Chief Scientist at Durrell awarded second-highest national honour in Mauritius - Jersey Evening Post
by Daisy Morel · Jersey Evening PostPosted inNews
Chief Scientist at Durrell awarded second-highest national honour in Mauritius
by Daisy Morel 24 May 202622 May 2026
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DURRELL’S Chief Scientist has been awarded one of Mauritius’s highest national honours in recognition of more than 50 years of conservation work on the island.
Professor Carl Jones MBE, Chief Scientist at Durrell Wildlfe Conservation Trust has received the Grand Officer of the Order of the Star and Key of the Indian Ocean for his extensive contributions to wildlife conservation on the island.
Professor Jones joined Durrell in 1985, and has since played a major role in saving several Mauritian species from extinction, including the pink pigeon and Mauritius kestrel. The award recognises over 50 years of conservation work in Mauritius.
Speaking about the honour, Professor Jones said: “When we started work in Mauritius, 50 years ago, so few people there realised how important their wildlife was, so to get an award from the Government of Mauritius, is wonderful recognition for our investment in the island over the last half century.
“I am really proud of all of the species that we have restored together, including populations of birds, bats and reptiles, and when I walk into the forest and I see pink pigeons and Mauritius kestrels, I actually feel quite emotional. Gerald Durrell would have been thrilled as he always had a long-term vision for Mauritius, and I think we have exceeded that and he would be delighted with all that we have achieved.”
Professor Jones is also the Scientific Director of the Mauritian Wildlife Foundation, a charity which was set up by Gerald Durrell in the 1980s to support wildlife protection in Mauritius and which now works in partnership with Durrell.
Rebecca Brewer, CEO at Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust added: “Carl being nominated for this award is just a huge testament to the dedication and passion he has for protecting and saving some of the most endangered species from extinction.
“We are hugely fortunate to have Carl as our Chief Scientist here at Durrell, he really does embody everything that Durrell stands for. We are so proud!”
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