The global conservation of this species is essential for its salvation and BIOPARC promotes preservation actions both in the parks of Valencia and Fuengirola, and through the Foundation.
Celebrating anniversaries allows us to focus attention on different issues that, to a large extent, may go unnoticed. For people committed to the preservation of biodiversity, today has a special relevance because remembers when, in 1960, Jane Goodall arrived in Tanzania for the purpose of studying chimpanzees. His tenacity, bravery and immense love for nature have made it possible for us today to know the true value of these great primates with whom we share most of our DNA and BIOPARC joins this celebration of World Chimpanzee Day.
The loss of biodiversity has increased globally and at an increasingly accelerated rate, in what has been called “the sixth mass extinction.” Species disappear in all ecosystems, some that not even science has managed to discover. It is essential to report this situation to stop or, in the worst case, stop this increasing mortality. But there are some cases in which we must place even greater emphasis; cases like that of chimpanzees, our closest relatives, now in serious danger of extinction. Human beings are the causes of this catastrophe but we are also the solution. We still have time to act to change the future of all species in general and chimpanzees in particular. To achieve this, it is a priority to raise awareness in society and intervene directly in the protection of these emblematic animals.
In situ conservation and ex situ conservation of chimpanzees.
The involvement of BIOPARC is very notable, as it encompasses the participation of the BIOPARC of Fuengirola and Valencia in the European Conservation Program (EEP) and the BIOPARC Foundation in close collaboration with the Jane Goodall Institute in its projects in Senegal (Africa). Parks are essential to guarantee the survival of chimpanzees through their reproduction, but also as platforms for education and mobilization.
Little Coco and his “stepbrother” Djibril symbolize hope for their subspecies, in critical danger of extinction.
The role of the Valencian park is fundamental in this sense, as it houses a breeding group of West African chimpanzees, the subspecies Pan troglodytes verus. This “family”, made up of one male, five females and a very particular offspring, is a reason for hope. The little ones are Coco, who was born at BIOPARC Valencia just four years ago, and her “stepbrother” Djibril who was born three years ago at BIOPARC Fuengirola. A “family” that symbolizes the effort and success of the people dedicated to achieving maximum well-being for these animals and that starred in an emotional story with a happy ending: the “adoption” and definitive integration of the then “baby” Djibril.
Following the legacy of Jane Goodall, at BIOPARC we want to share the love and respect for animals. And we hope that, as we contemplate this threatened nature, more and more people will participate in its conservation.
