Capital's zoo joins in 'Dirty Dozen' appeal

Published on Wednesday 18 February 2009 08:58

EDINBURGH Zoo is to take part in a European campaign to raise awareness of the plight of 12 threatened carnivore species dubbed "the Dirty Dozen".

Every year the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland, which owns the zoo, takes part in the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) fundraising conservation campaigns.

The main goal of this year's campaign is to raise awareness of habitat loss, fragmentation and pollution which endangers the future of many of Europe's rare and endangered carnivore species.

The "Dirty Dozen" includes the Arctic fox, brown bear, Eurasian otter, European mink, golden jackal and the wolverine, as well as the grey wolf and the polar bear.

Darren McGarry, animal collection manager at the zoo, said: "Edinburgh Zoo is home to a number of European carnivore species, including wolverines, wildcats and the UK's only polar bear.

"We hope will be able to contribute towards European carnivore conservation."

The zoo is to hold a free campaign launch evening tomorrow at 7.30pm, in its education centre.