Beekse Bergen already raises 50,000 euros for elephant corridor in Kenya

Thanks to the proceeds of over 11,000 euros at Brew@theZoo, the adoption of two of the three young elephants and donations from visitors, Beekse Bergen has already raised over 50,000 euros this year for the Northern Corridors Project in Kenya. This puts the target amount of 60,000 euros in sight.

The project provides safe passage for wildlife such as elephants between wildlife parks in Kenya. The habitat of wild elephants is becoming increasingly fragmented due to population growth in Africa. As a result, the animals are entering more and more populated areas, resulting in human-animal conflicts. The corridors provide a safe connection between nature reserves, around villages and agricultural areas. The realization of a corridor costs 60,000 euros. Together with Stichting Wildlife, Beekse Bergen hopes to raise enough money this year to finance such a connecting route.

Brew@theZoo

Therefore, the Corridor Project was the cause supported this year during Brew@theZoo. From all tickets sold, 1 euro was transferred to this project. Visitors could also donate leftover consumption tokens. A total of 11,177 euros was raised.

Money is also being raised through the sale of bracelets and elephant dung ("bullshit"), a donation point in the park, an online fundraising campaign and the adoption of the three elephants.

Adoptions

"All the animals in the Safaripark can be adopted," explained Klaas-Jan Leinenga, board member on behalf of Beekse Bergen at Stichting Wildlife. "Of course, donors cannot take the animals home with them, but depending on the amount, they do receive regular updates or can visit them on days or events organized especially for them."

Two of the three elephant calves have now been adopted. Rotsvast Tilburg B.V. and Miko Koffie Nederland have committed to a calf. "It is great to see these two parties so involved in our park, this species and the Northern Corridors Project," says Leinenga.

Target amount

He is therefore very hopeful that the target amount will be met. "There is still an elephant that can be adopted, so interested parties can still sign up - that could be a company, but also a family or group of friends, for example. In addition, the proceeds from sales in the park and the various donation options are also ongoing. I am confident that we will be able to help realize a corridor in Kenya after the summer."

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