Rare Giant Snails Find New Home at Longleat Safari Park in Conservation Effort
A group of critically endangered snails has recently arrived at Longleat Safari Park in Wiltshire, where conservationists are hopeful the species will begin to reproduce.
The newcomers—eight giant magnolia snails capable of reaching lengths of 6.5cm—are settling into carefully maintained enclosures. Once thought to be extinct, the species was rediscovered in southern Vietnam in 2012. Today, only an estimated 300 individuals remain worldwide, with just 56 housed in European zoological facilities.
“These snails face serious threats, primarily from hunting for food and use in the shell trade,” said keeper Samantha Peeke. “Our hope is to encourage breeding here, which would be a huge step for their conservation.”
At Longleat, the snails are kept in sterile, climate-controlled environments with temperatures ranging from 23°C to 27°C. Each snail is tagged for identification. Though their natural diet remains largely unknown, the snails are thriving on a variety of fruits and vegetables—with mango proving particularly popular.
Currently weighing around 100 grams, the largest measures 66mm in length and is approximately two and a half years old—an ideal age and size for reproduction, according to Peeke.
Soon, visitors will be able to view the snails in Longleat’s Animal Adventure exhibit, a part of the park familiar to many from the BBC’s Animal Park series.
“They really are stunning creatures,” said Peeke. “Having them here gives us a chance to educate guests on the importance of protecting all animals, no matter how small.”