Strictly Winner Hamza Yassin to star at Chester Zoo's Wild Science Safari

Strictly winner and children’s TV presenter Hamza Yassin joins Chester Zoo's Wild Science Safari on 21 February.

Running from 18 February to 3 March, Chester Zoo’s Wild Science Safari invites visitors to explore five locations throughout the zoo and learn about the incredible science-based skills that help conservationists prevent the extinction of so many vulnerable species around the globe.

During the wildlife cameraman’s talk ‘My life behind the lens’ on 21 February, Hamza will share photographs from his adventures across the world for guests at the charity zoo’s event.

Nicola Buckley, Conservation Education & Engagement Manager at Chester Zoo, said:

“We’re unbelievably excited to welcome Hamza to Chester Zoo for this family-friendly event over February half term. Hamza has had an incredible journey as a zoologist and wildlife cameraman, so shining a spotlight on his contribution towards connecting people and wildlife is something not to be missed!

“Before his rise to stardom as a Strictly Come Dancing winner, he was most well known as Ranger Hamza on CBeebies, and presenting wildlife shows such as Animal Park and Countryfile. We hope that his appearance at Chester Zoo will appeal to budding conservationists, eager to learn more about the natural world.   

“Separately, the trail across five ‘wonder labs’ around the zoo tells the story of how animals like Asian elephants, Javan green magpies, giant anteaters and sun bears have science at the heart of preventing their extinction, right here at the zoo.

“We hope families come along and are inspired by Hamza’s story and the role science plays in our conservation work globally.”

Admission to this event is free with when buying a zoo ticket and visitors do not need to pre-book this event. More information will be released on Chester Zoo’s website over the coming weeks:

www.chesterzoo.org

• Chester Zoo (www.chesterzoo.org) is a world-leading conservation and education charity that’s committed to preventing extinction and dedicated to raising awareness of key conservation and environmental challenges
• The zoo’s 128-acre site in Chester, which is home to more than 27,000 animals and more than 500 species, is where this species-saving work is made possible
• As a not-for-profit, the zoo ploughs everything into its conservation mission, both here in the UK and around the world
• It works with more than 3,000 species globally, including 140 international animal conservation breeding programmes, which are ensuring the survival of species on the very brink of extinction. It’s also home to five national plant collections, comprising of more than 1,000 species
• Experts from the zoo are recognised by governments and NGOs across the world as leaders within the global conservation community. Currently, the zoo is saving species on behalf of the Bermudan, Spanish and Portuguese governments, among others
• The zoo works with over 100 partners in more than 20 countries to recover threatened wildlife and restore habitats, including orangutans in Bornean rainforests, elephants and tigers in Indian grasslands, lemurs and frogs in Malagasy forests, rare fish in Mexican lakes and a host of species here in the UK
• The zoo influences policy both in the UK and internationally, forcing governments worldwide to take action to halt the biodiversity crisis
• It’s millions of annual visitors and huge online communities are part of the educational, scientific and conservation jigsaw, empowering them to be part of solutions for wildlife, creating a future where nature can survive and thrive
• Chester Zoo lives and breathes conservation – from its animal and plant care, to its scientific breakthroughs, to its policy work and its vital role in inspiring and educating people about the natural world and the impact humans have on it – creating and nurturing the conservationist in us all.

Pictured - Strictly Winner Hamza Yassin.