BUSINESSES INVITED TO ZOO AUCTION FOR GIRAFFE BREEDING PROGRAMME

Paignton Zoo has announced an exclusive business auction will be held, in a race against time to expand its Giraffe House and introduce a male Rothschild giraffe to its all-female herd—a crucial step in saving one of the world’s most endangered giraffe subspecies.

With the Rothschild’s giraffe population dwindling to fewer than 2,000 in the wild, zoo-based breeding programmes have become essential conservation tools in protecting endangered species from extinction. The Charity Auction, scheduled for 20 June, offers businesses and donors a direct connection between their philanthropy and conservation outcomes, potentially allowing contributors to witness the results of their support through improvements to the Giraffe House and possible breeding success in the years ahead.

Steph Dawson, Business Development Manager at Paignton Zoo, commented: 

“This isn’t just about creating a more spacious home for our existing herd. We’re working to put the zoo in a better position to welcome a bull giraffe to join our females, with the ultimate goal of establishing a ‘giraffe maternity unit’ to help safeguard these incredible animals for future generations. We’re reaching out to local and regional businesses to join us in this important conservation effort and make a real difference for an endangered species.” 

The fundraising initiative comes at a crucial time for the charity, which faced significant financial difficulties last year. Thanks to overwhelming support from the local community, the zoo has shown its resilience and successfully reopened a number of enclosures since, including the popular Crocodile Swamp exhibit. 

The 80-acre wildlife park, which draws more than 400,000 visitors annually, welcomes inquiries from potential supporters interested in contributing to the project. Businesses interested in supporting Paignton Zoo’s giraffe conservation efforts, participating in the fundraising auction, or contributing to the charity’s broader mission should email [email protected] or call 01803-697500.