WildCats Conservation Alliance is an initiative of the Zoological Society of London (ZSL) and Dreamworld Wildlife Foundation (DWF), calling for zoos and public alike to support wild tiger and Amur leopard conservation projects. Running since 2000, WildCats Conservation Alliance have mobilised over £4.8 million to support an incredible 103 monitoring, protection, conflict resolution, firefighting and awareness-raising projects.
David Gibson, Dartmoor Zoo CEO commented: “We are delighted to be able to donate funds to the WildCats Conservation Alliance to support their vital work in the field. They facilitate a number of in-situ projects all focused on the conservation of the Amur Leopard, the most endangered Big Cat in the World.
Working on the ground with local conservationists is by far the most effective way of conserving endangered species and WildCats Conservation Alliance and their host organisation, Zoological Society of London, are pioneers in this Community Led approach to conservation.
As participants in the EAZA Endangered Species Programme (EEP) for the conservation breeding of Amur Leopard we are fully committed to not only ensuring a genetically viable and diverse captive population of Amur Leopard but also supporting the conservation of this highly vulnerable, Critically Endangered, species of big cat in its home range.”
With an Amur tiger and two Amur leopards amongst the Dartmoor Zoo residents and a dedication to supporting global conservation, a portion of admission sales was donated to WildCats Conservation Alliance to support their ongoing work and begin a new and exciting partnership together.
Freddo, a male Amur leopard arrived at Dartmoor Zoo from Bellewaerde in Belgium in November 2023 and was joined by Lena, a female from Colchester Zoo in August 2024. The pair, as part of an EEP breeding programme, are due to be introduced shortly, after very positive interactions have been witnessed by the keeper team. With less than 100 Amur leopards left in the wild, we’re thrilled to support this incredible charity and hopefully see cubs at Dartmoor Zoo in the future.
Esther Conway, Project Manager at WildCats Conservation Alliance commented: “WildCats Conservation Alliance is thrilled to partner with Dartmoor Zoo in this mission to safeguard the Amur leopard in its natural habitat. Together with zoos around the globe, we’re joining forces to channel vital funds into carefully selected conservation projects that are driving real, transformative change for Amur leopards and their entire ecosystem. This united effort is proof that collaboration can make a world of difference.”
Dartmoor Zoo, with support from WildCats Conservation Alliance will be raising awareness and raising funds for these species on their respective, international days. International leopard Day will take place on Saturday 3rd May 2025 and International Tiger Day will take place on Tuesday 29th July 2025. To donate, you can gift a donation and support Dartmoor Zoo.