Conservation
Raising money for Monk Seals
During 2011, Blackpool Zoo and all of Parques Reunidos sites across the world including the Oceanarium, Bournemouth and Lakes Aquarium are continued to raise as much money as possible to help the most endangered marine mammal left on the planet, the monk seal.This effort will continue in 2012.
We are very happy to announce that during 2011, Blackpool Zoo raised nearly £11,000 for this very worthy cause. However the monk seals battle to get off the endangered species list is proving to be a difficult one, and they still need help. Because of this we have decided to continue our support for these beautiful creatures during 2012.
With your help we can really make a difference. Throughout the year, we will be holding special fund raising activities at Blackpool Zoo, during school holidays we will be offering crafts for a small donation with all the money going towards the project. We also a have donations box placed at the Sealion Pool. We hope to raise even more money than last year, remember every penny counts!
THE CAUSE The CBD-Habitat Mauritania Monk Seal Conservation Project with the help from money raised have been able to continue their work monitoring the Monk Seal population in the Mediterranean, identifying key threats to their survival and educating locals about seal conservation. The results are starting to show, with monk seals beginning to reoccupy lost habitat in the Capo Blanco Peninsula. In 1945, Spanish expert D Eugenio Morales-Agacino discovered the Cabo Blanco colony of monk seals off the cost of Mauritania. This population now accounts for approximately half of the entire species, with nearly 300 individuals. The community is under serious threat from a lack of appropriate breeding sites, with only 2 caves offering a suitable environment and protection. With such a fragile population, just one disaster such as an infection oil slick or rock collapse could mean catastrophe for the colony and population as a whole. The CBD Habitat Mauritania Monk Seal Conservation Project aims to disperse and expand the population to ensure its long term future.
At the end of 2010, Jesus, the Parques Reunidos Director for Animal Management visited the monk seal colony to see how the money raised by all the parks was being put to good use.
WHO ARE THE CBD- HABITAT FOUNDATION CBD- Habitat are a not for profit organisation that develops biodiversity and conservation projects across Europe. They aim to improve the environment and aid threatened species – spreading awareness and respect for our natural world.
WHAT YOU CAN DO Next time you visit us please check out our display boards about the monk seals, keep an eye out for fundraising activities, get involved and if you can, please do your little bit to help!
The conservation of endangered species is becoming increasingly important as a result of the world’s growing human population putting pressure on the habitats where animals live. For example, between 2000 and 2005, the rainforest was destroyed at 25 acres per minute! Over 8000 animal and 8000 plant species are currently globally listed as either "critically endangered", "endangered" or "vulnerable". Within the United Kingdom alone, there are 65 species (14 plant and 51 animal) listed in these categories, with 14 of these being critically endangered.
We at Blackpool Zoo actively raise awareness about the conservation of threatened species and currently support 9 conservation organisations :
For 2009 / 2010 we are supporting the conservation of Mediterranean monk seals. These animals are critically endangered, and a campaign to raise funds is being launched which will involve all Parques Reunidos’ animal parks. Further details about how you can help will be available in the New Year.
An important role of zoos is to preserve captive populations by providing a safety net of animals should a particular species face extinction. Captive breeding programmes such as the European Endangered species breeding Programme (EEP), assist in breeding threatened species whilst preserving their genetic diversity. Blackpool Zoo currently manages the populations of three threatened species : Blue throated conures, Red-fronted lemurs and Red titi monkeys at a European level. We are also involved in many other EEPs to assist in conserving species for our future generations.
How Can You Help?
By visiting the zoo today you have already helped in conserving threatened species, as your admission fee assists in caring for the animals involved in our captive breeding programmes. However, if you wish to contribute further, you can donate in any of the collection boxes around the zoo or by researching our supported conservation organisations on the internet.
