A major role in the conservation of animal species
The causes of the 6th mass extinction of species are multiple: pollution of A major role in the conservation of animal species in the air, water and soil, overexploitation of resources, global warming, species trafficking…
Zoological parks work alongside partners around the world to halt the decline of animal species in the wild.
The La Barben Animal Park places the preservation of biodiversity at the heart of its mission. Convinced that every gesture counts, we carry out various actions in favor of in situ (by supporting programs in the countries concerned) and ex situ (by acting on a daily basis here in the park)
The La Barben Animal Park and its Ecofaune association currently finance more than thirty programmes on five continents.
These actions aim to:
- protect endangered species and their habitats,
- improve coexistence between humans and wildlife,
- Raising awareness among new generations of the value of living things.
Committed to the preservation of biodiversity, the La Barben animal park supports various programs for the protection of animals in the natural environment, by relaying their actions to the public, by providing financial assistance and sometimes by being an actor itself.
Integrating the problems of human populations, these projects generally include several areas of action: direct protection of animals (fight against poaching, etc.), environmental education and aid for the sustainable development of local populations such as crop diversification and micro-credits.
The financial support we provide is made possible by the income generated by park tickets, and by sales at the snack bar and the shop. At the same time, the Ecofaune association was created: its purpose is to collect donations from individuals, companies, schools, etc. These donations are entirely donated to the various programs we support!
The animal park financially supports animal protection projects
As the French Association of Zoological Parks (AFdPZ) reminds us very well, the most obvious role of zoological parks in the ex situ conservation of endangered species is that of genetic conservatory. All the species presented in zoological parks are reproduced there. Animal parks are home to and reproduce species classified by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) Red List as Vulnerable, Threatened, Critically Endangered, or even Extinct in the wild. For each species, the populations hosted by the zoological parks are managed by a coordinator within European programmes for threatened species (EEP).
The La Barben Animal Park thus has a major role in the preservation of species.
Thanks to the work of our teams on site, the reproduction of individuals of the species Striped Hyena or Oryx beisa has been ensured, for example.
These individuals can be used to reintroduce them into the wild. This is particularly the case for one of our female gazelle oryx, which has been selected for a reintroduction programme in Chad.
It is also noted that the park’s actions in favor of ex situ conservation are useful locally on the territory. With Life SOS Criquet de Crau, the skills and experience in breeding of the La Barben Animal Park were called upon to strengthen the population of the endemic locust of La Crau.
We also protect the southern shrike and its habitat in the Provençal scrubland.
In addition to its various actions in favor of conservation, the La Barben Animal Park also has a mission to raise awareness of the protection of living things.
A role of refuge
Beyond conservation issues, the La Barben Animal Park is a refuge for wildlife in distress. In collaboration with the customs services, the OFB, the gendarmerie… We take in seized animals so that they can find an environment adapted to their physiological needs and behaviours.
Partners & Associations
Our actions would not be possible without the mobilization of committed partners
Professional networks
- EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) – information and reflections on species management, international conservation campaigns,
- AFDPZ (French Association of Zoological Parks) – knowledge sharing, common fund for the protection of endangered species.
Partners
- CEN Paca
- LPO Bioux
Supporting the park’s actions
How can we support our actions?
- Make a donation: participate directly in the financing of projects carried out by the Ecofaune association, created by the park.
- (Become a sponsor: Support an animal in the park and help protect its species in the wild.)
- (Corporate sponsorship: commit your company to a concrete approach to environmental responsibility, alongside actors in the field.)
Each contribution, regardless of its size, contributes to the preservation of living things.
Key figures of our impact
- More than €750,000 invested in in-situ conservation
- X participation in European breeding programmes (EEP/BSE)
- 319 animals seized, abandoned, recovered by firefighters and welcomed at the park since 2017
- 38 conservation programs supported in France and abroad.
- 3 bronze medals and 1 silver medal for our EAZA campaigns.
- 1 association dedicated to conservation: Ecofaune, the driving force behind our commitment.
Our actions are part of a sustainable approach: protecting, educating, and inspiring everyone to become an actor in biodiversity. We do everything we can every day to make the La Barben Animal Park a unique place for the preservation of the living.
