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marwell zoo launches campaign to protect endangered animals

Time is ticking for Madagascar....Come and find out why!

Marwell Zoological Park is going Madagascar mad this week as it launches a campaign to help protect some of the world's most endangered species.

An alarming 46% of animal species found on the island of Madagascar are endangered or vulnerable - mainly due to man's destruction of the island's habitats. Marwell's 'Madagascar Matters' campaign focuses on raising awareness of the plight of these animals as well as raising vital funds for much needed conservation projects on the island.

Starting today and continuing all week, Marwell is running lots of talks, trails and guided tours all on a Madagascan theme. No pre booking is necessary - just turn up at the designed area - and all of the activities are completely free (apart from the children's trail which is a bargain at just 10p).

Youngsters and adults alike can join Marwell's intrepid explorer on a 'Magical Madagascar Tour'. This expedition to the mystical island of Madagascar involves discovering some strange but amazing creatures, including an animal that has a tongue as long as its body and a rat which can jump a metre high. Learn all about Marwell's beautiful lemurs: from the Ring-tailed lemur, which has a fabulous black and white bushy tail to the critically endangered Red ruffed lemur. Tours starts 2pm daily at the World of Lemurs area of the Park.

Children can also take part in a special Madagascar trail. Available from the Information Kiosk (located near the entrance) children can learn all about the amazing Madagascan species which are at Marwell. (the trail is a bargain at just 10p). As well as searching out the lemurs, the Giant hissing cockroach is well worth checking out - find them at the Tropical World area of the Park.

Find out more about this mysterious island by visiting the Park's Education Centre exhibition area. Located at the front of the Centre (just inside the front doors) the area is being turned into 'Madagascar' with lots of fun interesting facts waiting to be discovered.

But don't just take our word for it, as ten year old Becky from Southampton said, after visiting the exhibition centre today:

"The animals from Madagascar are really cool, my favourite is definitely the Ring-tailed lemur! I love its black and white tail. I can't believe so many of them are in danger and I am going to help to save them by donating my pocket money to the campaign."

Can't get to the Zoo? No need to miss out as a special downloadable Madagascan tour is available from Marwell's website - visit www.marwell.org.uk

Madagascar Matters is in support of the sixth EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) Madagascar conservation campaign. It aims to raise awareness of the endangered animals that live on the island as well as collecting £242,000 for various conservation projects. Marwell aims to raise £7,500 and the contribution will go towards helping to fund the projects which are a mixture of research, education and community development activities.

For further details on all Madagascar Matters activities please visit the Marwell Zoological website: www.marwell.org.uk

Notes to editors

Photo captions:

Getting up close and personal to Madagascar's giant hissing cockroach. The cockroach plays an important recycling role in the forest, eating a range of decaying plant matter including leaves, bark, fruit and seeds.

For further media information, including more high resolution images, please contact Helen Jeffreys, Marwell Zoological Park Media Relations Office. Email: helenj@marwell.org.uk

Phone: 01962 777947

Madagascar is the fourth largest island in the world. Due to its unique location in the Indian ocean many animal species as well as numerous types of flora and fauna exist nowhere else in the world. Large scale habitat loss is increasingly putting pressure onto this unique ecosystem and its wildlife is now under threat.

Madagascar has been declared one of the most important biodiversity hot spots on earth. Many of Madagascar's diverse ecosystems, however, are in great danger because of human developments, and it is to be feared that much of this island's wildlife will disappear soon if we are unable to protect it. It is estimated that 90% of the Island's original forest has been converted by man. Other examples of human interference includes: population growth; increase habitat loss; pollution and hunting.

European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) represents a network of 297 zoological collections through out Europe and organises annual campaigns to raise awareness and funds for conservation projects around the world. Madagascar has been chosen as the 2007 campaign. For more information visit: www.eaza.net

Marwell Zoological Park is owned and operated by Marwell Preservation Trust: a registered charity dedicated to the conservation of biological diversity. Registered Charity Number 275433

Marwell is a member of the British and Irish Association of zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA). BIAZA represents its member collections and promotes the values of good zoos and aquariums.

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