10 threatened species to see on a visit to Banham Zoo
Tigers playing at Banham Zoo. Picture: Sonya Duncan - Credit: Sonya Duncan
This year Banham Zoo is celebrating its 50th year. The popular tourist attraction is known for its conservation work, here are 10 threatened species you can see during your visit.
An Amur tiger watching visitors at Banham Zoo. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2018
• Amur (Siberian) tigers
The endangered species is the largest of all the big cats. It is believed there are only 250 adults in the wild.
• Grevy's zebras
Grevy's Zebra at Banham Zoo. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2016
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An endangered species, threats to the zebras include loss of habitat, hunting and diseases such as anthrax.
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• Red Pandas
A close relative of the racoon, they are excellent climbers. It is though their population has decreased by 50pc in less than 20 years.
Red panda cub at Banham Zoo. Picture: Banham Zoo. - Credit: Archant
• Snow leopards
These beautiful creatures are found in the high mountains of central Asia and the Himalayas and are a vulnerable species.
Snow Leopard patrols around the enclosure at Banham Zoo. Picture: Simon Parker - Credit: Archant
• Ring-tailed lemurs
A popular species at the zoo, they are threatened in the wild by deforestation due to charcoal production and burning for pasture.
Ring-tailed Lemurs. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: Copyright: Archant 2018
MORE - Banham Zoo marks its 50th anniversary
• Snowy owl
The Snowy owl. Picture: Jerry Daws - Credit: ©Archant Photographic 2010
Found in the barren Arctic regions, it is a vulnerable species. It is thought climate change is affecting the availability of its prey.
• Giraffes
There is only one species of giraffe, but many subspecies. The wild population has dropped by 40pc in 30 years.
A baby giraffe at Banham Zoo. Picture: Sonya Duncan - Credit: Eastern Daily Press © 2009
• Siamangs
The largest species of the gibbon family. Decreasing in the wild due to hunting and the destruction of their rainforest habitat.
A baby Siamang Gibbon baby with its mum at Banham Zoo. Picture: Denise Bradley - Credit: ©Archant Photographic 2009
• Red ruffed lemurs
They are facing extinction in the wild due to the destruction of their forest habitat for agriculture and timber.
• Sri Lankan leopards
A red ruffed Lemur. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY - Credit: copyright: Archant 2014
Native to the island of Sri Lanka, they are found in a range of habitats. The estimated population is just 800.
Sri Lankan leopard roams its enclosure at Banham Zoo. Picture: Sonya Duncan - Credit: Sonya Duncan
