The UK’s current rates of consumption of the planets’ resources and production of waste, mean that the planet’s ability to replenish itself is exceeded by 25%. The WWF have calculated that if everyone lived as we do here in the UK, we would need, on average, 3 planets to survive.

Scientists overwhelmingly agree that human activity is causing unprecedented changes in average global temperatures and weather patterns. Not only is there an inextricable correlation between over...
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Many of the animals at WMSP need to be scientifically assessed, in terms of their activity. An extensive repertoire of behaviours needs to be categorised in the form of an ethogram for each species. This could be undertaken during initial stages of investigation, using ad libitum or instantaneous scan sampling techniques. Particular attention needs to be paid to the expression of normal behaviour, any possible stereotypic behaviour, any possible aggressive behaviour and social interactions with...
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Cortisol is a corticosteroid hormone found in blood, faeces, saliva and urine. It is produced by the adrenal cortex, following activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, in response to stress. Cortisol levels undergo diurnal variation and significant individual variation has also been observed, although a given individual does tend to have consistent rhythms. Individual recognition is therefore important, in order to obtain reliable baseline values for a given individual. Furthermore,...
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Due to the high level of care provided within captivity, animals spend much less time in pursuit of food, building nests/dens and defending territories etc. The high level of care may not address the physiological and psychological needs associated with these activities. The aim of environmental enrichment is to increase animal wellbeing through increasing exercise, satisfying behavioural needs and optimising levels of stimulation as well as reducing abnormal behaviours; environmental enrichment...
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Nutritional status plays an important role in the longevity and reproductive status of many species. Captive breeding programmes are becoming increasingly important for the survival of many species and in order to conserve viable, self sustaining wildlife populations, we must strive to provide nutritionally balanced diets that are consumed consistently and reasonably stimulate natural feeding behaviours. Diets must also be practical to feed. The animal diets at WMSP are due for review; animal...
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Five subspecies of Hippopotamus have been proposed based on morphological and geographical differences (Lydekker 1915). The existence of these putative subspecies has been tested by genetic analysis and in 2005 Okello et al published research which used mitochondrial DNA, taken from skin biopsies, from 13 sampling locations in Africa. They found low but significant differentiation among 3 of the 5 proposed subspecies. If these findings are accurate then common Hippos in Kenya and Somalia, Southern...
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West Midland Safari Park require a biodiversity audits(s) to be conducted on the existing native fauna and flora on the Safari Park's 200 acre site which includes a SSSI heath land restoration site within the Park's boundary, permanent grazing sites, woodland and lakes. Species need to be recorded not only in terms of their presence, but abundance also needs to be considered. Seasonality should be considered as an independent variable and therefore surveys should be conducted longitudinally...
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