimmy Neuman 'This is a fun way for our community to engage with wildlife conservation in a meaningful way,' said Peoria Zoo director Max Lakes in a release. 'Every vote supports a mission that extends far beyond Peoria — helping to protect a species that is truly at risk.' Voting is open through July 10 online and at the zoo, and supporters are encouraged to vote as many times as they want. More: 'Playful spirit': 1-year-old giraffe joins Peoria Zoo from Memphis This article originally appeared on Journal Star: Peoria Zoo opens voting for name of new zebra
The Independent
09-04-2025
- The Independent
Chester Zoo's largest-of-its-kind African savannah opens to visitors
Chester Zoo has unveiled its newest zone centred around African species, becoming the largest zoo habitat ever created in the UK. The 'Heart of Africa ' habitat area spans a 22.5-acre area, and is designed to replicate grasslands found on the African continent. The zone has become the new home to 57 species, many of which are making a debut at the zoo, including critically endangered vultures, a colony of naked mole rats, Africa's largest frog and 15,000 locusts. The main event of the new zone and the most ambitious project is a vast open savannah, where visitors will be able to see giraffes, zebras, antelopes and ostrich all living together side by side. Alongside the grasslands, an indoor habitat named 'Hidden Savannah' has become the new home to many of Africa's desert dwellers and other species such as pygmy mice, African bullfrog and critically endangered pancake tortoises. More than 30 bird species will also be able to be spotted, such as greater flamingos and white-headed vultures, while other mammal species such as African wild dogs, aardvarks, Eastern black rhinos and meerkats will be found in the zone. The zoo has also opened the 'Pamoja Village', which offers visitors a place to learn and experience traditional cuisine and stories from across the continent. The tourist attraction said that this has been one of the most ambitious zoo expansions ever undertaken in Europe. Jamie Christon, CEO of Chester Zoo, explained the importance of keeping a diverse range of species in one shared habitat. 'We want visitors to feel fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the African savannah, and what better way to achieve that than by seeing northern giraffe, Grevy's zebra, ostrich, and roan antelope roaming together? It's truly a breathtaking sight'. Mr Christon said that the team at Chester Zoo has planted over 6,000 trees, shrubs and grasses in the animals' new home, as well as, working with international breeding programmes to help protect the threatened species, such as vultures and the highly venomous red spitting cobra, at the zoo. 'This marks a significant new chapter for Chester Zoo. As an international wildlife charity, Heart of Africa will help us connect hundreds of thousands of people with nature, generate jobs and economic growth for the region, and continue our vital conservation work in Africa, long into the future. 'It's the most complex habitat we've ever created, and we can't wait to invite visitors into this extraordinary new space.' Dr Gerardo Garcia, head of ectotherms at Chester Zoo, said the 'ambitious' project ties in with the work being done across the African continent to safeguard habitats, combat poaching and the illegal wildlife trade. 'Our efforts range from supporting the safe translocation of northern giraffes to protected national parks in Uganda, to developing cutting-edge AI trail cameras to protect giant pangolins from illegal trafficking.' The opening of 'Heart of Africa' comes ahead of the launch of another development at Chester Zoo this summer called 'The Reserve', which will feature 51 luxury lodges themed around aspects of the African continent.
Yahoo
31-03-2025
- Yahoo
First look inside Chester Zoo's new Heart of Africa area before it opens to visitors
The largest UK zoo habitat ever created - home to 57 iconic African species - is set to open at Chester Zoo. The new Heart of Africa zone, spanning more than 22.5 acres, has been designed to recreate a variety of grassland habitats found across central Africa. Taking centre stage in the new area is a vast open savannah where, for the first time at the zoo, visitors will encounter northern giraffes, Grevy's zebras, roan antelopes and ostrich, all living together side-by-side. Away from the sweeping grasslands, a new indoor habitat, named Hidden Savannah, shines a spotlight on Africa's desert dwellers and less heralded species. Here, guests will come face-to-face with naked mole rats burrowing through tunnels, as well as other rodent species such as short-eared sengi and pygmy mice. READ MORE: I visited the 'best place to live in the UK' just 20 miles from Liverpool, and now I'm packing my bags READ MORE: Bittersweet end for a Liverpool institution marks transition to 'heart and soul of Malaysian cuisine' Eleven cold-blooded animals can also be found, including the African bullfrog, the largest frog species in Africa, dung beetles, red spitting cobra, Ethiopian viper, critically endangered pancake tortoises and an immersive new habitat where visitors can climb into a Land Rover surrounded by 15,000 locusts. Keen birders will also spot more than 30 species of bird within several new habitats, including a flock of 107 iconic greater flamingos, three species of critically endangered vulture - white-headed vultures, African white-backed vultures, and hooded vultures - colourful black-cheeked lovebirds, the continent's rarest species of lovebird, and the Verreaux's eagle owl, the largest owl found in Africa. The area is also home to a host of other mammal species including meerkats, African wild dogs, aardvarks, Eastern black rhino, yellow mongoose, rock hyrax and dik-dik. Heart of Africa is expected to create 30 new jobs at the zoo. Jamie Christon, CEO at Chester Zoo, said: 'Heart of Africa is the largest and most ambitious zoo development ever undertaken in the UK. It stands as a vibrant symbol of our commitment to safeguarding wildlife across Africa, ensuring its future for generations to come. 'Introducing such a diverse range of species into one shared habitat is a first for us. We want visitors to feel fully immersed in the sights and sounds of the African savannah, and what better way to achieve that than by seeing northern giraffe, Grevy's zebra, ostrich, and roan antelope roaming together, just as they would in Africa? It's truly a breathtaking sight. 'To bring this vision to life, our expert teams have planted over 6,000 trees, shrubs, and grasses, while also welcoming many species to the zoo for the first time. We're proud to join international breeding programmes that will leverage our teams' expertise to protect threatened species, including vultures, naked mole rats, and the highly venomous red spitting cobra. We're also welcoming back beloved species, with new homes for meerkats, African wild dogs, aardvarks, porcupines, and critically endangered eastern black rhinos. 'This marks a significant new chapter for Chester Zoo. As an international wildlife charity, Heart of Africa will help us connect hundreds of thousands of people with nature, generate jobs and economic growth for the region, and continue our vital conservation work in Africa, long into the future. It's the most complex habitat we've ever created, and we can't wait to invite visitors into this extraordinary new space.' Dr. Gerardo Garcia, Head of Ectotherms at Chester Zoo, added: 'Africa is one of six regions where we're actively working to protect some of the planet's most biodiverse and threatened ecosystems. Our efforts range from supporting the safe translocation of northern giraffes to protected national parks in Uganda, to developing cutting-edge AI trail cameras to protect giant pangolins from illegal trafficking. "We're also pioneering endocrinology science to help increase eastern black rhino populations in Kenya and supporting initiatives like the Maasai Olympics, a sporting event where the culture of hunting lions has been replaced with sport. 'Heart of Africa celebrates these conservation successes but also reminds us that our work is far from finished. Every species here carries an important story with many facing real threats in the wild. That's why every visit to the zoo and this new zone will make a difference. "As a charity, it'll provide a boost to our funds that will see us protect even more of Africa's incredible wildlife, with plans already in place to save new species of reptile and amphibians from extinction. 'We hope this huge new part of Chester Zoo inspires action from those who visit - whether that's making more sustainable choices or supporting conservation efforts. Together, we can help ensure that Africa's wildlife not only survives but thrives into the future.' In addition to the wildlife experiences, Heart of Africa also features Pamoja Village, a cultural space offering visitors a taste of African traditions, from authentic street food to immersive storytelling from the wild. It aims to not only create a deeper appreciation for Africa's wildlife, but also for the communities that live alongside it. Heart of Africa will open to visitors from Saturday, April 5. Entry is included with normal zoo admission. Zoo tickets can be booked via The opening of Heart of Africa comes ahead of the unveiling of another exciting new development at the zoo this summer. The Reserve, Chester Zoo's answer to a premium safari getaway right here in the UK, will feature 51 luxury African-themed lodges, offering guests the chance to stay overnight at the zoo in support of conservation for the very first time.
