BIAZA Newsletter | Winter 2017 | Issue 13

Keeping you up to date with all the latest news

Creative community engagement at Brent Lodge Over the summer eight young people spent four weeks giving Brent Lodge a makeover with a difference, in the form of a mural. The creative artwork was part of Ealing Youth Justice Service (YJS) summer arts programme, and according to the assessor it was the most inspirational project they had been involved with. The mural is not the first time the West London animal centre has collaborated with Ealing’s YJS. Previous projects have involved enclosure builds and heavier manual work. “We were keen to undertake more creative projects after a number of pieces by the street artist ATM around the zoo had attracted a lot of attention,” explains Jim Gregory, Brent Lodge’s Manager. “We were also keen for the young people to come up with a message about conservation that resonated with them and would influence visitors to the zoo.”

New education building at Beale Park

“ We were keen for young people to come up with a message about conservation” JimGregory Brent Lodge Manager

Photo: Beale Park Photo: Shaldon Wildlife Trust

Beale Park in Berkshire has opened a brand new education building and wildlife area, thanks to a pledge of £170,000 from Thames Water. Park staff, along with external companies, volunteer groups, sponsors and supporters have all worked hard over the last 16 months to bring the project to completion. The purpose-built education centre, pond dipping stations and wildlife boardwalk were officially opened in October 2016. Taking it SLOW at Shaldon The October half term saw one of BIAZA’s smallest members highlight to its visitors one of its ‘slowest’ residents, namely the slow loris. Shaldon Wildlife Trust regularly participates in the Little Fireface Project’s Slow Loris Outreach Week (SLOW) and this year was no exception, with the Devon-based zoo holding a number of activities to raise awareness and funds for this enigmatic and endangered primate.

Photo: Chessington Zoo

Photo: Brent Lodge

Photo: Brent Lodge

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