The Global Red Panda population has declined by 50% over the last 20 years, meaning there may be as few as 2,500 remaining in the wild. Red Panda reside naturally in the Himalayas, rapid human population growth and increases in farming have resulted in large scale deforestation and habitat degradation, fragmenting the areas in which the red panda can live. In turn this reduces natural food sources and breeding opportunities, threatening species survival. Like many other species, Red Pandas are poached for their pelts and furs and for body parts which are believed to hold medicinal properties. A rise in demand to keep as pets or attractions has resulted in capture by wildlife traffickers for the illegal pet trade.

Chaparri is the site of Peru’s first wildlife rescue centre designed specifically for Spectacled Bears. Andean Bears are classified vulnerable with only 2,500-10,000 estimated remaining in the wild. Seven bears that have been confiscated from illegal captivity are currently housed in large semi-wild enclosures that provide the bears a stimulating natural environment in which to live. Visitors may visit some of these enclosures with a local guide and watch bears in their natural habitat and learn more about these threatened animals. Chaparri also receives a selection of other rescued animals (Ocelot, Andean Condor, King Vulture, Military Macaw recently) which occur in the area and these may also be seen.

Founded by Petronel Nieuwoudt in 2001, Care for Wild Rhino Sanctuary’s mission is “to rescue every rhino that is orphaned, to heal them and to provide a totally secure environment where they can grow, roam free, and breed to ensure that there will always be rhinos in Africa.” Based in Mpumalanga, rhinos are poached at extremely high rates (averaging 2 a day in 2018) and whilst reductions in the number killed per year have been seen, these have been alongside increases in poaching incidents in less protected areas.

We are thrilled to announce sponsorship of the Kordofan Giraffe Project in Cameroon with the Giraffe Conservation Fund, fighting back against the silent extinction of these beautiful animals. Whilst we are lucky to be home to 7 Kordofan Giraffes here at Safari Zoo – Eller, Gaya, Eloise, Bonamanzi and Katoumi our girls, Ekundayo and Kofi our Boys - as few as 1400 Kordofan Giraffes remain in the wild – the population in Cameroon is as low as 660. In 2018 the Kordofan Giraffe was declared Critically Endangered meaning they face the very real and extremely high risk of extinction in the immediate future unless the situation changes significantly. Giraffe conservation foundation are dedicated to doing just that, and we at Safari Zoo are thrilled to announce our support of the GCF Cameroon Giraffe Conservation Programme.

The Green Earth Appeal is part of a worldwide network including technicians, volunteers and community representatives/leaders working to empower communities in the developing world to become more sustainable. It is one of only 61 worldwide planting partners of the United Nations’ Billion Tree Campaign, and is a part of a network of charities and Non-Government Organisations that have supported communities in Central America, Africa, and Asia to become sustainable by planting 15 Billion trees. Safari Zoo are thrilled to announce that we are the first UK Zoo to have joined up with Carbon Free Dining, in support of the Green Earth Appeal, one of sixty-one worldwide Tree Planting Partners in the United Nations Environment’s Billion Tree Campaign.