Families can enjoy a free trail throughout Chester Zoo this half term.
The Wild Science trail features five ‘Wonderlabs’, where visitors can learn how science protects precious species around the world.
From bold Asian elephants, curious capybaras to the elusive Javan green magpie, each ‘Wonderlab’ will showcase how science is saving the world’s rarest animals.
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The event is running from Saturday, February 18 to Sunday, March 5 and on one of the days - February 21 - Strictly Come Dancing winner Hamza Yassin, will be making two special talks, sharing his adventures from across the globe as a wildlife cameraman.
It comes as the zoo has just welcomed two new Sumatran tiger cubs.
Hidden cameras at the attraction managed to capture the birth of the twin cubs, born to parents Kasarna and Dash last month.
Zookeepers say the new arrivals are yet to be sexed and will be named once they start to gain in confidence and venture outside, which experts estimate will be in early April.
The Wild Science trail is expected to be a popular event for half term, particularly the day when Hamza makes an appearance and will give talks at 11am and 2pm.
Elinor Trigg, senior customer development manager at Chester Zoo, said: “Science is at the heart of our efforts to protect so many amazing animals here at the zoo and around the world, and this free trail will make science fun, immersive and most importantly, accessible to all of our visitors.
“Each Wonderlab will immerse you in a new world, starting at the Forest of the Asian elephants to discover how we use their poo to detect and monitor pregnancies and endangered species boost breeding programmes.
“Next up is discovering Indonesia, where guests will learn how experts have used bioacoustics to find Javan green magpies in the wild. Then, it’s over to South America to help us save anteaters, capybaras and tapirs from their biggest threat, busy roads and highways. Using social science, we work with local communities to report sightings of these species near busy traffic so conservationists can help keep them safe.
“Finally, it’s over to the sun bear habitat in our South East Asia zone, Islands, to help design their perfect home so they feel safe and happy to have cubs, before heading off to the 360 degree lab to learn about how freezing animal DNA is helping to preserve precious genes for the future.
“We are, of course, unbelievably excited to welcome Hamza to the zoo to help inspire future conservationists with inspiring stories about his journey as a zoologist and wildlife cameraman.
“Wild Science is going to be perfect half term event. It’s interactive, fun, educational and full of surprises - it will certainly keep the kids busy! As well as seeing the incredible animals that Chester Zoo is home to, this trail really highlights the challenges species face in the wild and how conservationists are using the latest science to help prevent their extinction.”
Chester Zoo’s Wild Science event is free with normal zoo admission. Tickets cost from £23.63, with under twos and carers free. Visit the website to book.
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