Marwell is supporting the EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquaria) annual conservation campaign, which this year is the island of Madagascar. The campaign focuses on raising awareness of the endangered animals that live on Madagascar as well as collecting funds for various conservation projects.

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.

Marwell is pledging to raise £7,500 and it all kicks off this February half term with our very own ‘Madagascar Matters’ drive. Starting on Monday 19 February and continuing throughout the week, we will be offering special family and child activities including talks, trails and guided tours on a Madagascan theme. No pre booking is necessary and all the activities are completely free. They will run at regular intervals during each day.

Marwell is home to many endangered animals from Madagascar. Some of the rare species that you can see include the beautiful lemurs: the Ring-tailed lemur, which has a fabulous black and white bushy tail; the critically endangered Red Ruffed lemur; the endangered Black and White ruffed lemur; the Alaotran Gentle lemur which is only found in a small area on Madagascar and finally the smallest of all, the Dwarf lemur. You can also see the island’s largest and rarest predator, the carnivorous fossa.

Lots of other fun activities will also be taking place during Half term. Courtesy of wood carving and designer specialists, Tiger Design will be holding special wood carving workshops. Children and adults alike can learn how to draw an animal such as a lemur, transfer this over onto wood and carve the design to take home the same day.

A special display by HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC are at the forefront of preventing trade in endangered species) will also be giving visitors the opportunity to view examples of confiscated items such as green turtles shells and carved ivory. HMRC staff will also be on hand to talk about their work and answer questions.

So come along to the Zoo from Monday 19 February – Sunday 25 February and watch these fascinating animals from Madagascar and learn how you can help save them from extinction.

Everyone can get involved in lots more fun activities during 2007 - whilst at the same time helping to raise money for Madagascar Matters. Organised by Eastleigh Running Club, ‘Leg it for lemurs’, a 10km road race will take place on Sunday 29 April 2007 in the Park’s grounds. All proceeds will go towards the campaign.

 

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