Chester Zoo Earns Historic International Botanic Garden Recognition
Chester Zoo has made history by becoming the first zoo in the United Kingdom to receive official accreditation as an internationally significant botanic garden. This prestigious recognition comes from Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI), a global organisation dedicated to plant conservation, making Chester Zoo only the second zoo in Europe to achieve this esteemed status.
A Watershed Moment for Plant Conservation
Botany and horticulture experts at the zoo have hailed this accreditation as a pivotal moment for its plant conservation initiatives. It underscores the vital role that zoos can play in both national and international efforts to safeguard threatened plant species from extinction.
Philip Esseen, head of plants at Chester Zoo, emphasised the importance of this achievement: "This recognition demonstrates that our plant work holds genuine conservation value. We are responsible for caring for species on the brink of extinction in the wild, which entails protecting them, propagating them, and sharing our expertise broadly. The accreditation will enable us to collaborate more effectively with other horticultural and conservation organisations, expanding our conservation impact, particularly for native species."
Extensive Plant Collections and Conservation Efforts
Chester Zoo is home to hundreds of plant species, including both UK native flora and exotic varieties, many of which are rarely cultivated elsewhere. In addition to the gardens accessible to visitors, the zoo maintains thousands of plants behind the scenes for conservation and research purposes. These include five National Plant Collections, part of a UK-wide initiative to preserve important cultivated plants from being lost entirely.
The collections are meticulously documented and maintained to ensure the long-term survival of multiple species. BGCI accreditors evaluated the zoo across 22 criteria, covering areas such as education, sustainability, interpretation, research, communication, and the overall conservation value of its plant work.
Protecting Rare and Endangered Species
Richard Hewitt, team manager for Chester Zoo’s plant nursery, highlighted some of the unique challenges: "In certain cases, we are caring for plants that barely exist anywhere else. For instance, we have three species from an island in the Madeiran archipelago that have nearly vanished from botanical gardens. The Madeiran government has entrusted us with seeds to help prevent their extinction."
One of these species is teetering on the edge of extinction in the wild due to habitat destruction. It is believed to be pollinated by lizards in its natural environment and has never successfully produced seed outside of it. The zoo's team is attempting to replicate the conditions of a wild Atlantic cliff to encourage flowering and seed production, a critical step for its conservation.
The plant team is also actively involved in propagating and replanting threatened UK species, such as the black poplar, which is considered the most endangered native timber tree in Britain.
Enhancing Visitor Wellbeing Through Gardens
While animals remain a primary attraction for many visitors, the zoo's planting plays a crucial role in shaping the overall experience and supporting visitor wellbeing. As part of a broader wellbeing campaign, Chester Zoo encourages people to spend more time exploring its gardens and green spaces. This includes the Plant Project, an indoor habitat featuring cacti, orchids, and pitcher plants, many of which are highly endangered in the wild.
Mr. Esseen explained the benefits of thoughtful planting: "We can host over 10,000 people daily, and the gardens provide spaces for pause, rest, and reflection. They are essential not only for visitors but also for staff. Unlike animals, plants allow people to engage closely—touching, smelling, and listening to them in the wind. We select species that engage all the senses and change with the seasons, making each visit unique. It's worth slowing down to explore."
Leading by Example in Conservation
Botanic Gardens Conservation International (BGCI) accredits botanic gardens that meet the highest international standards. Chester Zoo's significant contributions to plant conservation have earned it Conservation Practitioner status, one of only two zoos in Europe to do so.
Patricia Malcolm, head of membership and conservation services at BGCI, commented: "Our accreditation scheme aims to motivate and empower gardens of all sizes to enhance their plant conservation efforts and impact on visitors. It's fantastic to see Chester Zoo leading by example and using the accreditation framework to elevate its plant conservation work within the zoo."
