Teaching conservation in the Algarve while saving species in Cambodia. How Lagos Zoo is helping save a threatened species.
When visiting the Lagos Zoo, you are sure to be captivated by the primates swinging through the trees on their islands, scared by the bat cave, or even laugh at the antics of the meerkats. It is easy to view the zoo simply as a fun local day out. However, behind the scenes, the inspirational owner, Paulo Figueiras, and his team are a quiet yet powerful engine for global conservation. A recent urgent appeal from Cambodia and the swift response from Lagos Zoo highlight exactly why supporting our local zoo is so vital.
A cry for help
The cry for help came from the Angkor Centre for Conservation of Biodiversity (ACCB) in Cambodia. This centre is dedicated to saving the Greater Adjutant (Leptoptilos dubius), a stork species so rare that its survival hangs in the balance.
After two years of attempts, the team at ACCB recently shared some incredible news with Lagos Zoo. They had successfully bred a pair of these birds, resulting in two fully fledged chicks preparing for release into the wild. However, to ensure the chicks survive after their release, the conservationists needed to monitor their movements using GPS/GSM trackers.
Due to strict customs restrictions, these high-tech trackers cannot simply be shipped to Cambodia. The ACCB had a “narrow window of opportunity” to have the devices hand-carried by a colleague travelling from Europe in late May. But they needed €3,000 immediately to purchase the units.
Upon receiving their appeal, Lagos Zoo did not hesitate. They donated the full €3,000 required. Thanks to this contribution, when these rare birds are released back into the wild, they will be fitted with the technology needed to help scientists understand and protect them.
Wetlands for Life
Closer to home, Lagos Zoo continues its commitment to the EAZA Wetlands for Life campaign throughout March. As reported in Tomorrow last month, wetlands are the most threatened ecosystem on the planet, yet they are essential for biodiversity and climate resilience.
To further support this cause, Lagos Zoo has organised a special fundraising week. From 22 March to 27 March, the zoo will donate €1 to the Wetlands for Life campaign for every ticket purchased.
This is a fantastic opportunity for residents to make their visit count. Simply by enjoying a family day out, you will directly help protect habitats that support everything from otters and turtles to storks in Cambodia.
Fun and learning
For those visiting with children, the zoo is ensuring the next generation understands the importance of global conservation. Between 22 and 27 March, the pedagogical room will be hosting educational activities specifically designed for families.
The sessions will focus on flamingos, the official ambassadors of the wetlands campaign and one of the most popular residents at Lagos Zoo. Children will be taught about the vital role these habitats play in our world through interactive activities, such as ‘eat like a flamingo,’ in which they will be challenged to catch food in a tub of water with a spatula, as a flamingo would, to teach the importance of clean water.
Lagos Zoo continues to prove that it is more than just a tourist attraction; it is a conservation hub. Whether sending aid to Cambodia or educating children in the Algarve, they are doing their best for natural species and habitats around the world. I encourage all our readers to visit – your ticket will help keep more species alive.
