King Charles was praised for his “innate understanding that we need to be in harmony with nature” during a visit to a pioneering project aimed at boosting red squirrel populations by controlling grey squirrel numbers with contraceptives.
Royal Visit to York Biotech Campus
On Tuesday, the King visited the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s (APHA) York Biotech Campus, where he met scientists and volunteers working on a programme to develop oral contraceptives for grey squirrels. The initiative seeks to slow the reproductive rate of the invasive grey squirrel species, thereby aiding the survival of the endangered native red squirrel.
Despite sweltering temperatures approaching 30°C, Charles wore a light grey pinstriped suit, a pink shirt, and a darker pink tie as he toured the facility. He was shown around large pens housing dozens of squirrels bred for the project, though none emerged from their boxes to greet the royal visitor in the intense heat.
Praise from Scientists
Dr Julie Lane, head of the National Wildlife Management Centre at APHA, expressed her gratitude to the King, saying: “What a wonderful day you’ve given us. You’ve been championing our red squirrels for decades now, which is why we’ve been so keen to show you the work we’ve been doing here.” She added: “Without you, this work would not be happening at all.”
Dr Lane further commended Charles for his leadership in protecting native species, stating: “Your leadership with respect to looking after our native species, we’re so grateful for. Plus, your innate understanding that we need to be in harmony with nature to protect our special species.”
The Contraceptive Project
The project involves developing a method to deliver oral contraceptives to grey squirrels through a targeted feeding programme. This humane approach aims to reduce the grey squirrel population, which outcompetes red squirrels for food and habitat and carries a virus lethal to reds. The initiative is part of broader conservation efforts to restore balance to the UK’s ecosystems.
