Top award for zoo research project
Posted on 16 December 2011
The North Yorkshire zoo’s Udzungwa Forest Project won Best Field Conservation Project in the 2011 BIAZA Awards, despite strong competition from various UK zoos, particularly Chester and Bristol Zoo Gardens which received commendations.
Held annually by the British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the BIAZA awards recognise outstanding contributions and achievements in the fields of wildlife conservation, advances in animal welfare and husbandry, marketing, public relations, education, research and enclosure design.
The Udzungwa Forest Project (UFP) works with local people and researchers in Tanzania to conserve threatened species and local habitats. Run by Flamingo Land with logistical support from the Centre for the Integration of Research, Conservation and Learning (CIRCLE) – a jointly-funded venture between the University’s Environment Department and Flamingo Land – it is playing a significant role in preserving African biodiversity.
Dr Andrew Marshall, Director of Conservation at Flamingo Land and Lecturer at the University of York, said: “It is great to have recognition for the four years of hard work that have gone into this project. We still have a lot more work to do to safeguard threatened forests, but through the zoo’s involvement we have definitely been able to make progress and raise awareness.”
We still have a lot more work to do to safeguard threatened forests, but through the zoo’s involvement we have definitely been able to make progress and raise awareness
Dr Andrew Marshall
Tropical lowland forest is one of the most threatened habitats in the world and the area is home to the endangered Udzungwa red colobus monkey and the newly-discovered Magombera chameleon. Education and training of local people is central to the project as the ultimate aim is for forest conservation to continue without external support.
Gordon Gibb, Chief Executive Officer at Flamingo Land, said: “The Flamingo Land staff and visitors should all be very proud of the work that UFP is doing. Thanks must go to the continued hard work by our staff, and the tremendous support from our visitors and local community.”
Besides assistance with the UFP project, the CIRCLE team is carrying out research on enclosure design for the zoo’s animals - 20 per cent of which are endangered or extinct in the wild, developing and executing a plan for native wildlife conservation in partnership with Ryedale District Council and BIAZA, and developing a conservation education strategy for the zoo.
For the first time in several years, the zoo will open its doors to visitors in the run up to Christmas between 17 and 18 December, then from 21 to 24 December. While the theme park remains closed, visitors can enjoy Children’s Planet and Muddy Duck Farm, plus free Mini Safaris and animal handling sessions each day. Arts and crafts activities with a Christmas and animal theme will also be on offer. For further details, call 0871 9118000.
Notes to editors:
- A photo of Dr Andrew Marshall receiving the award from wildlife presenter Steve Leonard at the 2011 BIAZA Awards is available by contacting the University of York Press Office on pressoffice@york.ac.uk; 01904 322029. The awards were presented at Twycross Zoo, Warwickshire.
- The CIRCLE institute (Centre for the Integration of Research, Conservation and Learning) was launched in October 2010 and is part of the University of York’s Environment Department based at Flamingo Land. The CIRCLE team, led by Dr Marshall, is made up of four Research Interns and a Zoo Education Strategist, all based at the zoo. For further information on the Environment Department visit www.york.ac.uk/environment
- For more information on Flamingo Land Theme Park and Zoo visit www.flamingoland.co.uk
- British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) is a conservation education and scientific wildlife charity, which acts as the principal professional zoo body representing the responsible zoo and aquarium community in the UK and Ireland. With about 100 members, its role is to develop and spread best practice within the UK and international zoo community, combining lobbying and campaigning with the development of policy in collaboration with the government and scientific organizations. Over the last 12 months, BIAZA members have supported around 700 projects by providing financial support in excess of £9 million and by supplying skills, staff and equipment for conservation programmes worldwide. For further information visit www.biaza.org.uk
Contact details
Keep up to date
Subscribe to news feeds
