The King was praised for his “innate understanding that we need to be in harmony with nature”, as he visited a project aimed at promoting red squirrels by limiting their grey cousins’ numbers using contraceptives.
In sweltering temperatures close to 30C, Charles wore a light grey, pin-striped suit, pink shirt and darker pink tie as he met staff at the Animal and Plant Health Agency’s York Biotech Campus on Tuesday.
He talked to scientists and volunteers who explained the various stages of the project to develop a method of delivering oral contraceptives to grey squirrels through a feeding programme, as part of efforts to slow the rate of the species’ population growth and help endangered red squirrels to thrive.
The King was also shown round the large pens where dozens of squirrels are bred and kept for the project, but none of them ventured out of their boxes to greet the royal visitor in the intense heat.
Dr Julie Lane, head of the National Wildlife Management Centre at the APHA, told Charles: “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 at the Animal and Plant Health Agency.
“Without you, this work would not be happening at all.”
Dr Lane said: “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.”
