"It's a loopy challenge, however not unreasonable. Bold however not unachievable. " The three co-chairs of Rewild (resuscitated in French), Lamya Essemlali, Perrine Crosmary and Lorane Mouyzon set the tone instantly. For the reason that signing of the gross sales settlement, for the acquisition of the Pont-Scorff zoo on December 16, their nights are brief. They work very laborious, on web site, with the 17 staff, to look after the animals, whereas growing their challenge. Together with, this Sunday, surrounded by their younger kids. Subsequent, Lamya is president from Sea Sheperd France, Perrine returns from Tanzania the place she fought towards the child elephant commerce for zoos in China, and Lorane Mouyzon is a member of the Heart Athénas, which collects injured European wild animals within the Jura.
A craze and criticism
The purpose, "Liberate" the zoo’s 560 animals arouses the passion of most of the people. In 5 days, Rewild, a gaggle of seven non-governmental organizations together with Sea Shepherd, mobilized to protect marine ecosystems, managed to gather, in 5 days, € 600,000 because of a web based kitty, making the repurchase efficient: "23,000 donors from 67 international locations", underline the co-chairs. Among them, Marc Simoncini, founder of Meetic, who made a donation of € 250,000.
However the challenge can also be the goal of virulent criticism, specifically from the French and European associations of zoological parks. As a result of the controversy is "Philosophical, political and financial". There are press releases "Clean", and "Behind the scenes, a trench conflict", they confide. "We’re remodeling a zoo into an institution that not exploits animals. Inevitably, it shakes this trade. " They need "Transfer the strains" and defeat a dogma from the zoo group. For them, “An animal born in captivity may be launched. "
Rewild printed a "Open letter to our detractors", earlier than quickly a solution " level by level " to the AFdPZ (French affiliation of zoos) and to the EAZA (European affiliation of zoos and aquariums).
Parrots from site visitors quickly in Pont-Scorff
Their urgency, maintain the zoo animals. Beginning with a black rhino "In unhealthy state. " Seals, which was in a freshwater basin, now bathe in seawater. "All of the animals are going to be out of right here, to provide a second likelihood to the animals from the site visitors that we’ll welcome. " Beginning subsequent week, 200 parrots victims of contraband should arrive in Pont-Scorff to "Extract them from the industrial circuit and work on a possible rehabilitation".
A listing of zoo animals is underway. Not all shall be launched into the wild. “Some, for well being or genetic causes, shall be despatched to sanctuaries. "
A world entourage
To do that, they are going to work with veterinarians specializing in wildlife, from Bilbao and Africa. "Now we have a community of veterinarians, behaviorists, specialists on the worldwide stage. "
Digital excursions
The park, closed because the takeover, ought to reopen to the general public by summer season, with "An actual academic message". We are going to not see the animals stay there, "However we’ll inform their story. And digital actuality, by headsets, will assist you to be near them. That is the way forward for zoos. " Additionally on web site, there shall be a restaurant, a store, exhibitions, stuffed animals, conferences, coaching… "We are going to talk on the position of animals, the affect of site visitors and commerce on them …"
A brand new economic system
Reintroduction into the wild takes time and is dear. “We is not going to work alone. The reintroduction of animals into the wild complies with guidelines dictated by IUCN and CITES. "
The pot stays open (€ 688,000 collected). "We’re depending on donations, pending opening to the general public. " A fundraiser shall be organized on February 6 on the Palais des Congrès in Lorient. “We are going to talk repeatedly on our actions so that individuals can see what their assist is for. " Personal companions have additionally made themselves identified. Rewild expects a minimum of 100,000 visits a yr (the zoo made as much as 300,000 admissions a yr). "The entry ticket will actually be used to preserve animals. "
And what about people?
The 17 staff are retained. "Their predominant concern: caring for animals. " The zoo labored with the Chalet, a service supplier construction that integrates folks with autism. " We are going to proceed. We would like a solidarity challenge, the human aspect is essential. "
Pont-Scorff Zoo. Rewild responds to assaults on its challenge which has "23,000 donors from 67 international locations"Ouest-France.fr
