Ex situ conservation: preserving species

Biodiversity at the heart of our mission

At Naturospace, biodiversity is much more than just a theme for visitors: it's at the heart of everything we do. By recreating living tropical environments, raising public awareness of natural balances and supporting concrete conservation programs, Naturospace works to preserve habitats, ecosystems and endangered species. Every visit is an opportunity to gain a better understanding of the living world, and to play your part in its sustainable protection.

A flagship initiative for Central American primates.

The Ruddy-headed Atele conservation project is run in Ecuador by theNGO Proyecto Washu, with the support of Bioparc Conservation funds, to which Naturospace contributes. It aims to protect this endangered primate, heavily impacted by thedeforestation of the Ecuadorian forest, which is reducing and fragmenting its natural habitat.

Proyecto Washu’s action is based on several complementary axes: monitoring populations of atelas and other primates, studying their forest environment and working closely with local communities. To limit the destruction of the forest, the association is developing sustainable economic solutions, in particularorganic agroforestry around cocoa, enabling local people to make a living from the forest while preserving it.

The project also includes the creation of a rescue center for the primates and the search for new forest plots to protect, in order to secure release areas for the ateles and ensure the long-term survival of the species.

Naturospace is a member of theAssociation Française des Parcs Zoologiques (AFdPZ), the oldest professional association of zoos in France, founded in 1969. The AFdPZ brings together zoological establishments committed to the essential missions of biodiversity conservation, public education and scientific research.

Through its national and international network, AFdPZ represents the profession in dealings with public authorities and major conservation organizations (IUCN, EAZA, WAZA). It provides concrete support to member parks through a conservation fund, support for the rescue of wild animals in distress, the sharing of expertise and the promotion of actions carried out in the field.

By becoming a member of AFdPZ, Naturospace is affirming its commitment to a modern, responsible zoo that plays an active role in protecting the environment.

The destruction of natural habitats is often the first stage in the decline of species. Fragmented forests, disappearance of host plants, soil artificialisation: when biotopes disappear, ecological balances collapse.
At Naturospace, conservation is inconceivable without direct or indirect action to preserve natural habitats in situ.

Through its commitment to AFdPZ and its support for programs run by Bioparc Conservation, Naturospace is involved in concrete actions to protect natural environments. These partnerships support field projects aimed at conserving tropical forests, restoring degraded areas and maintaining spaces essential to the survival of endangered species.

Protecting habitats means preserving the very basis of life itself.

In addition to species, it is essential to preserve entire ecosystems: interactions between plants, tropical butterfliesinsects, exotic birds and other animals, natural cycles and fragile balances.

With this in mind, Naturospace supports a sustainable industry based on the sustainable breeding of tropical butterflies, exclusively in their country of origin. These farms are based on healthy forests, plant diversity and the preservation of caterpillar host plants, encouraging local populations to protect their environment.

One example of this commitment is the Kipepeo Project in Kenya. Developed around the Arabuko-Sokoke forest, this community-based program enables local people to generate income from butterfly farming, while restoring and protecting the forest. Over 90% of the farmers are women, and tree nurseries have been created to reduce pressure on the natural environment.

Preserving genetic diversity

Genetic diversity is a fundamental pillar of species resilience. To reinforce its action in this field, Naturospace is planning to participate in European ex situ conservation programs, notably through the European Studbooks (ESB) coordinated at European level by EAZA.

These programs enable rigorous monitoring of animal populations housed in zoos, promote responsible exchanges between establishments and contribute to the long-term preservation of species' genetic heritage.

Joining this European dynamic means strengthening scientific, coordinated and sustainable conservation.

Sowing the seeds of environmental awareness

At Naturospace, every visit has a concrete impact on the protection of the butterfly and tropical bird species present in the greenhouse every day.

Every year, during the Fête de la nature at the end of May, our zoological park organizes a " nature day of solidarity", during which part of the proceeds are donated to associations and foundations involved in the conservation of species and natural environments.

By visiting the park on this day - as they do all year round - visitors become active participants in the preservation of living things.

Their tickets contribute directly to the financing of field projects in France and abroad, turning a nature outing into a gesture of solidarity.