The UK and Ireland division of Wienerberger recently pledged its support to Chester Zoo. The Austrian constructions solutions company is donating its products to the conservationist’s onsite building projects while funding a long-term programme to aid species native to the UK.
This is not the first time Wienerberger has answered Chester Zoo’s call for assistance. In 2024, the company helped the zoo construct its impressive snow leopard habitat. Wienerberger donated hundreds of tonnes worth of blue sandstone to create the Himalayan-inspired enclosure for the rare big cats, Yashin and Nubra. Last year, the two snow leopards became proud parents to a cub that the zoo named Bheri.
Last year, the Austrian infrastructure expert supported Chester’s record-breaking “Heart of Africa Zone”. It supplied tonnes of yellow sandstone that was installed in visitor areas. The zone has made headlines for being the UK’s largest zoo development to date. Wienerberger also contributed roosting and nesting boxes for birds and bats that were set up around the zoo’s 52-hectare grounds for shelter.
The recent agreement formalises the partnership between the company and the conservation charity. Wienerberger will support the zoo with £50,000 over a five-year term, funding its new programme to conserve invertebrate species in the UK.
Invertebrates are critical for nutrient cycling, pollination, and maintaining the resilience of ecosystems that help support both natural and built landscapes. They are under increasing threat in Britain due to loss of habitat and climate change.
These creatures make up around 75% of described species and include gastropods, worms, insects and spiders.