Wednesday 11th June at 19:30

Our last talks for the 2024-25 season cover two topical subjects – the management and welfare of wild animals in captivity, and the migration of micro-plastics through the marine food chain, and potentially into humans. These challenging subjects have been taken on by students from Blackpool and Fylde College, so I hope you will be able to join us in supporting them at this early stage in their research careers!

Above: Alex Carter recording penguin behaviour at Blackpool zoo.

Unveiling the invisible threat within the food chain by Heather Race

The aim of this research is to discover the extent of microplastic contamination in fish intended for human consumption, with a specific focus on mackerel. Also to determine if microplastic is present in the flesh and not just the gastrointestinal tract, while also examining trophic transfer from shrimp to mackerel and to tuna.

Analysis of the influence of changing zoological conditions upon Magellanic penguins, ‘Spheniscus magellanicus’ by Alex Carter

Ten years ago, a student at Blackpool and the Fylde College researched the behaviour of the Magellanic Penguin colony at Blackpool Zoo. Since then, several changes, including a £100K enclosure expansion and renovation in 2023, have been completed. Study of other avian species have suggested expansion has a positive influence and therefore assessment to ascertain an accurate assessment of behavioural changes could support zoo expansion and the continued efforts of zoos to provide the best environments and care for their animals despite some people’s concerns.

At Lancaster Maritime Museum, Custom House, St George’s Quay, Lancaster, LA1 1RB
£4 donation requested to Lancashire MCS
Everybody Welcome!