THE operator of Marwell Zoo has been honoured by the Queen for its environmental work – including its efforts to reintroduce extinct species to the wild.

Marwell Wildlife, which owns the zoo near Winchester, will receive a Queen’s Award for Enterprise in the sustainable development category.

The award, announced on the monarch's 96th birthday, recognises its achievements in biodiversity conservation, education and sustainability.

It highlights Marwell’s success in reintroducing the extinct scimitar-horned oryx to its natural range in Tunisia, from captive-bred stock.

The award also recognises Marwell’s Energy for Life Tropical House, which processes zoo animal waste for conversion into heat to power buildings around the park.

The award citation reads: “Marwell reintroduces populations of species that have become locally or globally extinct in the wild, intervenes to improve the fortunes of plants and animals that are otherwise declining in nature and restores ecosystems.

“In Tunisia it worked with the authorities to successfully reintroduce the scimitar-horned oryx. There are now over 200 oryx living in four protected areas. The straw and dung heating plant installed in 2021 saves energy and disposal costs and is unique in the UK.

“Marwell Wildlife is awarded the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development because it shows clear leadership in the sector and for its sustainability culture which runs through the organisation.”

Marwell’s director of conservation, Dr Tim Woodfine, said: “We see this award as recognition of everything that has been achieved by our conservation charity, including outcomes that are of global significance or unique for our sector.

“In practice, we take action to improve the fortunes of plants and animals that are otherwise declining in nature, undertake work to restore healthy ecosystems, promote sustainable living and work with individuals, communities and governments to bring about positive changes for society and the natural world.

“We can’t do all this alone; conservation is all about collaboration and working together to bring about a better environment. We’re fortunate to have a long list of valued partners in the UK and internationally who share in our successes.”

Marwell Wildlife’s head of sustainability, Dr Duncan East, said: “We started measuring our carbon footprint in 2008 and have succeeded in reducing emissions by 77 per cent through genuine improvements in our operations and renewable energy generation rather than relying on offsetting.

“With new initiatives in the pipeline, we expect to achieve our zero-carbon goal in the coming months.”