Action for the Wild confirms funding for 15 projects

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Colchester Zoo's ‘Action for the Wild’ confirms funding to the tune of £200,000 for 15 worldwide conservation projects!

Colchester Zoo's charity ‘Action for the Wild’ has confirmed that they will be supporting 15 worldwide conservation projects in 2011 to the tune of £200,000. The largest contribution will be to the development of UmPhafa, the zoo’s Private Nature Reserve in South Africa but other beneficiaries will include an Elephant Orphanage Project in Zaire and the Free the Bears Foundation based in Laos, Cambodia.

Action for the Wild achieved charitable status in 2004 and is dedicated to supporting and assisting in conservation projects throughout the world. The trust provides the essential financial and technical assistance needed for these projects, whilst working to raise awareness and respect for nature through formal and informal educational programmes.

One of its main priorities is to set up the UmPhafa Private Nature Reserve in KwaZulu Natal, South Africa. This area has historically been inhabited by 35 mammal species but due to previous farmland management; many of these species have now disappeared.

The project has already introduced 13 new species to the area and hopes to release endangered species such as cheetah, hyena and African hunting dog in the future. It has already bred white rhino, giraffe and zebra.

Action for the Wild is continuing with its support for the Elephant Orphanage project, Wildlife Vets International, Orang-utan Foundation, The Gyps Vulture Restoration Project and Lion Tamarins of Brazil Fund amongst several others. They have also added the Free Bears Fund to their list, a charity that played an important role in the rescue and rehabilitation of the zoo’s sun bears Jo-Jo and Srey Ya.

Rebecca Perry, Action for the Wild's Conservation Director said, ‘Further information about all our projects can be found at www.actionforthewild.org and anyone wishing to make a donation can do so through the website or at one of the collection boxes around Colchester Zoo. Some tickets are also still available for our Action for the Wild evening, which takes place on Saturday 13th August with behind the scenes tours and the chance to hear more about the charity.’




EssexTouristGuide.com 4th May 2011

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