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Chester Zoo unveils ‘Conservation Masterplan’ to prevent wildlife extinction
Chester Zoo has unveiled a 10-year ‘Conservation Masterplan‘ to prevent wildlife extinction – with experts admitting “we cannot go on losing species at the rate we are.”
The wildlife centre’s new strategy has been designed to reverse damage exacerbated by the pandemic – with COVID-19 interrupting conservation efforts at zoos around the world.
Chester Zoo’s own future hung in the balance last summer – with owners forced to launch a public appeal for help (raising millions in the process).
But despite a difficult year, the wildlife centre has proceeded to launch a huge conservation plan in an attempt to halt or even reverse the decline of threatened populations.
Dr Simon Dowell, Science Director at Chester Zoo, said the facility had published a “statement of intent” to deliver real conservation impact up to 2031.
“Enough is enough; we cannot go on losing species at the rate we are,” he revealed.
“This 10-year plan will take us up to the zoo’s 100-year anniversary when we’ll be able to look back and clearly see the results of our mission to protect the natural world.”
As reported by Granada, Chester Zoo’s Masterplan includes:
- Ensuring future conservation for 150 species
- Stopping decline of 200 highly-threatened plants/animals
- Improving landscapes for wildlife totalling 250,000 hectares
- Training 5,000 conservationists
- Empowering 10 million people to live more sustainably
Chester Zoo will draw on decades’ worth of experience and expertise to implement the strategy.
CEO Jamie Christon said that things had “reached a tipping point” due to the “terrible damage” done by humankind over the years, but that hope was not lost yet.
Mr Christon vowed that Chester Zoo would “refuse to relent” in its efforts to prevent extinction, with the new strategy designed to improve the outlook for wildlife and conservation in the UK.
“This Conservation Masterplan is the zoo’s most ambitious programme to date and it will make a real difference to our planet while inspiring others to live better to the benefit of wildlife,” he added.
“Together, we can prevent extinction.”
News
Manchester-born Lord of the Rings and Titanic actor Bernard Hill dies aged 79
Danny Jones
Manchester actor, best known for roles in Lord of the Rings, Titanic, Shirley Valentine and more, has sadly died at the age of 79.
Born in Blackley near the River Irk, historically part of Lancashire, the familiar British face who often popped up in Hollywood too famously played Théoden, the King of Rohan, in the original trilogy of fantasy films as well as Captain Edward Smith in Titanic.
His death was announced by his agent Lou Coulson via the BBC, who confirmed that he passed away in the early hours of Sunday morning.
A statement from his family is expected soon and tributes are already pouring in online.
Hill studied at what is now the Manchester School of Theatre, formerly known as the Polytechnic School of Theatre and also went on to appear in the much-loved BBC drama by Alan Bleasdale, Boys from the Blackstuff, back in 1982.
Playing the character of Yosser Hughes – best-known for the line “gizza a job” – the show went on to be awarded a BAFTA for best drama series in 1983 and was ranked as the seventh best TV show ever made on a 2000 round-up by the British Film Institute
He was also due for a big return to TV screens in series two of another BBC hit, The Responder starring Martin Freeman, which begins airing at 9pm this Sunday.
Rest in peace.
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Featured Image — Wikimedia Commons
News
Stuart Everett – family of man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale pay tribute to ‘endearing character’
Daisy Jackson
The family of the man whose torso was found in Kersal Dale in Salford have paid tribute to him after his ‘untimely death’.
After the torso of Stuart Everett was discovered on 4 April, further parts of his body were found in four different areas of the city.
GMP launched an extensive murder inquiry and a huge search effort to correctly identify Stuart and notify his family of his death.
It’s thought the 67-year-old died at an address in Winton at the end of March.
His family have now issued a tribute to his ‘endearing character’ and thanked the public for their messages of support.
In a statement issued through GMP, they said: “We as a family are united in our grief over the devastating news of Stuart’s untimely death and the manner in which he died.
“He was a unique and endearing character who always put his family and many friends first.
“He loved his food his garden his music and a flutter on the horses, we have been overwhelmed with the messages of support and are thankful that so many people thought so much of him.
“He did not deserve to die the way he did and will be eternally missed. R.I.P.”
Two men have been charged with the murder of Stuart Everett.
The searches across Salford at sites at Blackleach Reservoir, Linneyshaw Colliery Wood, Bridgewater Canal, and a house in the Winton area of the city, as well as a warehouse in Bury, are continuing.
GMP is continuing to receive details from the public that may assist these searches. Any further information should be given by calling 101 and quoting log number 2695 of 4 April 2024.
If you would like to remain anonymous, details can be shared via the independent charity Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111.
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