Dublin Zoo unveils Wildlife Preservation Center
Dublin Zoo unveils wildlife preservation centre.
In a significant stride towards wildlife conservation, Dublin Zoo proudly reveals its National Centre for Species Survival, housed within the historic Society House building dating back to 1868. The twelve-month-long renovation, partly funded by the Irish Government through the Office of Public Works (OPW), has transformed this architectural gem into a hub for safeguarding endangered species, with a primary focus on Irish wildlife.
The centre’s mission is to address the conservation challenges faced by various endangered species in Ireland, including the pine martin and the red squirrel. Dublin Zoo’s partnership with the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Species Survival Commission (SSC) underscores its commitment to global conservation efforts.
Director of Dublin Zoo, Dr. Christoph Schwitzer, expressed the importance of this initiative, stating that the opening was a very important move towards achieving a key objective of Dublin Zoo’s ten-year vision ‘to save wildlife in Ireland and globally.
The historic significance of Society House, integral to Dublin Zoo for over 150 years, is now intertwined with the future of wildlife conservation in Ireland and beyond. The establishment of the Centre for Species Survival positions Dublin Zoo as one of the 18 such centres worldwide, playing a pivotal role in shaping conservation efforts.
Dr Andrew Mooney, Conservation & Research Officer, emphasised the importance of the Irish Government’s support in renovating and repurposing the building. The collaboration with the Office of Public Works reflects a shared commitment to realising the ambition of the new centre and its potential impact on wildlife preservation.
Malcolm Noonan TD, Minister of State for Nature, Heritage, and Electoral Reform, lauded the reopening of Society House, stating, “It’s wonderful to see such a historic building be reimagined in a way that looks to the future. The conservation of Irish species is vital, and the work that will be done in the National Centre for Species Survival will play a major role in preserving our natural heritage.”
As Dublin Zoo opens its doors to the National Centre for Species Survival, it marks a significant chapter in the zoo’s history and Ireland’s commitment to biodiversity. With the hope that endangered species, emblematic of Irish wildlife, will flourish once again, this centre stands as a beacon of hope and a testament to the harmonious coexistence of humanity and nature.
Meanwhile, Dublin Zoo’s enchanting annual event, Wild Lights, continues to captivate visitors with its theme, ‘The Enchanted Zoo.’ From fairies and mythical creatures to vibrantly coloured animals and a dreamlike candy land, the event adds a touch of magic to the conservation journey, inviting the public to join hands in preserving our precious natural heritage.
