Nature’s SAFE, a Whitchurch-based conservation charity dedicated to saving animals from extinction, has formed a new partnership with Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, a wildlife park in Norfolk housing threatened deer, antelope and bird species.
Nature’s SAFE is renowned for its pioneering work in ‘cryoconservation’, the storage of cells and tissues from threatened wildlife species to safeguard genetic diversity and provide a resource to boost populations in the future. As the UK-based cryopreservation partner of the European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA) Biobank, Nature’s SAFE collaborates with zoos and wildlife rescue centres across Europe to ensure the long-term survival of vulnerable species.
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve, spanning 170 acres of woodland, grassland, and lakes, is dedicated to the conservation of endangered deer, antelope, and birds. Through sustainable tourism practices and a commitment to preserving natural ecosystems, Watatunga provides a safe haven for these species to thrive. Through educational programs and community engagement, they seek to raise awareness about the importance of biodiversity conservation and inspire positive action.
The partnership between Nature’s SAFE and Watatunga Wildlife Reserve capitalizes on their shared values of conservation and sustainability. By combining Nature’s SAFE’s expertise in cryopreservation with Watatunga’s existing commitment to protecting threatened species, the collaboration aims to boost the efforts of both organisations in protecting our planet’s wildlife.
Molly Ruder from Watatunga Wildlife Reserve spoke of the partnership:
“We are extremely excited to be partnering with Nature’s SAFE and their unique approach to conservation. We hope to provide samples for endangered deer and antelope from all over the world for years to come.”
Tullis Matson, Nature’s SAFE Founder and Chair said of the collaboration:
“It is fantastic to have Watatunga Wildlife Reserve on board. Their conservation work is of huge importance for incredibly special deer, antelope and bird species and we are delighted to be able to support this exciting project.”
Together, Nature’s SAFE and Watatunga Wildlife Reserve exemplify the potential of partnerships in advancing conservation goals and promoting responsible stewardship of the natural world.
ENDS
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve
Watatunga Wildlife Reserve is an award-winning Norfolk reserve welcoming families for safari stays & tours of endangered species. Set in 170 acres of breathtaking woodland, grassland and lakes, the award-winning nature reserve in Norfolk is dedicated to the conservation of endangered deer, antelope and birds and home to one of the most varied collection of deer and antelope in Europe, free to roam at their will. As a passionate supporter of sustainable tourism, they are cultivating an ethos that echoes the very definition of it, which is to “provide authentic tourist experiences that celebrate and conserve heritage and culture, protecting natural environments, wildlife and natural resources when developing and managing tourism activities.” Watatunga offers a one-of-a-kind opportunity for visitors to experience expert-led safari tours, in their fully-accessible self-drive buggies.
Learn more about the work of Watatunga Wildlife Reserve at: https://watatunga.co.uk/
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Babirusa
Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild
Owston’s palm civet
Total Population: Unknown
Capybara
Total Population: Unknown
Black-naped fruit dove
Total Population: Unknown
Red-footed tortoise
Total Population: Unknown
Siamang Gibbon
Total Population: Around 22,000 in the wild
Arctic wolf
Total Population: Around 200,000 in the wild
Bolivian squirrel monkey
Total Population: Unknown
Clouded Leopard
Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild
White naped mangabey
Total Population: Around 1,000 in the wild
Nile Lechwe
Total Population: 30,000 - 40,000 in the wild
Caribbean flamingo
Total Population: 150,000 to 205,000 in the wild
Common Hippo
Total Population: Less than 150,000 in the wild
Southern white rhino
Total Population: Around 15,000 in the wild
Black howler monkey
Total Population: Less than 5,000 in the wild
Red Panda
Total Population: Less than 10,000 in the wild
Wolverine
Total Population: Around 13,000 in the wild
Spix’s night monkey
Total Population: Unknown
Senegal galago
Total Population: Unknown
Macaroni Penguin
Total Population: Around 12 million
