Could ‘engineered’ coral save the planet’s reefs from destruction?

London Zoo's latest exhibition shows how scientists hope to halt the devastation caused by overheated oceans

This weekend, conservationists will put the final touches to a giant artificial reef they are assembling at London zoo. Samples of the planet's most spectacular corals - vivid green branching coral, yellow scroll, blue ridge and many more species - will be added to the giant tank along with fish that thrive in their presence: blue tang, clownfish and many others.

The scene will then be set for Monday's opening of the zoo's new gallery, Tiny Giants, which is dedicated to the minuscule invertebrate creatures that sustain life across the planet. The coral reef tank and its seven-metre wide window will form the core of the exhibition.