EDUCATIONINACTION
CONSERVATION IN ACTION :
MAKING A DIFFERENCE IN KENT
EVERYONE WANTS TO MAKE THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE , WHETHER IT BE THROUGH ECO-FRIENDLY LIVING , SAVING THE RAINFOREST , PROTESTING HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS , ASKING MULTI BILLION POUND COMPANIES TO DO BETTER BEFORE THE WORLD GOES THE WAY OF THE DODO , OR OUR OWN SMALL ACTIONS . JESS MARSHALL INVESTIGATES THE ORGANISATIONS LEADING THE CONSERVATION CHARGE .
© Manu Palomeque
PORT LYMPNE
© Dave Rolfe
This incredible shift in public consciousness has coincided with the rise of conservation charities trying to do their bit to protect the planet and the precious animals that live on it with us . But here in Kent , we have been ahead of the curve for a long time . With multiple leading conservation sanctuaries , farms and charities , our little county is leading the way in ensuring a bright future for generations of both animals and humans to come . These heroes , who are making such incredible differences to animal lives , deserve some recognition for the tireless work they participate in every day ; from captive breeding programs for endangered animals , to re-wilding , to finding forever homes , so here are some highlights of the very best conservation Kent has to offer . Whether it be small family owned farms or big house-hold names , we ’ ve got the lowdown on all things conservation , so read on if you want to learn how to get involved , and hear about some super cute animals ...
Port Lympne ( www . aspinallfoundation . org / port-lympne ) is possibly the most famous example of conservation in Kent . Established in 1976 the reserve is home to over 900 incredible animals that are either extremely rare or heartbreakingly endangered . The 600 acre wildlife park is quite literally the past , present and future of animal conservation in Kent , with the motto that the animals , and their conservation mission , always come first . This refreshing stance of prioritising animal wellness is just one reason for their success . Ensuring the survival of endangered animals is their game , and by god are they good at it , being the most successful breeders of clouded leopards and de brazza monkeys in the whole of the UK ! Once successfully bred , these animals are then released into their natural habitat with the aim that they will continue to breed in the wild and give the species a kickstart on protected ground to grow without fear of poaching or negative human interference .
Recently Port Lympne have been enjoying some exciting new additions in the form of a new family of European brown bears , who just moved into their newly built three-acre woodland enclosure , where they have the freedom to run around the natural woodland , sleep in their expertly designed den areas and even swim in their enclosure ’ s very own water feature ! After being rescued from Andorra ’ s only zoo by the Port Lympne Reserve team in partnership with captive bear charity Bears in Mind , Julio , Enciam , Neu and their adorable bear cubs are settling in nicely , curiously exploring their portion of the park , scent-marking their enclosure and looking forward to their daily feedings . You can get involved with all the animals by purchasing tickets which start at £ 20 for adult admission , or by adopting one of the bears .
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