As a centre for the protection of nature and conservation of species, the Zoo Zurich endeavours to contribute to the preservation of natural habitats all over the world. The cooperation with the Masoala National Park in Madagascar is one of the Zoo Zurich’s seven focus projects. The Zoo Zurich contributes a minimum of USD 125’000 p.a. to the running costs and to the sustainability fund of Masoala National Park. Furthermore, the Zoo supports various projects to improve livelihood of the local communities around the Masoala National Park.

Reforestation is an important aspect of the Zoo Zurich’s environmental commitment in Madagascar as approximately 90 percent of Madagascar’s rainforests have been deforested to this day. Through funding from various private foundations the Zoo Zurich has been able to establish a considerable number of tree nurseries. Together they grow over 50’000 tree seedlings each year. These seedlings are used to reforest several corridors that are essential to sustain genetic diversity within the rainforest’s wildlife.

In cooperation with the «Silo National des Graines Forestières», Zoo Zurich also helps to build and sustain a seed bank and herbarium for rare Madagascan trees.

The Zoo Zurich also compensates its excess carbon emissions through certificates from the Makira REDD+ Project. The project aims to finance the long-term conservation of Makira Forest, a 1,438-square-mile protected area, through carbon credit sales from avoided deforestation. In addition, the Makira REDD+ Project improves community land stewardship and governance and supports sustainable livelihood practices for local people.

Zoo Zurich in Madagascar – Key Figures: - Project start: 1995 - Direct payments so far (as of 2014): CHF 3‘400‘000.- - Number of people who benefit: 37’000
Partners: - Masoala National Park (www.parcs-madagascar.com) - World Conservation Society WCS (www.wcs.org) - Silo National des Graines Forestières SNGF (www.sngf-madagascar.mg) - Madagascar Fauna & Flora Group MFFG (www.parcivoloina.org) - Medair (www.medair.org) - Verein Freunde Masoalas (www.freundemasoalas.ch)