Zoo Plucks 21 Snails From Extinction and Returns Hundreds to Pristine Atlantic Island (WATCH)

Chester Zoo in England bred the Desertas Island land snail (Geomitra coronula) from just 21 individuals—the last known wild population—found beneath a single rock in the Madeiran archipelago. The zoo has now returned hundreds of offspring to their native habitat after feral goats, mice, and rabbits had nearly wiped out the species.

Reintroduction success depends on sustained habitat management and predator control on the islands; the program remains ongoing.