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Restoring nature in Madagascar
Together with the NVD, we care for nature. Here and in Madagascar.
At ZooParc, you go on an expedition and walk amongst extraordinary animals in different areas. Here, you can see how they live, why they are so special and what they need. But did you know that we also work to protect animals in the wild?
ZooParc is working with twelve other Dutch zoos, all members of the Dutch Association of Zoos (NVD), on a major nature restoration project in Madagascar. In this way, we are helping not only the animals in the park, but also their counterparts in Madagascar.
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An island of rare species
Madagascar is a unique island with exceptional natural beauty. Many plant and animal species are found nowhere else. Take, for example, the various species of lemurs. One species you’re sure to recognise is the ring-tailed lemur.
Unfortunately, nature in Madagascar is not faring well. This is because a large part of the rainforest has disappeared. The forests are being cleared for agriculture and timber. As a result, many animals are losing their natural habitat. Without a habitat, these animals cannot survive.
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1 million trees are being planted
Together with twelve other Dutch zoos, we are supporting a major nature restoration project in Madagascar. A total of 250 hectares of rainforest is being restored here through the planting of 1 million trees. This is being done in collaboration with local communities, who are helping to grow and plant the trees. This creates new opportunities for the people living in Madagascar and helps to create new habitats.
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Mátyás on a mission
Mátyás Bittenbinder is the NVD’s ambassador for nature conservation and education. The biologist travelled to Madagascar for this project. There, he documented what nature conservation means in practice and how we contribute to it.
Research is being carried out into the development of the forest and the return of wildlife.
The aim is not just to plant trees, but to restore entire ecosystems.
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Our commitment to nature conservation
At ZooParc, we care for the animals in the park with a focus on their welfare. We monitor the health and welfare of the animals in the park and learn more about their health, physiology and behaviour. This knowledge enables us to continue improving our park, but we are also committed to nature conservation.
The animals at ZooParc are, in fact, ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild, who often face difficulties in their natural habitats. Our support for Madagascar ensures that these species also have a future in their natural habitats. In this way, our knowledge is used for the restoration and conservation of nature and wildlife.
You can find these animal species in Madagascar and at ZooParc:
How can you help?
When you visit ZooParc, your visit helps support projects like this one. You’ll learn more about protecting endangered species and nature, both in the Netherlands and around the world. Through the Wildlife Foundation, we also support two other projects in Madagascar.
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Lemur Rescue Center
This centre provides care for ring-tailed lemurs rescued from the pet and bushmeat trade. They are taken in here, receive medical treatment and are introduced into a group. The aim is to create a stable social group so that the lemurs can be released back into the wild.
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IMPACT Madagascar
Together with the local community, this foundation is committed to tackling issues such as illegal trade, poverty and deforestation. Their aim is to restore natural habitats through a reforestation programme. They also help by planting fast-growing trees, thereby eliminating the need to fell slow-growing trees.
Would you like to find out more about the Stichting Wildlife?
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