• Endangered Species Recovery Course

      1st-5th December 2025. 9am to 5pm, UK time (GMT) - (ONLINE)


    • A unique, specially designed course, delivered by world-renowned experts and scientists in the field of Endangered Species Recovery (ESR). This five-day, online interactive learning experience introduces the issues and practical skills involved in saving threatened species from extinction. You will develop a critical understanding of biodiversity conservation, the issues it raises and how they may be addressed, as well as practical research skills to inform conservation action. 

      Durrell has an extensive history of leading the conservation of highly threatened species, through research and breeding programmes at our headquarters, and in our overseas field conservation programmes.


      Course highlights

      • Live webinars from multiple lecturers and leaders to create an engaging, vibrant learning environment. 
      • A small group size to ensure you receive focused support and on-to-one support when needed.
      • Connect with Jersey Zoo’s famous captive breeding projects through virtual tours led by key staff, and learn first-hand about successful species recovery programmes, such as the Mountain chicken frog of Montserrat, Madagascar pochard and Echo parakeet.
      • Live question and answer sessions with talented and inspiring members of our global organisation, including our chief scientist, Prof Carl Jones MBE, and our honorary director, Dr Lee Durrell MBE, amongst others.
      • Forum engagements to connect with course participants.
      • Quizzes, discussions and break out group work to maximise your learning potential.
      • Access to additional reading material and resources. 


      "Thank you Team Durrell for such an incredible programme! Honoured to be included in this group of fantastic change makers. " 


      "Fantastic week. Fantastic organisation." 


      "Had an amazing week learning so much from skilled professionals working within Durrell conservation projects! Their lectures were invaluable for focusing on my future career and I would highly recommend to anyone interested in taking a course or internship with them!"


      Online structure

      The course runs full time, over a continuous five days, which will require dedicated engagement


      What is the course content?


      • The value and threats to biodiversity
      • Small population biology
      • Current approaches and recent progression in endangered species management 
      • Planning species and ecosystem recovery programmes 
      • The importance of blending captive species management and in-situ conservation
      • The multi-disciplinary requirements of successful ESRs, and requiring action through education and community conservation, fundraising and policy.


      Course outline

      Course materials include live, expert-led lectures, group discussions, activities and individual work. Durrell case studies will help illustrate the teaching content and provide real life scenarios of global field programmes and captive breeding facilities at Jersey Zoo.

      Training staff at Durrell Conservation Academy will offer 1-2-1 support throughout. You will be given registered access to our online learning platform for pre-course material, additional resources including reading lists, discussion forums and advice for on-going training.

      Who is it for?

      The course is suitable for students and graduates wishing to improve their knowledge [STARTERS] early career individuals [PRACTITIONERS] or those with an active interest in conservation who may be considering a career change [SWITCHERS]. 

      A basic understanding of ecology and conservation would be an advantage.  

      Participants will also be introduced to a range of practical research skills and methods for population monitoring. Current case studies of conservation work by Durrell will illustrate how these skills have been applied to save some of the most critically endangered primates, birds, reptiles and amphibians.

      The course format involves live lectures, discussions, case studies and quizzes. Each day you will have the opportunity for an informal question and answer session.

      Pre-Course Material - The value of and threats to biodiversity

      In order to ensure participants start the course with a similar knowledge base, participants will asked to work through a small number of pre-recorded lectures and reading material. You will learn how to identify and understand the threats driving population declines and biodiversity loss, and understand the value of ecosystem health. Through a brief introduction to small population biology, you will become familiar with the populations and species more vulnerable to threat of extinction, and the role of the IUCN guidelines in assessing these threats and prioritising conservation efforts.

      Monday - Introduction to Durrell and the key principles of species recovery programmes.

      Tuesday - Practical approaches to ESR, from single species to ecosystem restoration.

      Wednesday - Intensive population management: from zoos to the wild

      Thursday - Principle and methods of population monitoring.

      Friday - Project planning for effective conservation.

      Please refer to the leaflet for further information.

      How much will it cost?

      The course fee is £450.

      The course runs full time, over a continuous five days, 9am - 5pm (UK time) which will require dedicated engagement.

      Subject to interest, this course may run multiple times. Every run of a course will have a set start date. If you cannot attend, please enquire for other dates.

      Download the leaflet to find out more.

      To book a place, please complete the application form and email to academy@durrell.org

      For further information, email academy@durrell.org, or call +44 (0)1534 860037.