Protecting natural habitats is one of the most effective ways of conserving a whole range of animals and plants that live there. The Zoo’s parent body the Whitley Wildlife Conservation Trust (WWCT) owns three nature reserves in Devon: Clennon Gorge and Primley Park in Paignton and Slapton Ley National Nature Reserve near Dartmouth. These sites are all managed as conservation areas for the protection of many rare and threatened species and habitats. The Field Conservation and Research Department works closely with the wardens of these reserves to conduct research aimed at informing their management plans and promoting biodiversity.
