Doctor honoured for conservation

The award recognised Dr Durrell's work with tortoises

The widow of the man who founded the former Jersey zoo has been honoured for her conservation work.

The Kay Grey award from the British Chelonian Group recognised Dr Lee Durrell's work with endangered tortoises, turtles and terrapins.

Dr Durrell is the widow of the world famous naturalist and author Gerald Durrell, who died in 1995.

The award recognised Dr Durrell's oustanding contribution to conservation in Madagascar.

Expansion plans

She said: "The award was for the activities I undertook on our projects for three species of threatened chelonia of Madagascar - the angonoka, the kapidolo and the rere.

"I oversaw the setting up and operations of the Chelonian Breeding Centre at Ampijoroa and worked with our staff and outside professionals to plan, implement and evaluate field projects for research, conservation and community activities."

Earlier this year the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust announced plans for a �47m redevelopment at its Jersey headquaters in Trinity.

The trust's aim is to prevent the decline and extinction of endangered animals.

It is currently taking part in captive breeding programmes involving more than 30 different species.

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