Marwell Zoo launches appeal for crayfish breeding centre

A zoo has launched an appeal to raise thousands of pounds to help save an endangered species.

Marwell Zoo, near Winchester, needs around £20,000 to open a white-clawed lobster breeding centre.

The crustacean, native to Britain, had suffered a decline since the 1970s due to habitat loss, pollution, disease and invasive species, the zoo said.

The crayfish would be farmed on site and released into nearby chalk streams.

Marwell Zoo has two chalk streams nearby: the River Itchen and the River Test.

The zoo said the species was important to the local ecosystem and acted as an important ‘clean-up crew’ and food source for animals including swans and otters that build their homes in the waterways.

Will Justice, director of animal care, said that although the zoo was best known for its more exotic animals, the team had been working to restore Hampshire’s wildlife for more than 30 years.

“White-clawed crayfish are a very important British species,” he said.

“Our project is an opportunity for us to leverage the expertise and skills we have here at Marwell, both in animal management, welfare and husbandry, but also in conservation, education and impact.”

Donations received between April 18 and 25 will be matched by Big Give’s Green Match Fund.

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