Eight chicks belonging to a dove species that has been extinct in the wild for decades have successfully hatched at Chester Zoo – boosting survival hopes for the incredibly rare birds. Today, all remaining Socorro doves are cared for in zoo conservation-breeding programmes across Europe and North America, which are working to pull the species back from the brink.

A rare snow leopard cub, the first to be born at Chester Zoo in its 94-year history, has taken her first steps outside, as keepers reveal her name following thousands of public suggestions. Born to first-time parents Nubra and Yashin, the 10-week-old cub has spent her early weeks snuggled away in a secluded den with mum.

Plans are well underway for the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust’s Yorkshire Churches Day.

Butterfly experts have been sharing their excitement after a species from southern Europe was confirmed to have been seen in the UK for the first time. Two sightings of the Southern Small White have now been verified - one in Suffolk and one in County Durham. It comes after the UK recorded its warmest and sunniest-ever spring, which has prompted a flurry of unusual butterfly and moth activity.

The Yorkshire Agricultural Society proudly announced the winners of the 2025 Tye Trophy Competition, at an esteemed event that highlights farms in the North of England and recognises their contributions to conservation and environmental improvements. The winners were revealed at the Great Yorkshire Show on 9th July.

The birth of an okapi has been caught on CCTV cameras at Chester Zoo. The precious calf was born in the early hours on 6 May to mum Ada, and dad Stomp, following a 14-month pregnancy.

A scenic woodland trail has been given a fresh creative update, with local schoolchildren once again adding their artistic flair as part of a continuing community project.

The Wildlife Trusts and RHS are encouraging everyone to be a hoverfly hero by showcasing a hoverfly-friendly garden at the upcoming RHS Flower Show Wentworth Woodhouse. Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust, and designer Sam Galloway have joined forces to create an RHS-supported wildlife garden specifically designed to encourage the declining species.

Key decisions this week on two of the most important blueprints for the future of the Yorkshire Dales National Park.

Four Maccoa ducklings, one of Africa’s rarest duck species, have hatched at Chester Zoo for the very first time. The ducklings mark the zoo’s first ever successful breeding of the endangered African birds and comes as part of the zoo’s growing efforts to help safeguard the continent’s most threatened species.

Yorkshire Water reservoir stocks dropped 0.51% over the last week to 62.3% and the utility is reminding customers to continue saving water where possible, as the Environment Agency declared the region in drought today (Thursday 12 June). According to the Met Office, spring 2025 was also Yorkshire’s warmest spring for mean temperature since records began in 1884.

Chester Zoo has unveiled a striking new sculpture - the Celebration Tree - created by internationally renowned artist Emma Rodgers. Standing at 20-ft-tall (six metres), conservationists say the tree will celebrate life’s most meaningful moments while also raising vital funds for the zoo’s vital efforts to protect UK wildlife.