Zagreb Zoo

Date: 27.09.2011.

Several days ago, at a yearly convention in Montpellier, European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) presented the award for raising the public awareness about the importance of Great Apes conservation to Zagreb Zoo. According to the explanation given, Zagreb zoo organised the most comprehensive and diverse ape awareness activities in support of the EAZA Ape Campaign. The goal of the campaign, in which more than 160 zoos and institutions throughout Europe participated, was to include the public in conservation of great apes and encourage people to make changes in life style that might contribute to environment deterioration. Zagreb Zoo won the same prestigious award in 2001 for promoting the conservation of European carnivores.

Through this campaign, funds are gathered for conservation of gorillas, orangutans and gibbons. So far, more than 400.000 Euros have been raised. With the money gathered, projects for conservation of these endangered species will be funded. Four projects have already been chosen, one for each of the species in Africa and SE Asia.

Other than the award for raising the public awareness, Lyon zoo was given an award for organising the best great apes week and as a acknowledgement to employees and volunteers for their involvement with the champagne. Woburn Safari park was given an award for fund raising activities because they raised more than 11.500 Euros in one evening.

We would like to thank everybody who supported the campaign and made its realization possible.