Originally, as an active member of the European Association of Zoos & Aquaria, the movement of animals for the benefit of the breeding programs for individual species throughout the European countries was relatively straight forward. Today, as direct consequence of Brexit, the logistics, personnel time, permits and transport costs have risen tremendously.
The donation will be used to directly fund at least two of these endangered animals in their journeys to and from Europe for the benefit of the species. Just recently a young male maned wolf has been sent to Neuwied Zoo in Germany as part of the breeding program and the time, permits and veterinary costs during export to Germany alone were in excess of £1,350.00. A female black lemur was also recently imported from Paris Zoo on behalf of the European breeding program and the transport costs for this amounted to £2,750.00.
Two painted dogs are due for collection (March 16th, 2025) from Port Lympne to pair with our existing male from Yorkshire Wildlife Park and special metal lined crates have had to be made, a vehicle hired and accommodation booked for a two-day travel plan just to achieve this. This donation will make it possible for the charity to continue to be an integral part of the worldwide initiatives for captive breeding. It will help the zoo to achieve its aims and objectives, promoting and preserving biodiversity and providing education to visitors that visit the trust’s premises.
