The nature park hosted this week the largest group of specialists in chimpanzee protection and care for the first meeting of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums' dedicated Conservation Program. Under the scientific umbrella of biology, zoology, veterinary medicine, and ethology, a group of 50 people from 12 countries successfully shared essential research and knowledge on topics as critical as illegal trafficking, nutrition, health, and physical and emotional well-being, all aimed at ensuring the survival of this critically endangered species, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List.
To halt the growing loss of global biodiversity and save species from extinction Animals as emblematic as chimpanzees require a global and multidisciplinary approach to their conservation. The BIOPARC parks in Fuengirola and Valencia are home to the largest group of chimpanzees in Spain. western chimpanzee (Pan troglodytes verusThe important work of raising awareness and preserving the species requires constant updating and fostering the exchange of knowledge. This aspiration has materialized in the celebration in Valencia of the first European Workshop of the Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for chimpanzees, organized by the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA).
BIOPARCs, pioneers in recreating wild habitats to raise awareness.
BIOPARCs were pioneers in Europe in using zoo immersion in a cutting-edge design that faithfully recreates wild habitats, bringing the jungles closer to society for to evoke emotion through beautyto break with indifference and mobilize towards the protection of nature.
Alongside this outreach work, it is essential to lead the conservation of species based on scientific criteria, and in this sense, fifty specialists from 12 countries They have shared experiences and lessons learned, as well as the latest trends and research, to try to to guarantee the survival of our closest relative, the chimpanzee.
First European Workshop of the Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for chimpanzees.
For two days, from the perspective of biology, zoology, veterinary medicine, or ethology, specific workshops have been discussed and developed on the chimpanzee welfare and the necessary coordination between global actions in the different chimpanzee populations both in their places of origin and outside of them.
Thomas Marques, from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology at Pompeu Fabra University and recipient of the Ramón y Cajal Medal from the Royal Academy of Sciences, referred to the illegal trafficking of speciesensuring that having Individuals under human care allows us to understand them better and be able to help them.In her genetic research, she has highlighted the implementation of a non-invasive system that allows for the identification of the origin of specimens through the analysis of fecal remains. The goal is to better detect where they come from in order to prevent new cases of illegal trafficking. The intervention is carried out in these "hotspots" so that the United Nations (UN), through the Great Ape Survival Project (GRASP), can take action through awareness campaigns aimed at local communities.
Equally, Jana Pluháčková, EEP coordinator He emphasized, among many topics, the importance of conservation centers for support the projects in situ with funding and education for visitors about “How can they help save the great apes?”In the best zoos, ethical considerations and the overall well-being of the populations and each individual are fundamental.
This workshop has shown progress in nutrition, physical and emotional health, or communication between individualsThe needs and stability of the groups, as well as personalized care in all circumstances, such as in old age, are also crucial. All of this should have a significant impact on the quality of life and life expectancy of these great apes in European zoos.
Chimpanzees, ambassadors of conservation.
In immersive zoo parks, chimpanzees become ambassadors for conservation.Few species capture the attention of both adults and children so completely. Through them, through this ability to attract the visitor's attention, awareness is raised about the species' precarious situation, its needs, its proximity to our species, and the... real actions we can take to offer them a future.
But they also achieve something equally important; they achieve to fulfill the children's wish to see a charismatic animal in personLive, right in front of him, in a jungle setting and accompanied by his family. This also fulfills the wish of many parents who otherwise would not be able to show these animals and landscapes to their children.
The recent award that the Little Wish Foundation has given to BIOPARC – an entity that has been working since 2000 to make the wishes of children and adolescents with serious and chronic illnesses come true – symbolizes the success of the other mission, along with the preservation of species, that the parks, and the chimpanzees as their ambassadors, carry out in our society.
