From new life at our zoos to conservation action across the UK and around the world, 2025 was a year defined by progress, collaboration and care for wildlife.
The video below brings together twelve moments from across the year, reflecting the breadth of ZSL’s work: from species recovery and scientific research to habitat restoration and education. Below, we take a closer look at each of those moments and the impact behind them.
January: A Strong Start for Our Pride
We started the year strong with the arrival of Waka’s second litter of lion cubs at Whipsnade Zoo. The birth of the cubs marked an important moment for the species, with Whipsnade playing a key role in the coordinated breeding of African lions under international conservation programmes.
February: New Life for Darwin’s Frogs
In February, we celebrated a major milestone for one of the world’s rarest amphibians: the birth of 33 endangered Darwin’s froglets at London Zoo. These froglets were born following an earlier rescue effort to protect the species from a deadly fungal disease in the wild. Their arrival demonstrated how carefully managed conservation breeding can help prevent extinction.
March: A Milestone for the Partula Snail
Decades of conservation work culminated in a major success when the Partula snail was downlisted by the IUCN Red List, moving from Extinct in the Wild to Critically Endangered. Reintroductions to the species’ native habitat, supported by ZSL and partners, have helped rebuild wild populations and bring this tiny snail back from the brink.
April: Safeguarding the Boxer Pupfish
In April, our aquarists launched a new global conservation project to help save the Boxer pupfish, a species found only in a single spring system in northern Mexico. A ZSL team travelled to the region to assess the species’ status in the wild and work with local partners to guide its future conservation. With the pupfish now extinct in the wild, this work underpins a coordinated international effort to safeguard the species through carefully managed zoo populations and long-term recovery planning.
May: Dormice Given the Green Light for Release
This year marked a milestone for ZSL’s role in hazel dormouse recovery. Three dormice bred at Whipsnade Zoo, under the Common Dormouse Captive Breeders Group, were given the green light by our veterinary team ahead of their release into the wild. Following health checks, weight monitoring and behavioural assessments, the dormice were cleared to join a reintroduction programme aimed at restoring this declining native species across the UK.
June: Welcoming an Endangered Camel Calf
In June, Whipsnade Zoo welcomed the birth of an endangered Bactrian camel calf. Each birth plays an important role in maintaining a healthy, genetically diverse population of this remarkable desert species, which faces ongoing threats in the wild.
July: Working with Farmers to Protect Wildlife
In July, we joined forces with farmers to support a farmer-led badger vaccination project designed to reduce the spread of bovine TB while protecting wildlife. Working alongside vets and local partners, the project uses vaccination as a non-lethal approach to disease control, demonstrating how collaboration can deliver solutions that benefit both livestock and wildlife.
August: CT Scan Day — Advanced Care Behind the Scenes
August offered a glimpse behind the scenes at London Zoo during a major CT Scan Day. Using advanced imaging technology, our veterinary team carried out detailed scans on a range of species, including sloths, monkeys and King Kiburi, London Zoo’s largest primate. These scans provide vital insight into anatomy and health, supporting accurate diagnoses and tailored treatment plans as part of our commitment to the highest standards of animal welfare.
September: ZooTown Opens at London Zoo
ZooTown officially opened to the public in September, offering a new way for young visitors to engage with conservation through play. Designed as an immersive role-play experience, ZooTown allows children to step into the roles of keepers, vets, conservationists and researchers, helping to build understanding and empathy for wildlife from an early age.
October: Oyster Reef Cubes Deployed in the North East
In October, ZSL’s marine conservation team, working in partnership with Groundwork NE & Cumbria, deployed wild oyster reef cubes off the North East coast of England. These structures provide a hard surface for oysters to settle and grow, supporting the recovery of a species once abundant in UK waters. As oyster populations return, the reefs help improve water quality, increase biodiversity and strengthen coastal ecosystems.
November: Capybaras Settle into Their New Home
November saw our capybaras move into a purpose-built new enclosure at London Zoo. Designed with animal welfare at its heart, the new habitat provides more space and environmental enrichment, while offering visitors a closer connection to these highly social animals.
December: Science at Sea in Mauritius
We closed the year with a major marine expedition to Mauritius and the remote St Brandon archipelago. ZSL scientists began the first comprehensive study of plastic pollution in the region, investigating its impact on wildlife while raising awareness of the threats facing this little-known but ecologically important archipelago.
Looking Ahead
Every moment in 2025 was made possible by the dedication of our teams and the continued support of our community. As we look ahead to 2026 — ZSL’s bicentenary year — we’re preparing to celebrate 200 years of science, conservation and care for wildlife, while looking firmly to the future. With ambitious projects, new milestones and even more opportunities to make a difference, the year ahead promises to be an exciting one for wildlife and for everyone who supports our work.
Thank you for being part of the journey, past, present and future.