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Conservation lab simulator attracts hundreds of budding scientists
07 January 2026 Urenco UK NewsEarlier this year, Urenco funded a new public endocrinology lab experience at Chester Zoo’s Heart of Africa exhibit in the UK, with a social impact donation of £150,000.
Endocrinology is a key aspect of the scientific work undertaken at the zoo. Teams of scientists test animal samples, usually faecal matter, for the presence of hormones, to monitor the health of animals living at Chester Zoo, and to support endangered animal conservation breeding programmes across Europe.
The exhibit has evolved based on visitor feedback, becoming increasingly interactive as more sensory and tactile elements have been introduced, including a centrifuge that guests can spin, and a sample freezer stocked with mock-up animal poo ready for hormone analysis, echoing the work done at the zoo’s real on-site lab.
Visitors are invited to take part in hands-on activities that replicate the experience of a conservation scientist. Since the lab exhibit opened in April, 820 school children have enjoyed behind-the-scenes guided workshops and lab-based sessions to better understand conservation and sustainability.
The public lab is modelled on the International Centre for Zoo Science, also part-funded by Urenco, where researchers recently developed a world-first vaccine protecting endangered elephants from the deadly EEHV (elephant endotheliotropic herpesvirus).
The new exhibit is designed to educate people about the importance of sustainability and conservation, in an engaging and accessible way, sparking an interest in science and its possibilities.
Senior Conservation Education Manager at Chester Zoo, Sean Dick, said: “It’s amazing to see young people explore our new simulation endocrinology lab. With hands-on exhibits that bring zoo science to life, this space builds science capital and sparks curiosity, helping us to inspire the conservation scientists of tomorrow.”
The lab is not just for young visitors. Thousands of people from a full range of ages have now explored the facility, and it is expected that 75% of the zoo’s 2 million annual visitors will go through the immersive lab.
Managing Director of Urenco UK Operations, Capenhurst, Andrew Cottrell, said: “Urenco and Chester Zoo have been working collaboratively for more than 20 years. We share very similar values and a commitment to encouraging more young people to take up STEM subjects.
“I’m so proud to see the collaboration reach so many young people, it’s exciting to see our latest project come to life, inspiring the next generation of scientists.”
To find out more about Urenco’s social impact work, click here.
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About Urenco
Urenco is an international supplier of uranium enrichment services, fuel cycle products and related solutions with sustainability at the core of our business. Operating in a pivotal area of the nuclear fuel supply chain for over 50 years, Urenco understands the importance of energy security and facilitates the reliable delivery of low carbon electricity generation for consumers around the world.
With its head office in London, UK, Urenco’s global presence ensures diversity and security of supply for customers through enrichment facilities in Germany, the Netherlands, the UK and the USA. Through our technology and the expertise of our people, the Urenco Group provides safe, cost effective and reliable services, operating within a framework of high environmental, social and governance standards, complementing international safeguards.
Urenco is making a positive contribution to global climate change goals through our core business and we are committed to achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2040.
We are committed to continued investment in the responsible management of nuclear materials; innovation activities with clear sustainability benefits, such as nuclear medicine, industrial efficiency and research; and nurturing the next generation of scientists and engineers.
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