Snails bred in Edinburgh Zoo sent to re

In the early 1990s, a small group of partula snails was rescued from extinction by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland and the Zoological Society of London. This initiative was part of a broader international conservation effort involving 15 zoos that aimed to preserve various species and sub-species of these rare snails, most of which were classified as extinct in the wild. The breeding program at Edinburgh Zoo has been ongoing for many years, resulting in a significant population of these snails. Recently, thousands of these bred snails are set to be released in French Polynesia, marking a crucial step in restoring their wild population. Prior to their release, the snails were marked with yellow reflective paint to aid conservationists in identifying them during nighttime activities. This method ensures that the snails can be monitored effectively in their natural habitat. In 2023, over 5,000 partula snails were released, which is believed to be the largest reintroduction of its kind in history. This successful reintroduction is seen as a significant boost for the species, demonstrating the effectiveness of conservation efforts led by zoos. Jo Elliot, a curator at the Royal Zoological Society, expressed excitement about sending the snails back to their native habitat, highlighting the importance of the work done by teams at Edinburgh Zoo and their partners. This initiative not only showcases a remarkable conservation success story but also emphasizes the vital role that zoos play in species recovery efforts.