Since 2007, Touroparc embarked on a major program to renovate the zoo and is committed to a policy of sustainable development and awareness of environmental conservation. Aware of the need for action to save endangered species and their ecosystems, Touroparc has made biodiversity conservation a priority.
Major work was carried out within the park in order to give more space to the residents of the park: a new home giraffes, was built in 2007 to accommodate a group of five giraffes Central Africa then, are the Asian elephants in 2008, who have been provided with a house of 600 m2 and an outdoor enclosure of more than 1000 m2 with a large waterhole for swimming. The new space land tapirs, maras, capybaras, rheas and alpacas just see the day in May 2010 with an inner building of 80 m2 and 1600 m2 outdoor enclosure with two basins.
Touroparc now attempts to present ecosystem restored and welcomes in common spaces used to live together in the wild species.
This bias to contribute to biodiversity conservation is also reflected in the choice of animal species to Touroparc since the establishment focuses increasingly on accueilllir ex situ species that are threatened in the wild (conservation ) launched in June 2010 and its Endowment Fund « Touroparc Conservation » to participate, support and initiate conservation program in the field situ (in conservation).
1. The ex situ conservation
Zoos now have tools to help management and breeding of endangered species. In order to act for the protection of animal species endangered, European zoos were united in 1985 to create Breeding Program
European (EEP) to manage and optimize the reproduction of these species in international level. The main objective of the EEP is to allow institutions involved in ex-situ conservation of an endangered species to coordinate to avoid any inbreeding during trade in animals and thus maintain long-term genetic diversity. Each EEP is managed by a scientific committee and is represented by a coordinator. Touroparc participates in 14 EEP and ESB 7 (preliminary program for the creation of an EEP).
2. In situ conservation
Zoos are now actively investing in the conservation of nature. Act in situ, preserve and maintain the species in their natural environment in a sustainable manner by participating in and supporting conservation projects and awareness on the field.
Actions in the countries of origin of the animals are varied: creation of parks and reserves, the fight against poaching and trade in endangered species, support and advocacy to local human communities, etc…
The changing role of zoos
Since ancient times, and on most continents, men have maintained animal collections.
In the early 20th century, zoos are menageries where people come to entertain admiring strange animals. As the world becomes aware of the environmental concept, zoos understand that they have a role to play in the conservation of animal biodiversity. The Washington Convention or CITES in 1973 further accelerates this trend. Therefore, animals in zoos, mostly born in captivity from exchanges between institutions.
The end of the same century marks a further degradation of the natural environment and the gradual disappearance of many animal species. Zoos then contribute to the protection of nature in transmitting knowledge and raising the most threatened and promoting their reintroduction into the wild where possible animals. Zoos defend the rights of animals to keep intact natural environment by taking action to safeguard the most vulnerable ecosystems.
Federated now in national and international associations, these institutions perform four basic tasks:
Recreation, education and awareness, conservation and research.
Recreational mission entertain visitors by offering them a place of relaxation and leisure. TOUROPARC fulfills this mission by offering attractions and a water area. TOUROPARC improves its facilities each year for the public to enjoy his visit
The educational mission: to educate visitors to the protection of biodiversity through different pedagogies tools (panels, workshops, brochures, …). Awareness focuses on the discovery of the species and the threats they face in the wild (habitat destruction, poaching, illegal trafficking, …)
TOUROPARC offers an educational program with an offer adapted to different grade levels. Entertainment is also provided daily to the public. In addition, educational panels punctuate visiting the park allows visitors to get to know the residents, their eating habits, their habitat or the place where they live in the wild.