Rewriting our future
A world which former balance has been restored. In which endangered species can enjoy their reclaimed habitats once again in large numbers. In which people, animals, and nature live together in harmony without jeopardising one another’s existence in any way.
Is that too good to be true? The Antwerp Zoo Foundation (AZF) does not believe so, even though time is running out. AZF aims to transform this hopeful vision of the future into reality.
Three projects, one vision
What distinguishes AZF from other conservation projects? The all-encompassing perspective: a focus on harmonisation rather than isolation. AZF adopts a broader, locally-oriented approach to achieve the right balance between fauna, flora and economics. Therefore close collaboration between AZF, local authorities, and the indigenous population is indispensable for a sustainable future.
All of these parties involved in AZF’s projects stand shoulder to shoulder to achieve the same goal: a region that is able to flourish in all its facets. It is through projects like these that AZF, acting as an ambassador for endangered species, helps build the world of tomorrow.
Lomako Bonobo (Congo)
Humankind shares 98 per cent of its DNA with the bonobo. Keeping this in mind, it should hardly come as a surprise that AZF takes such a heart-felt interest in the fortune of this intelligent primate. The situation as it stands today unfortunately looks everything but rosy: deforestation and the bush meat trade pose a substantial threat to the very survival of these inspiring animals and their habitat. AZF is doing everything in its power to improve the lives of bonobos.
'Back to Buta' Okapi (Congo)
Our story starts with the arrival of the first okapi at Antwerp ZOO in 1919. The animal was named ‘Buta’ after the capital of the Province of Bas-Uélé, where the okapi occurs in the wild. This is why both the location and the species are so meaningful to the Antwerp Zoo Foundation. AZF wants to give this elegant and mysterious species a safe, permanent home.
De Zegge (Geel, Belgium)
The nature reserve De Zegge is a vulnerable paradise for rare species of flora and fauna and one of the very few places in Belgium to contain a unique marsh habitat with peatlands. A bog like this is so important because it retains carbon, thus serving as a beacon in the battle against global warming. De Zegge is, however, under tremendous pressure because its water balance has come under threat. AZF also aims to work towards a harmonious future for people, animals, and nature – not only abroad, but also in its own country.
Join us in rewriting our future!
Time to save biodiversity is running out. But it is not yet too late. Together, with your support, Antwerp Zoo Foundation can still turn the tide.