Love Your Zoo and Aquarium Week Celebrates Conservation from 25 to 29 May 2026

From 25 to 29 May 2026, zoos and aquariums across the UK will mark the annual celebration of Love Your Zoo/Aquarium week. This special event, organised by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA), aims to shine a light on the important work done by these institutions, including our very own The Deep in Hull. The public is encouraged to support their local zoo or aquarium during this week of festivities.

Celebrating Conservation and Community

Love Your Zoo and Love Your Aquarium week is a time to recognise the dedication of zoos and aquariums in conservation, education, and research. BIAZA members, such as The Deep, play a crucial role in protecting wildlife and educating people about nature. Last year, BIAZA institutions welcomed an impressive 31.4 million visitors, demonstrating the public's interest in wildlife and conservation efforts. Here are some notable achievements from BIAZA zoos and aquariums in the past year:

• Conducted 745,000 formal education visits, along with countless educational outings.

• Launched 1,048 conservation projects, which include efforts to save Britain's glutinous snail and reduce conflicts between elephants and humans worldwide.

• Invested £34.2 million in conservation initiatives.

• Executed 1,670 research projects to further understanding of wildlife.

• Provided employment for over 7,000 people.

These figures highlight just how vital these institutions are, not only for wildlife but also for local communities and the economy.

Inspiring Words from Leaders

Dr Jo Judge, the CEO of BIAZA, emphasised the significance of this week:

“Protecting, restoring and connecting our natural world is at the heart of what good zoos and aquariums do. We hope everyone will come together, enjoy a fantastic day out with family, and understand a bit more about how zoos and aquariums are working to create a brighter future for both people and nature.”

This sentiment resonates deeply with many who visit The Deep, as the aquarium strives to connect people with marine life and promote conservation.

Remarkable Projects and Success Stories

Zoos and aquariums are not just places to see animals; they are actively involved in important projects that help protect endangered species and restore ecosystems. Here are some recent success stories from the sector:

• The Mountain Bongo, a critically endangered African antelope, is being reintroduced to the wild thanks to a coordinated effort by Chester Zoo over the past eleven years.

• Trentham Monkey Forest achieved a milestone by fully mapping the genome of the endangered Barbary macaque, which is a first in the world.

• The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland released 4,000 dark bordered beauty moth eggs into Cairngorms National Park to establish a new population of this endangered species.

• In Yorkshire, 182 threatened white clawed crayfish were released from a hatchery at Flamingo Land Resort to help boost their numbers.

• Galway Atlantaquaria’s Explore Your Shore initiative connects local citizens to the ocean, promoting shoreline protection through citizen science.

These projects illustrate the innovative approaches that zoos and aquariums take to ensure the survival of various species and ecosystems.

The Role of The Deep

Rob Bullock, Head of Conservation at The Deep, highlighted the importance of community involvement in conservation efforts. He stated, “In the UK, we are fortunate to have incredibly engaged and proactive communities who champion the work of The Deep and other BIAZA institutions across the country. This week's event is a celebration of those remarkable communities. Their passion, commitment, and collective energy are the driving force behind the conservation achievements we have all been able to realise.” The Deep not only serves as a fun destination for families but also plays a critical role in conservation and education. Visitors can learn about marine life, participate in educational programs, and contribute to conservation efforts simply by visiting.

Join the Celebration

During Love Your Zoo/Aquarium week, everyone is invited to join the celebrations at The Deep. By visiting and sharing experiences on social media using the hashtags #LoveYourZoo or #LoveYourAquarium, individuals can help spread awareness and support for these vital institutions. The continued success of zoos and aquariums relies heavily on the support of the public. By engaging with these facilities, visitors not only enjoy a day out but also contribute to the important conservation work being done for wildlife and nature.: