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Nature conservation in Madagascar with NVD
Here and in Madagascar, we work together to protect nature
At AquaZoo, you can walk amongst the most extraordinary animals as you explore the park. You’ll see how they behave, discover what they need to survive, and learn what makes them so special. But did you know that AquaZoo is also committed to protecting wild animals?
We are working with twelve other parks affiliated with the NVD (Dutch Association of Zoos) on a major nature restoration project in Madagascar. In this way, we not only care for animals at AquaZoo, but also for their counterparts on this unique island.
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Unique Animal Species in Madagascar
Madagascar is a unique island with exceptional natural beauty. Many plants and animals are found only there. Consider, for example, various species of lemurs, such as the ring-tailed lemur.
Unfortunately, nature in Madagascar is not doing well. The original rainforest is shrinking. This is because forests are being cleared for agriculture. As a result, many animals are losing their habitat. Without this habitat, they are in great danger.
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We are restoring the rainforest
Together with twelve other Dutch zoos, we are supporting a major project in Madagascar. We are restoring 250 hectares of rainforest by planting a total of 1 million trees. This creates employment opportunities for local residents, who help to grow and plant new trees. In this way, new forest is created and new opportunities are generated for the people living in Madagascar.
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Mátyás on a mission
Mátyás Bittenbinder travelled to Madagascar for this project. Mátyás is a biologist and the NVD’s ambassador for conservation and education. He was keen to see for himself in Madagascar what nature conservation means for this unique island and how we are contributing to it.
The development of the forest and the return of wildlife are constantly being monitored.
The aim is not just to plant trees, but to restore entire ecosystems.
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Caring for animals in the park and around the world
Animal welfare is our top priority at AquaZoo. Conducting research is a key part of this. It enables us to learn about the behaviour, physiology, welfare and health of the animals living in our park. We share the knowledge we gain with our visitors and use it in conservation projects such as this one.
The animals at AquaZoo are, in fact, ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild. The knowledge we gain is used to conserve nature and animal species in the wild. Through our support for Madagascar, we are also offering these species a future in their natural habitat.
You can find these animal species at AquaZoo and in Madagascar:
How can you help?
Your visit to AquaZoo supports projects like this one. You are helping to protect nature and endangered species, both in Friesland and around the world. Through the Wildlife Foundation, AquaZoo also supports two other projects in Madagascar:
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IMPACT Madagascar
This charity works alongside the local community to tackle issues such as illegal trade, deforestation and poverty. They are restoring habitats through a reforestation programme. They also help the local community to plant fast-growing trees. This means these trees can be used, and there is no longer any need to fell slow-growing trees.
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Lemur Rescue Center
This centre takes in ring-tailed lemurs that have been rescued from the pet and bushmeat trade. The Lemur Rescue Centre takes in the animals, provides them with medical care and introduces them to a group. The aim is to form a stable social group so that the animals can be released back into the wild as soon as possible.
Want to find out more about Stichting Wildlife?
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