Osnabrück Zoo saves rare rabbit – habitat from extinction!

Osnabrück Zoo saves rare rabbit – habitat from extinction!

A lot is happening at Osnabrück Zoo! The institution is currently committed to protecting the rare Sumatran striped rabbit, which is threatened with extinction in its native Indonesia. Not only is this rabbit one of the rarest species within the hare family, but it also suffers greatly from habitat loss and illegal poaching. To counteract this, a new breeding facility is currently being built as part of the Prigen Conservation Breeding Ark (PCBA) conservation project, which aims to secure the population of these unique animals. The support of the zoo is essential, as NDR reports.

In addition to breeding the Sumatran striped rabbit, slow lorises will also be bred in the new facility. This animal species is also at high risk of extinction and shows how important protective measures are. The project is financed, among other things, through the Species Protection Euro, which visitors can donate when purchasing tickets. These small contributions add up and help make big progress in species conservation.

Prigen Conservation Breeding Ark in detail

The PCBA was founded in 2017 in response to the Songbird Crisis Summits in Singapore. Here, over 60 international experts identified the urgent need for measures to conserve endangered songbird species in the Greater Sunda Region. The KASI Foundation of Taman Safari Indonesia has launched a program that not only ensures the breeding of these species, but also raises awareness among the local population about the importance of nature conservation. This takes a comprehensive approach to supporting the songbird population in the wild.

These measures include, among other things, the construction of a total of six enclosures for various songbird species, the first of which was built in August 2017. Overall, captive breeding is carried out in accordance with scientifically based care guidelines, which is intended to ensure the long-term preservation of these endangered animals.

Osnabrück Zoo and its new animal arrivals

Speaking of fascinating animals: Two Asiatic lions, “Rajah” and “Kiara”, have also settled in Osnabrück Zoo. These two kings of the beasts are currently still getting used to them and are causing great anticipation among visitors. The zoo also contains long-snouted kangaroos, which are considered potentially endangered in their Australian homeland. Visually they are reminiscent of rats, which in no way diminishes their appeal.

The importance of nature conservation and species preservation is emphasized not only by the zoo's initiatives, but also by organizations such as the WWF, which also launch campaigns and programs to save endangered species. At a time when nature's diversity is under pressure, the active participation of zoos and conservation organizations is essential to effect positive change.

With its commitment, Osnabrück Zoo shows that every step - no matter how small - counts when it comes to preserving our natural resources. Stay curious and support species protection too!