Metro Mayor Dan Norris got up close and personal with a lively troop of furry creatures this World Wildlife Day as he visited a Madagascar-themed conservation exhibit at Wild Place Project.
Mr Norris met Bristol Zoological Society Chief Executive Dr Justin Morris and Director of Transformation Francesca Fryer at ‘Discover Madagascar’ which is home to four different species of endangered lemur. He will also have the opportunity to meet and feed the cheeky animals.
The Metro Mayor received an update on the important work being done with the lemurs at the site as well as in Madagascar. He will learn about how wildlife crime is threatening the lemurs’ habitats, and what is being done to safeguard the futures of the animal on the unique African island, the only place in the world lemurs can be found in the wild. Bristol Zoological Society has been working in Madagascar since 2006.
They also discussed how tourist attractions including Wild Place Project are benefitting from the West of England ‘Cultural Plan’, launched by the Combined Authority which Mr Norris leads. The plan will be used to promote the region by showcasing the people that make it great, including its amazing visitor attractions like Wild Place Project.
West of England Metro Mayor, Dan Norris said: “World Wildlife Day is an important opportunity to celebrate conservation and biodiversity and shine a light on the appalling consequences of wildlife crime. I’m sure local people will be proud to hear that the West of England is leading efforts to help lemurs spearheaded by the Wild Place Project working side-by-side with conservation partners in Madagascar”.