Marwell Wildlife 2025: 365 days of conservation, community and new arrivals at Marwell

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re looking back at another extraordinary year at Marwell Wildlife. This year has been filled with conservation successes, exciting new arrivals, unforgettable events, and as always incredible community support.

January

Our first-ever harvest mouse nest survey: The year began with a brand-new conservation milestone as our team and students carried out Marwell’s first-ever harvest mouse nest survey. We were thrilled to discover seven nests, confirming that the smallest mice in the UK are happily living in habitats we’ve created.

10 years of our Master of Research (MRes) in Wildlife Conservation: We celebrated a major academic milestone as the Master of Research (MRes) delivered in partnership with the University of Southampton, continues to empower future conservation scientists.

Welcoming our first-ever coppery titi monkey baby: Keepers were delighted when first-time parents, Taco and Mr Titi welcomed Nacho, the first coppery-titi monkey to be born at Marwell.

International Zebra Day: Guests enjoyed zebra-themed activities across the park to celebrate all things zebra! Did you know? Marwell is the only zoo in the UK to have all three species of zebra.

Our veterinary nurses shine nationally: Our amazing Registered Veterinary Nursing team, Wendy, George, and Lauren represented Marwell at the British Veterinary Zoological Society (BVZS) Conference. George delivered a talk on faecal egg counts and Lauren was elected to the BVZS Council, helping shape UK wildlife veterinary policy and provide support to professionals.

February

Detectives Sam and Chase were on the case: Thanks to families who visited over the February half term who completed the Creature Cases trail, we were able to complete the penguin mural at Penguin Cove.

Drone conservation fieldwork in Kazakhstan: Our overseas conservation team travelled to Altyn-Emel National Park in Kazakhstan, supporting a University of Southampton PhD student, Sarah Stevens who was conducting her first Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) trials for wildlife monitoring in the field.

Working alongside the Institute of Zoology, Kazakhstan and Wildlife Without Borders, Sarah and the team tracked goitered gazelle, kulan (Asiatic wild ass), Siberian ibex and snow leopards. Key aims included testing UAVs in harsh conditions – freezing temperatures, strong winds and mountainous landscapes.

March

Two new big cats: A beautiful female snow leopard, Zaya, and a magnificent male Amur tiger, Pasha, arrived in March. Their arrival, as part of the EAZA Ex-situ Programme, marks another important step in our commitment to global conservation efforts.

Afternoon Tea returns: Following a successful first year of afternoon teas in 2024, we-relaunched them just in time for Mother’s Day in the Grade I listed Marwell Hall. Looking for the perfect Valentine’s or Mother’s Day treat for 2026? Look no further! Stay tuned for more details soon.

New births across the park: Just in time for Mother’s Day, we celebrated a series of adorable new arrivals. Among the births was a banteng calf named Rhi, a sitatunga calf called Akina and two silver-eared mesia chicks.

A tiny snail, a huge win for conservation: A rare Polynesian tree snail is no longer extinct in the wild thanks to decades of collaborative conservation work. The Partula tohiveana snail has officially been downlisted on the IUCN Red List to Critically Endangered.

Native Species Zone – officially open: Our teams worked hard to transform the Native Species Zone area in just six months. The new area features Hampshire’s first white-clawed crayfish conservation breeding centre, a new habitat for endangered sand lizards and a native wildlife pond.

April

Critically Endangered tamarin twins born: Just in time for National Siblings Day, cotton-top tamarin parents Gurt and Mico welcomed twins, bringing the troop to seven.

Save our Stripes raises over £10,000: Thanks to the Big Give Green Match Fund, with your help we raised over £10,000 for Grevy’s zebra conservation in Kenya.

Around the World in 80 Species: Families enjoyed an adventure trail around the zoo, collecting rubbings and earning a limited-edition Explorer badge.

May

We’re officially excellent: We became one of the first zoos to be awarded the new BIAZA Accreditation, recognising world-class standards in animal care, conservation and education.

Love Your Zoo week: The whole Marwell team came together to celebrate everything that makes zoos special. The nationwide event led by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) shines a spotlight on the amazing things zoos do every day. Guests were treated to meeting our experts (we have lots of them!), animal feeds, daily craft sessions and more.

Art Exhibition: Hosted by the Marwell International Wildlife Art Society in the stunning Grade I listed Marwell Hall. The exhibition showcased more than 250 artworks by over 70 artists, celebrating the beauty and diversity of the animal kingdom.

The Keeper’s Kitchen opens: We opened the doors to our new public 100-seater café serving local treats with profits supporting our vital conservation work.

Hello Hanoi: We welcomed Hanoi the binturong, who joined Bellatrix as part of the EAZA Breeding Programme for this vulnerable species.

Danny Chambers MP visits for penguin health checks: Our Humboldt penguins took a break from Penguin Cove while our team undertook repairs of their pool. As a qualified vet, Danny Chambers MP lent a helping hand, checking over the colony before they returned to Penguin Cove. Be sure you check out our video with Liam Stafford from our maintenance team who explains everything the team did to update the habitat.

Millennium Seed Bank collaboration: Back in May we hosted the Millennium Seed Bank from Kew Gardens at Eelmoor Marsh, where seeds from native plant species were collected for long-term conservation in their global seed bank.

MSB collected seeds from three different species; creeping willow (Salix repens), bog myrtle (Myrica gale), and petty whin (Genista anglica). While creeping willow is fairly widespread, bog myrtle is more sparsely spread in the south of England, and petty whin is an uncommon species that has been undergoing declines in Hampshire in the last few years. So, it’s vital that we act to protect this species.

June

Summer Food Festival: After the success of our Winter Food Festival, we launched a Summer Food Festival. On Father’s Day, Marwell Hall Drive was jam packed with Hampshire Fare stalls filled with local goodies from delicious shortbread and honey to local wine and cheese. Mark your calendars because the Summer Food Festival will return for 2026.

Our inaugural Gala Dinner: Supporters came together for an evening of celebration and conservation and helped raised vital funds for Grevy’s zebra. Thanks to donations made on the night we were able to purchase a new jeep for our rangers in Kenya.

Rhino experiences launched: We launched the chance to get up-close to our rhino herd and head behind the scenes with expert keepers to learn fascinating facts about these gentle giants. 2026 animal experiences are on sale now!

Behind the scenes with Erin: Hoofstock Keeper Erin, took our social media followers behind the scenes to discover how our mountain bongo keepers care for the species.

July

Extinction: Guests travelled back in time and discovered lost species, crafted from over 2 million toy bricks!

VR Headset Experience: Our brand new immersive 360 safari launched in the Giraffe House, giving guests the opportunity to take an unforgettable journey into the animal kingdom.

Potoroo pair Neville and Truffle arrive: We welcomed Neville and Truffle, a new potoroo pair, to the zoo. The near-threatened marsupials from Australia settled into their new habitat near the Native Species Zone.

Summer Evenings success!: An exclusive after-hours zoo experience with an expert-led tour and a relaxed dinner as the sun set across the Valley Field. 2026 dates coming soon!

Marwell’s Wild Life podcast launched: We launched our brand-new podcast, hearing from the people who care for the animals you love! From re-introducing scimitar-horned oryx to protecting endangered snow leopards, discover how our teams make a difference here in the UK and across the globe. Season 2 coming soon!

New antelope arrival: Clifford, a male roan antelope has joined our two females, Swala and Daila as part of the EAZA Ex-situ breeding programme (EEP).

August

The first Scimitar-Horned Oryx Day: On 16 August 2025, we celebrated the first Scimitar-Horned Oryx Day, a new world awareness day voted for by you in a competition run by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) last year. Teams came together to celebrate throughout the park from giving keeper talks to awarding oryx badges. Learn more about Marwell’s long-term commitment to protecting scimitar-horned oryx with Sophie Whitemore, Zoologist and International Studbook Keeper for scimitar-horned oryx.

The oldest rhino in the UK turns 39: White rhino Kiri turned 39 – watch a video from our Hoofstock team who made a beautiful banner to celebrate.

Rare BIAZA Zoo and Aquarium Hero Award given to Dr Tania Gilbert: In recognition of her outstanding long-term conservation work, Dr Tania Gilbert, was awarded the hero award – only given to a handful of people. Her leadership has been instrumental in the global recovery of the scimitar-horned oryx, helping bring the species back from extinction in the wild.

September

The British Veterinary Association spend the day at Marwell: BVA spent the day with our Principal Zoo Veterinarian, Elysé Summerfield-Smith. From mystery skin conditions to advising on medications, no day is the same for a zoo vet! Watch the series on The British Veterinary Association’s social media channels now.

Management habitats built in Tunisia: Beyond the zoo, our teams took a trip to Sidi Toui, Tunisia to build two animal management areas for slender-horned gazelle, following the five that were built last year. We have also worked with the DGF in Tunisia to modify the animals’ spaces at El Gonna National Reserve, which also houses gazelles. This work ensures a healthy source population within the species’ native range, should future conservation translocations be required.

Top 10% worldwide: Marwell ranked in the top 10% of attractions globally on TripAdvisor, thanks to reviews from visitors.

Marwell 10k: A sold-out fundraising run supporting Save Our Stripes – some of the runners were even Marwell team members who went back to their day jobs as keepers, maintenance, guest experiences teams and more! Marwell 10k 2026 registration opening very soon…

Baby births: First-time mum Truffle and dad Neville, welcomed adorable new arrival who was later named Porcini by a public vote. The Energy for Life: Tropical House also welcomed a new addition with a crested wood partridge birth.

PAW Patrol back at the zoo: The iconic duo Chase and Skye made their way back to the zoo to deliver the best story times around.

Marwell Community Access Scheme: Everyone deserves to enjoy a wild day out connecting with nature, so since September we have been offering specially priced tickets for guests receiving Universal Credit and certain other benefits.

Antelope Specialist Conference: Marwell hosted the Antelope Specialist Conference, bringing together experts to share knowledge and strengthen collaborative conservation efforts for threatened antelope species worldwide.

We were also joined by Abdelaziz Ben Mohamed, one of Marwell’s Field Assistants in Tunisia, who visited the zoo to connect with teams and share insights from our overseas conservation work.

Wellbeing Week: The Zoo Social, HR team and CEO, Laura arranged a week of activities to support staff and volunteers’ physical, mental and financial wellbeing. From yoga and sound baths to a swapping boutique and Marwell’s pub quiz the activities gave teams the chance to pause, recharge and have fun together.

October

Members’ question time with Chief Executive, Laura Read: Want to take part in members only activities at the park throughout the year? Upgrade to Premium membership now!

Expedition Marwell: Our new immersive learning experience invites pupils from Pre-School to Year 6 to step into the footsteps of Marwell explorer Professor Seymour, discovering real conservation science and engaging with the zoo’s animals. Over 60 Expedition Marwell experiences have already been booked for 2026.

WILD Autumn: October half term welcomed a week full of free Halloween-themed adventures for guests to enjoy! WILD Autumn will return for 2026.

A special birthday celebration: We celebrated the 28th birthday of Tiki, the third-oldest African wild ass in the world.

Taking conservation to parliament: Our Chief Executive, Laura Read, and Head of Conservation Science, Dr Tania Gilbert, attended the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Zoos and Aquaria. Tania gave an inspiring presentation on the success of our conservation work in North Africa, which has played a vital role in saving the scimitar-horned oryx from extinction. We were proud to showcase how long-term commitment, collaboration and science-led approaches can secure brighter futures for wildlife, ecosystems and communities, and we thank BIAZA for the invitation to share our story.

World Okapi Day: We celebrated World Okapi Day by introducing our okapi herd – with a very special surprise revealed at the end… another baby! Watch the video.

Discover the secret lives of snakes: New research revealed that many snake species, including royal pythons, are social and curious animals. Using these insights, our Invertebrates and Lower Vertebrates Team created a dynamic, naturalistic habitat in Cold Blooded Corner, allowing our pythons to climb, explore and thrive.

International Snow Leopard Day: We shared important new research, co-authored by our Director of Conservation, Professor Philip Riordan, revealing how snow leopards navigate vast mountain landscapes in China and Kazakhstan. Working with partners including Wildlife Without Borders Kazakhstan and the Institute of Zoology Kazakhstan, the findings highlighted the importance of protected areas and “stepping stone” landscapes in connecting populations across borders.

Pumpkins for the animals: Animals across the park enjoyed pumpkin-based activities, from eating and climbing to sniffing and smashing – providing plenty of fun as they explored their autumnal treats.

Supporting sustainable travel: New bike racks were installed for visitors to use while they take a break at The Keeper’s Kitchen.

Children and Nature Project in Dghoumes Village: We continued our mission to connect children with nature through the Children and Nature Project in Dghoumes Village. In collaboration with the Ecole de la Nature de Branféré – Branféré Nature School (France), Réseau Enfants de la Terre – a non-governmental organisation (Tunisia) and the Direction Generale des Forets (Tunisia’s statutory body responsible for national parks and reserves), this project helps children in Tunisia experience and learn about the natural world. The project is generously funded by Fondation de France.

November

Firewalk for Wildlife: Supporters took on the ultimate challenge of walking across fire on the driveway of Grade I listed Marwell Hall Drive, raising vital funds for conservation.

Playground improvements: Our newly improved Wild Explorers play area gave young explorers even more space to climb, play and connect with nature.

Glow Marwell Live: The return of our winter lights trail transformed the zoo into a festive wonderland.

BIAZA Communications Conference: Head of Communications, Tara Baker and Zoologist, Sophie Whitemore represented Marwell, sharing best practice on communicating conservation impact after a year of conservation success stories!

New bike racks installed: Supporting sustainable travel for staff and visitors.

Antelope Specialist Group: As hosts for the programme office, we welcomed the chairs of the IUCN SSC Antelope Specialist Group for a strategic meeting to plan our activities for the next four years. A key focus for the first couple of years will be on updating IUCN Red List, and the recently launched IUCN Green Status of Species, assessments for all 150 antelope species and subspecies. The last time this was done was almost 10 years ago, so this will provide us with clarity not only around the current risk of extinction for antelope but also how much impact conservation work has had globally in stopping these species declining in the wild.

Proudly Published: Congratulations to Zoe Newnham, Senior Hoofstock Keeper on co-authoring and editing Zoo Animal Welfare, highlighting the science and dedication behind excellent animal care across the zoo and aquarium community.

December and beyond

Directors’ breakfast: Teams came together to enjoy a delicious breakfast cooked and prepared by our park directors – Philip, Paul, Sal,Will and CEO, Laura with help from our wonderful Catering team. A lovely way to start the day and share some festive spirit.

A warm welcome to Wednesday: Goeldi monkey Wednesday has joined male, Gurt as part of EAZA Ex-situ breeding programme. The pair are mixed with the coppery titi monkeys in Life Among the Trees. Wednesday is settling in well and very confident, so you may spot her on your next visit.

A huge thank you to our volunteers: This year, 78 volunteers dedicated an incredible 12,164 hours, supporting everything from photography to guest experiences.

Inspiring the next generation: Between January and December, we welcomed 31,478 schoolchildren from around 560 schools, alongside nearly 4,000 home educators who took part in talks, activities and workshops in our evolving classrooms.

Thank you for being part of Marwell Wildlife’s journey. We look forward to sharing even more success stories with you in 2026.