A new conservation centre has opened on the Isle of Wight as part of efforts to protect an endangered species of Crayfish.
Yesterday's (Friday's) opening of the centre, at The Wildheart Animal Sanctuary, Sandown, has been hailed as a 'significant moment'.
Visitors were able to see the White-clawed Crayfish in their new home for the time today (Saturday).
Due to pollution, habitat loss and the introduction of the invasive Signal Crayfish to the UK, the White-clawed Crayfish is an endangered species and has suffered dramatic population decline.
Its survival is dependent on active conservation – or else it may become completely extinct in the UK.
The sanctuary has been working with Bristol Zoological Society and Hampshire and Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust to save the species.
Yesterday was a culmination of over ten years of work.
Sandown Mayor Alex Lightfoot was present to cut the ribbon on the new centre.
Supporters of the project were able to see the Crayfish in their new home and attend a presentation by species experts Dr Jen Nightingale and Dr Ben Rushbrook.
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