Whipsnade's corncrake re-introduction programme scoops top award
Friday 19 November 2004
Whipsnade Wild Amimal Park's corncrake re-introduction programme has been awarded a prestigious conservation award at The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (formerly The Zoo Federation) Awards
At the recent prestigious awards ceremony attended by Elliot Morley MP, Minister for Environment, the pioneering work that has led to the successful reintroduction of this IUCN World Conservation Union red list species was recognised.
Chris West, Zoological Director comments, "Throughout the Corncrake reintroduction programme the dedication of those involved has been unparalleled. This award is a credit to everyone involved, and should be seen to further highlight the Corncrakes plight and the conservation effort that is needed in order they and many other species are conserved for future generations".
Rarely seen in the wild the corncrake was a once familiar farmland bird across most of Britain and Ireland, however due to changes in agricultural techniques their numbers fell dramatically. The corncrake re-introduction programme was established in 2002 and has led to the successful release of a number of hand-reared birds into the Nene washes. More recently the corncrakes IUCN conservation status was downgraded, this was largely due to dedicated conservation effort and increased knowledge of the requirements.
The future for the corncrake is looking much brighter, keep you eyes open on your next trip to Whipsnade and you may spot one of Britain's rarest birds.
