The Masoala Rainforest

The rainforest on the Masoala Peninsula has one of the highest number of species on earth. Numerous unique plant and animal species such as the red ruffed lemur live in the Masoala. New species are constantly being discovered.
About 80,000 people earn their livelihood through agriculture and fishing on the Masoala Peninsula. Rice cultivation on the cleared and “burned” rainforest floor has a long tradition. Rapid population growth and increased demand for rice fields led to the visible decline of the native rainforest.
Only four per cent of Madagascar’s native rainforests remain intact. The Masoala National Park on the Masoala Peninsula covers 2,300 km2 and is Madagascar’s largest conservation area. This region is equivalent to the area of the Swiss cantons of Zurich and Glarus.

Measures and objectives

Zurich Zoo’s dedicated support for the Masoala makes a direct contribution to the preservation of the rainforest and its rare, endemic animal and plant species. The zoo funds operating costs and helps set up a fund for the Masoala National Park as well as a guarantee of long-term support.
Zurich Zoo champions the beauty of the Madagascan rainforest and raises awareness of its importance in Switzerland and Madagascar.

How Zurich Zoo is contributing

Zurich Zoo’s annual support from donations and sales at its Masoala shop and Masoala Restaurant is at least $100,000. This money helps with operating costs and setting up a fund for the Masoala National Park. Funding ensures park rangers get paid and the local population can attend information meetings, teaching about the environmental issues in schools and maintaining the park’s infrastructure.
Zurich Zoo also finances projects to promote healthcare and sustainable agriculture near the Masoala National Park.
Zurich Zoo is the headquarters for the association Friends of Masoala.

Partners

• ANGAP
• Masoala National Parc
  
• WCS
• Other partners
  

Literature and publications

• Masoala Rainforest Nature Guide at Zurich Zoo
  Available in English and French.
  Price CHF 19.80, to be purchased in the zoo shops or directly online.
• Masoala – The eye of the forest
  Alex Rübel, Matthwe Hatchwell, James MacKinnon, Priska Ketterer
  A survival strategy for the rainforest in Madagascar
  Price CHF 49.–, to be purchased in the zoo shops or directly online.
• Globi erlebt Masoala (Globi goes to Masoala)
  A children guide through the Masoala Rainforest
  Price CHF 14.80, to be purchased in the zoo shops or directly online.
  

Donations

You can help stop the destruction of the rainforest.
Thank you very much! Online donation form.