Not only do we protect animals from extinction, our Horticulture and Botany team also work hard to save endangered plant species too.
Chester Zoo is home to five National Plant Collections – including the nepenthes collection. This species of plant, also known as a tropical pitcher plant or monkey cup, can be found across South East Asia and has a special diet for a plant…they’re flesh eaters!
People used to think that they only ate insects, but if you were to look inside a plant in the wild you might see a frog, rodent or lizard!
ON THE EDGE OF EXTINCTION
We’re home to one of the largest collections of carnivorous plants ever seen in the UK, with over 2000 plants. Many of the 160 known species of nepenthes known to science are already on the very edge of extinction. That’s why our horticultural team is committed to protecting the future of these incredible and varied species.
We have around 130 species at the zoo and the skills and expertise of our staff is vital in ensuring these incredible plants thrive. They’re kept in special conditions to replicate the hot and humid environment of the rainforests of South East Asia – where temperatures can exceed 40°C.
Our nepenthes are among one of the best collections of carnivorous plants you’ll find anywhere in the UK.