CSS United Kingdom - Hertfordshire Zoo

In 2019, the Centre for Species Survival United Kingdom was established as a partnership between the IUCN Species Survival Commission and the host organisation, Hertfordshire Zoo.

CSS UK works to mobilise, assist, and facilitate native species conservation action within the UK and UK Overseas Territories (UKOTs), primarily focusing on underrepresented and endemic species.

About our work

CSS UK’s mission is to serve as a collaborative focal point for experts working on native UK and UKOT species, particularly those which are underrepresented or endemic. We collaborate with experts in all areas of the Species Conservation Cycle but particularly with the assess and plan components.

The Centre’s initial focus was to identify gaps in native species conservation across the UK and UKOTs. This analysis highlighted fungi, lichens, plants, trees, invertebrates, and bryophytes among the groups most in need of conservation attention. Therefore, the Centre’s work is now focused on these groups.

The Centre works closely with a variety of conservationists, including IUCN SSC Specialist Groups, conservation organisations, and the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums.

Supporting the Species Conservation Cycle

1
Support UK and UKOT IUCN Red List assessments
We support IUCN SSC Specialist Groups particularly those working on underrepresented taxa; fungi, lichens, plants, trees, invertebrates, and bryophytes by collating data and drafting assessments.  

2
Support the development of conservation action plans for UK and UKOT species
We support conservation action plans using CPSG Species Conservation Planning methodology for UK and UKOT species that IUCN SSC Specialist Groups and other experts are working on.

3
Undertake native species initiatives.
We undertake both on-site and county-wide initiatives to contribute to the monitoring and conservation of native species. Some on-site native species initiatives are guided by BIAZA-promoted projects. Hertfordshire-wide projects are completed in collaboration with UK conservation organisations. Both types of initiatives are guided by broader strategies for example: LNRS (Local Nature Recovery Strategy) and TSRA (Threatened Species Recovery Actions). 

                    Local Nature Recovery Strategy (LNRS)

Meet our team

Lynn Whitnall

CEO

Lynn is the CEO of Hertfordshire Zoo and a Trustee of The Big Cat Sanctuary. She has a Foundation Degree of Science in Zoo Resource Management and has given over 40 years of dedication to wildlife and conservation. She has raised hundreds of thousands of pounds in support of global conservation initiatives, often through participation in challenging sporting events. Driven by a deep passion for wildlife—particularly native species—Lynn has played a pivotal role in shaping Hertfordshire Zoo’s transformation into a recognised Centre of Species Survival.

Andrea Dempsey

Species Survival Coordinator

Andrea is the Species Survival Coordinator for the Centre for Species Survival UK based at Hertfordshire Zoo. Andrea also manages all the conservation programmes at Hertfordshire Zoo as the Conservation Programmes Manager. Andrea has worked in the zoological sector since 2004 and obtained an MSc in Primate Conservation in 2014 before relocating to Ghana in the same year, returning to the UK in 2019. Since returning Andrea has been appointed Director of the West African Primate Conservation Action (WAPCA) kindly hosted at Hertfordshire Zoo. Andrea is the ISB/EEP Coordinator for Cercopithecus diana, a member of the IUCN Primate Specialist Group and the Vice Chair of the EAZA Afro-Eurasian Taxon Advisory Group.

EXPERTISE: Species conservation action, Species conservation science

Ciara Duggan

Species Survival Officer

Ciara was hired in 2025 as a Species Survival Officer, joining just before the 2026 - 2029 IUCN quadrennium and following on from the work and research Andrea completed when establishing the Centre. Ciara completed a Masters of Research in Biodiversity, Evolution and Conservation at UCL in 2022 and has a Bachelor of Science from University of Galway with a focus on Zoology. She has a diverse range of experience, including hands-on work in wildlife rehabilitation and conservation breeding, as well as wildlife monitoring and survey experience, complemented by desk-based experience in data analysis and environmental policy.

EXPERTISE: Species conservation action, Species conservation science