The zoo world has rewarded Chessington World of Adventures and Zoo for its contribution to conservation.

Senior carnivore keeper Jon Merrington collected a coveted Biaza award, for significant contribution to conservation breeding, following the team's efforts breeding the critically endangered Sumatran tiger.

There are less than 300 of these magnificent cats left in the wild and the Leatherhead Road zoo's award-winning breeding programme was judged to have demonstrated how powerful zoos can be in conserving species close to extinction.

Simon Tonge, chairman of the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, presented the award. Mr Merrington said: "Winning this award is such an honour and I am delighted that our breeding programme has been recognised at such a prestigious event.

"The past couple of years our big cat breeding programme has been incredibly successful, the Sumatran tigers in particular, but we have also welcomed three Persian leopards this year and we are looking forward to continued success in the years to come."

Chessington Zoo was one of 16 winners chosen from 77 entries at the Biaza awards, held annually to mark outstanding contributions zoo work.