Wildlife parks in the 21st Century have a duty to work for the conservation of biodiversity. Here at WMSP, we take this very seriously and contribute to this cause in a number of ways.
Find out more about our Research & Conservation efforts…
“To facilitate and initiate research that contributes to species conservation and the welfare of animals in our care.”
Wildlife parks and zoos have an obligation to support and encourage research which will improve the welfare of captive animals. In addition, research at captive animal collections can generate knowledge on topics such as animal behaviour, physiology and reproduction. This knowledge can ultimately be used to assist species conservation.
West Midland Safari Park carries out research projects from an annually revised internal priority projects list. We also collaborate on projects initiated by external researchers from endangered species breeding programmes, other zoological parks, national and international conservation bodies and universities.
If you have an enquiry regarding conducting research at WMSP, or would like further details about projects we have completed/are undertaking, please contact the Research and Conservation Officer: research@wmsp.co.uk
Supporting ‘in the field’ conservation
Supporting conservation, on the ground in the areas where our animals live in the wild, is a crucial part of our work.
Direct Funding of ‘in the field’ conservation
WMSP seeks to give funding to, and raise awareness for, some key wildlife conservation projects. We have long term relationships with the following conservation organisations:
- WildCats Conservation Alliance – We support its work for the Kerinci Seblat Tiger Protection Project to safeguard the Sumatran tiger.
More information: www.conservewildcats.org/portfolio/kerinci-seblat-sumatran-tiger-protection-project/
- Save the Rhino International – We have, for several years, supported SRI’s work with the Sumatran Rhino Sanctuary and Save the Rhino Trust, Namibia.
More information: www.savetherhino.org/programmes/save-the-rhino-trust/
www.savetherhino.org/programmes/the-sumatran-rhino-sanctuary
- AEECL (Lemur Conservation Association) – They work to protect 112 types of lemur who live only on the island of Madagascar.
More information: www.aeecl.org
- TUSK – We work with TUSK to support the Mali Elephant Project.
More information: www.tusk.org/projects/mali-elephant-project/
- Global Penguin Society – They are committed to the protection of all 18 species of penguin.
More information: www.globalpenguinsociety.org/
Ex-situ conservation (conservation breeding)
Many species held in captivity are threatened in the wild. These and even some of those that are not yet classified as in trouble, are supported by well-managed captive breeding programmes.
Ex-situ Conservation (conservation breeding)
Many species held in captivity are threatened in the wild. These and even some of those that are not yet classified as in trouble, are supported by well-managed captive breeding programmes.
Having centrally-managed programmes means animals are swapped between animal collections for breeding purposes, ensuring captive populations are as genetically diverse as possible, therefore acting as useful back-ups to the wild population of their species. WMSP takes part in over 25 managed breeding programmes.
Habitat restoration
Part of the Devil’s Spittleful – a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) – falls within the WMSP boundary.
Habitat Restoration
Part of the Devil’s Spittleful – a site of special scientific interest (SSSI) – falls within the WMSP boundary.
We take our responsibility to look after this land, which is lowland heathland habitat, very seriously.
Lowland heathland is a habitat which has reduced greatly over the past hundred years. It requires protection and conservation management to preserve it. The SSSI forms the core of the work WMSP does for native British wildlife.
“It is up to us to protect the Earth.”
Like any responsible business, WMSP seeks to increase the sustainability of its business practices by minimising waste production, recycling where possible and using resources, such as water and electricity, efficiently.
Businesses and individuals all have a responsibility to use the planet’s resources responsibly. Wildlife parks work for the conservation of the species they hold and therefore businesses like WMSP have an extra reason for trying to be ‘green.’
We have a duty of care for the environment because you cannot conserve species without making sure their habitats are also protected from harm.
US – To view our ‘green’ achievements so far, or our sustainability policy, please contact research@wmsp.co.uk
YOU – We have produced a visitors’ charter (below) to help our guests and those considering visiting to ‘be green.’
Conserve Energy
If you come to WMSP in a vehicle, turn off the engine as soon as you have stopped in the car park. Idling engines use up fuel which will cost you and the environment.
Carbon Balance Your Visit
Our Safari is a four-mile drive around in your car or coach, which we know produces greenhouse gases. Healthy forests soak up carbon dioxide. We take part in a scheme with the World Land Trust to ‘Carbon Balance’ the emissions produced by supporting their work to save forest. You can contribute by donating at the big money box in front of our Lorikeet Landing exhibit.
Find out more: www.worldlandtrust.org/what-we-do/carbon-balanced/
Minimise waste
All the waste that goes into our bins is sorted at the waste disposal site we use so that as much as possible can be diverted from landfill. It is great if our visitors can help us reduce waste, for example by bringing picnics which do not have lots of overly packaged items.
Don’t Waste Water
All the taps in our toilets are push button or sensor taps – so they turn themselves off. Therefore, we are helping you to help us save water!
Respect Nature
Remember the animals you have seen at the Park. In the wild, they all rely on healthy ecosystems to survive. If you try to conserve energy and recycle in your daily life, you are helping preserve the environment.
Support Green Tourism Businesses
There are hundreds of business trying to reduce their environmental impacts through the Green Tourism Business Scheme. WMSP has joined this scheme – read more here.
