Conservation at the Zoo

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E-mail: zoogyor@zoogyor.com

Conservation at the zoo

One of the most important tasks of modern zoos is the protection of nature and the education aimed at promoting it. This is also true at the Xantus János Zoo. Conservation work is multifaceted, and we must not only think about protecting wildlife from distant continents but also consider our native species. In the case of native species, education is particularly important —just think of our prejudices against snakes—and it is also essential to take in and rehabilitate animals injured or sick due to human activities, with the aim of releasing them back into the wild after recovery. One of the key locations for this conservation rescue work is the Conservation Rescue Center at the Győr Zoo, where over a hundred injured wild animals are treated annually.

Conservation Rescue Center at the Győr Zoo

It is still not widely known that zoos do not only showcase species , but also carry out multiple roles at once. Most domestic wildlife parks operate as conservation rescue centers as well. The Győr Zoo accepts a large number of native wilds precise every year. Most of the animals are brought to the rescue center injured, but there are also orphaned cubs and chicks, as well as animals that have been seized by authorities or are kept illegally.

Common Goal, Common Interest

Our zoo maintains a very good relationship with conservation authorities and national parks. Through our joint efforts, we can help injured animals more easily and quickly. Their expertise is essential to ensure that the animals receive proper care. We mutually assist each other in our work. Together, we can achieve much more in nature conservation and in saving animal species. At this point, we must not forget our most important helpers: you, dear reader. We could not carry out our animal rescue activities as effectively as we do without so many well-intentioned people. It’s a great feeling that more and more people are contributing to the rescue work. It’s heartening to know that many people approach us when they find a sick, weakened, or injured animal. The zoo's rescue work has become well-known, and many animal lovers regularly visit us, helping us with our work. We are grateful for that!

What kind of animals does the Győr Zoo Conservation Rescue Centre take in?

For native wild mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians, the zoo accepts any injured, sick, or young wild animal in need of care. It is advisable, though not mandatory, to notify the zoo in advance about the animal's arrival and to coordinate the transportation of the animal. However, for the protection of our zoo residents, there are periods (such as during the annual bird flu outbreaks) when we are unable to accept birds. Please check our news or our Facebook page for updates!

What happens to the animals at the rescue center?

The animals that arrive at the rescue center are examined by the zoo veterinarian, who determines the severity of their injuries. Unfortunately, sometimes it is already too late, and the animals would not have a chance of recovery. In these cases, the professionals decide to euthanize the animal, thus ending its suffering. However, fortunately, in most cases, there is an opportunity for healing and treatment of the injuries. An animal stays at the rescue center until it is fully recovered. If lucky, after some time, it can be returned to its original habitat. The main goal is for these creatures to be released back into nature after recovery. This involves many animals each year. Zoos also keep statistics on these activities. In 2009, 39 species and 128 individuals were cared for at the rescue center, 35% of which were successfully repatriated and are now roaming freely in their original homes again.

Does every animal return to the wild after recovery?

The goal is always for the rehabilitated wild animals to be returned to nature. However, there are cases when they must stay. We decide to keep animals at the shelter in two situations. First, those individuals that have sustained such severe injuries (e.g., it is common in birds that they can no longer properly use their wings, beaks, etc.) that they would have no chance of surviving in the wild can stay at the rescue center for the rest of their lives. There are also some individuals that, due to their excessive attachment to humans, would no longer be able to survive in the wild. In such cases, they may stay at the zoo for the remain of their lives. For example, fawn calves orphaned by floods become so accustomed to human care that they would have no chance of survival in nature.