The British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA) have joined the fight to save one of the rarest species on the planet, the critically endangered saola.
The antelope-like species is native to Laos and Vietnam and was only discovered by science in 1992. It is estimated that fewer than 100 saolas survive in the wild and conservationists have recognised that this may be the last hope to save this incredibly rare animal.
Saolas are difficult to detect because of their rarity, elusiveness and the fact they live in dense rainforest, which has earned them the nickname the Asian “unicorn”.
BIAZA is one of a global community of zoo associations who have generously contributed to support efforts to save the saola, with BIAZA donating £50,000 ($70,000) towards a conservation breeding centre in Vietnam’s Bach Ma National Park.
Zoos and zoo associations around the globe have donated more than $350,000 collectively for the Saola Working Group’s urgent saola fundraising campaign. It is hoped that in partnership with governments in Vietnam and Laos, the SWP will be able to establish a conservation breeding centre, and eventual re-introduction of the saola back to the wild.
“BIAZA zoos may not have saolas in their collections, but the UK and Ireland’s national zoo association understands the inherent value of this rare species and is demonstrating its clear commitment to wildlife conservation with its donation,” said Bill Robichaud, coordinator of the IUCN Species Survival Commission’s Saola Working Group (SWG). “We are so grateful for the support from the zoo community, which recognizes that while the conservation breeding program is going to be risky, it’s the only option left to ensure we don’t lose this remarkable animal forever.”
For more information on BIAZA go to www.biaza.org.uk
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