Een foto van een uitkijkpunt gemaakt in Madagaskar, hier draagt de Nederlandse Vereniging van Dierentuinen bij aan een natuurherstelproject, waaronder Beekse Bergen.

Nature Restoration Project in Madagascar with the NVD

Together, we care for nature. Here and in Madagascar.

At the Safaripark, you’ll discover the beauty of nature and meet some of the most extraordinary animals. You’ll learn how they live, what they need, and why they’re so special. But did you know that we’re also committed to helping animals in the wild?

Together with twelve other Dutch zoos, all members of the Dutch Association of Zoos (NVD), we are working on a major nature restoration project in Madagascar. In this way, we help not only the animals in the park, but also their counterparts on the other side of the world.

Een foto van een groep ringstaartmaki's gemaakt in Madagaskar, hier draagt de Nederlandse Vereniging van Dierentuinen bij aan een natuurherstelproject, waaronder Beekse Bergen.

An island with exceptional wildlife

Madagascar is an island with unique natural habitats. Many animals and plants are found only there. Think of the various species of lemurs. One of the best-known examples is the ring-tailed lemur.

However, nature in Madagascar is not doing well. A large portion of the original rainforest has disappeared. Forests are being cleared for agriculture and logging. As a result, many animals are losing their habitats. Without a habitat, there is no future for these animals.

Een foto van twee maki's gemaakt in Madagaskar, hier draagt de Nederlandse Vereniging van Dierentuinen bij aan een natuurherstelproject, waaronder Beekse Bergen.

1 million trees planted

Together with twelve other Dutch zoos, we are supporting a major nature restoration project in Madagascar. In total, 250 hectares of rainforest will be restored and 1 million trees planted. We are doing this in partnership with local communities, who are helping to grow and plant the trees. In this way, we are creating new forest and opening up new opportunities for the people living in Madagascar.

Mátyás Bittenbinder in Madagaskar, hier draagt de Nederlandse Vereniging van Dierentuinen bij aan een natuurherstelproject, waaronder Beekse Bergen.

Mátyás on a Mission

Biologist Mátyás Bittenbinder has been appointed the NVD’s ambassador for conservation and education. For this project, he traveled to Madagascar. There, he saw firsthand what nature conservation means in practice and how we contribute to it.

Scientists are monitoring how the forest is developing and which animals are returning.
The aim is not just to plant trees, but to restore entire ecosystems.

Ringstaartmaki en bezoekers in Edge Of Africa in Safaripark Beekse Bergen

Animal Care in the Park and around the World

At the Safaripark, we care for animals every day with a focus on their well-being. We share knowledge with visitors and conduct research on behavior and health. In addition, we are committed to nature and species conservation worldwide.

The animals you see in the park are ambassadors for their counterparts in the wild. Through our support for Madagascar, we ensure that these species also have a future in their natural habitats. In this way, our knowledge is used for the conservation and restoration of nature and wildlife.

You can see these animal species from Madagascar at the Safaripark:

How can you help?

By visiting the Safari Park, you are contributing to projects like this one. You are helping to protect nature and endangered species, both in the Netherlands and around the world. Through the Wildlife Foundation, we also support two further projects in Madagascar:

Twee jonge fossa's liggen bij hun slapende moeder op de grond bij ZooParc Overloon.

IMPACT Madagascar

IMPACT Madagascar works alongside local communities to address issues such as deforestation, poverty, and illegal trade. Their reforestation program aims to restore habitats. They also help local communities by planting fast-growing trees, thereby preventing the felling of slow-growing trees.

Een ringstaartmaki zit in de zon bij Safaripark Beekse Bergen.

Lemur Rescue Center

This centre takes in ring-tailed lemurs that have been rescued from the bushmeat and pet trade. At the centre, the animals are cared for, receive medical treatment and are introduced into a group. The aim is to create a stable social group so that the lemurs can be released back into the wild.

Want to learn more about nature conservation?

Click here
Leeuw in het bos van Safaripark Beekse Bergen

Find out all about nature conservation