Conservation

Raising money for Monk Seals RAISING MONEY FOR MONK SEAL CONSERVATION

In 2010, the Oceanarium and all of Parques Reunidos sites across the world including Blackpool Zoo and Lakes Aquarium choose to raise as much money as possible to help the most endangered marine mammal left on the planet, the monk seal. Through donations, fund-raising activities and of course the generosity of our visitors we were able to raise over £2,400 for the CBD-Habitat Foundations Monk Seal Conservation Project.

However the monk seals battle to get off the endangered species list is proving to be a difficult one, and they still need help. Because of this we have decided to continue our support for these beautiful creatures for the whole of 2011. With your help we can really make a difference. Throughout the year, we will be holding special fund raising activities at the Oceanarium, during school holidays we offer face painting and temporary tattooing for a small donation with all the money going towards the project. We also a have donations box placed within the Oceanarium. We hope to raise even more money than last year, remember every penny counts!

THE CAUSE

The CBD-Habitat Mauritania Monk Seal Conservation Project with the help from money raised have been able to continue their work monitoring the Monk Seal population in the Mediterranean, identifying key threats to their survival and educating locals about seal conservation. The results are starting to show, with monk seals beginning to reoccupy lost habitat in the Capo Blanco Peninsula.

In 1945, Spanish expert D Eugenio Morales-Agacino discovered the Cabo Blanco colony of monk seals off the cost of Mauritania. This population now accounts for approximately half of the entire species, with nearly 300 individuals.

The community is under serious threat from a lack of appropriate breeding sites, with only 2 caves offering a suitable environment and protection. With such a fragile population, just one disaster such as an infection oil slick or rock collapse could mean catastrophe for the colony and population as a whole.

The CBD Habitat Mauritania Monk Seal Conservation Project aims to disperse and expand the population to ensure its long term future. The project has a permanent base near the monk seal’s breeding caves, allowing researchers to observe the following areas of investigation:

Distribution of the population and composition of the group.
Births and integration of newborns
Reproduction and pregnancy
Mortality and development of individuals
Nursing and parenting
Diet and nutrition
Natural behaviour patterns including diving.
Genetic studies and potential threats.

At the end of 2010, Jesus, the Parques Reunidos Director for Animal Management visited the monk seal colony to see how the money raised by all the parks was being put to good use.

WHO ARE THE CBD-HABITAT FOUNDATION

CBD- Habitat are a not for profit organisation that develops biodiversity and conservation projects across Europe. They aim to improve the environment and aid threatened species – spreading awareness and respect for our natural world.

WHAT YOU CAN DO

Next time you visit us please check out our display boards about the monk seals, keep an eye out for fundraising activities, get involved and if you can, please do your little bit to help!

OTHER CONSERVATION WORK

Have a look at our blog to see what other conservation issues we address and work we get up to: CLICK HERE

CONSERVATION LINKS

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Parques Reunidos - Parque de atracciones - Bobbejaanland - Mirabilandia - Parque Warner - Bonbonland - L´ Oceanogràfic
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Oceanarium, the award winning Bournemouth Aquarium, is top of the list of where to go and what to do in Dorset. We are a fun, friendly, all weather attraction situated on the seafront, next to the pier. The Oceanarium is home to thousands of sea life creatures and welcomes families, schools, educational trips, group bookings and is a unique private hire venue. It provides disabled wheelchair access and is pushchair friendly. Bournemouth is one the largest tourist destinations on the south coast of England. Visit the Oceanarium for a great day trip out for all the family.