Wild Discovery is a small zoo located in Ribby Hall Village, which provides people with the opportunity to learn more about the animal kingdom through interactive and educational activities.

Over the last three years the zoo has grown seeing the introduction of many new animals from all around the world, some of which are very important to the survival of their wild counterparts.

One of the species that Wild Discovery hold and breed through their conservation work is the Partula snail.

Over 40 years ago the Partula wild population was threatened by an invasive species, the Rosey wolf snail. This snail is a carnivorous species that preyed upon the Partula, which eventually drove them to wild extinction in their native lands, the French Polynesia islands.

Since then, captive populations were secured, and breeding began as a preservation mission across the globe. Meanwhile the eradication mission of the Rosey wolf snail began.

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The facility breeding at the zoo – also known as ex-situ conservation breeding – helps with the survival of the Partula.

The islands are now almost free of the Rosey wolf snail. During 2022, if Covid restrictions permit, the zoo plans to start returning the snails back to their native lands.

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What do you think of Wild Discovery’s work to save the Partula? Let us know in the comments below.