Conservation
As a member of BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums), Exmoor zoo actively co-operates in national and international breeding programmes for many of the worlds rarest birds and animals. The zoo is particularly successful with its cranes and primates. Many bred at the zoo find homes with zoos and wildlife parks all over Europe. During most months of the year there are always new families to be seen with their parents in the zoo's aviaries, enclosures and paddocks.
At home the zoo realises the importance of its local habitats and wildlife. If you keep your eyes open while walking around the zoo you will see many unusual native birds, butterflies, insect, reptiles and amphibians happily living alongside their more exotic companions. The zoo maintains 2 areas of natural meadow within its grounds and its lake is home to a thriving colony of toads. During some years paths have had to be closed because of the number of young leaving the lake. Weeds and nettles are not automatically cleared as in some zoos and are encouraged in many areas to provide food and shelter for our own important wildlife.
Fundraising at the zoo has benefited many conservation projects both in the UK and abroad. Monies raised at the zoo last year helped to fund a project at the Makasuto wildlife trust in the Gambia, Africa www.darwingambia.gm enabling important waterholes to be de-silted and cleared. The Barn owl trust in Devon www.barnowltrust.org.uk benefits from a Barn owl day which the zoo runs every year, not only to raise awareness of the plight of this bird, but also funds to assist with the trusts work. Recent years have also seen the zoo participating in EAZA (European Association of Zoos and Aquariums) campaigns. The zoo received a Bronze award this year for its donation to the save the rhino campaign and this year it is hoping to do the same for the Associations Madagascar campaign.www.eaza.net
