Donations for Conservation of Endangered Species  in 2016

According to the IUCN Red List more than 12 500 animal species in the world are threatened by extinction.  Species protection has many tools like preserving the habitats, regulating the trade with protected species, restoration of wild populations, fighting against poaching, as well as education and scientific work. But all this needs resources.

Tallinn Zoo and Foundation Lutreola have contributed to the preservation of the European mink for years. An island sanctuary has been established in Hiiumaa, where this small semiaquatic predator is protected from the detrimental impact of the American mink.

In 2016 we expanded our activities to fund-raising of resources for species conservation. Throughout the year volunteers have collected donations, held sales of non-profit merchandise and homemade cakes, and organised charity café evenings. At the end of the year, a further step was taken by the opening of a non-profit webshop at pood.lutreola.eu. All the proceeds from the sales of the merchandise were donated to the protection of endangered species.

During this short period of time, 1115,77 euros have been collected for the preservation of the European mink. The Amur Leopard and Tiger Alliance (ALTA) was supported with 2367,78 euros, and the Snow Leopard Trust received a contribution in the amount of 1183,89 euros. We supported the building of enclosures for orphaned or sick rhinos in Ol Jogi conservancy in Kenya with 1030,40 euros through the international organisation Save the Rhino. We also started collaborating with the Estonian Fund for Nature in order to support the conservation and research of the critically endangered local flying squirrel population.

Our activities will expand even more. The selection of products will widen and in addition to the Zoo’s souvenir shop and the webshop, the merchandise will be available at other points of sale. Kopli Vocational School of Tallinn has joined our fund-raising efforts and companies order business gifts with the photos of our animals.

As we care deeply about the wellbeing of Estonian economy, all our products have been made in Estonia. Also, as all the people who are active in the project are volunteers, there are no administrative costs.

You can make a contribution to species protecting here!