Formerly known as Jersey Zoo but now rebranded as Durrell, the wildlife park in the superb surroundings of Les Augrès Manor in Trinity is about to launch celebrations to mark half a century of effort and achievement in the conservation of endangered species.
With the benefit of hindsight, we are now in a position to understand just how fortunate the Island was when the zoo’s founder, the late and most definitely great Gerald Durrell, decided that the old manor was the ideal place to realise his ambitions. From the outset, the zoo and its exotic denizens proved to be a huge draw for Islanders and visitors.
Indeed, it has long been one of the ‘must-see’ features of tourist Jersey. However, from the outset the zoo was far more than a place where human beings could go to be close to animals ranging from great apes to fruit bats. It was always intended to be a refuge for creatures under pressure in the wild through habitat loss and other adverse ecological factors.
Again from the outset, captive breeding programmes were developed and, eventually, animals which came into the world in rural Trinity were successfully reintroduced into their wild natural habitats.
But this intensely practical approach to conservation was soon backed up by in-depth research and educational activities involving students and conservationists from around the globe. Les Augrès became internationally famous as a centre of conservation excellence and, as a spin-off of great value to this community, helped to reinforce the Island’s identity and personality in the wider world.
Gerald Durrell’s great legacy – now fittingly named in his honour – lives on and is now in the safe and capable hands of his widow, Lee Durrell. As the impact of humanity on wildernesses and natural wildlife refuges increases inexorably, her efforts and those of the staff and volunteers who work alongside her can only increase in importance.
As well as recognising the many benefits that Durrell brings to Jersey, Islanders must offer every support to an organisation which, from humble beginnings, has grown and developed into a leading influence in a field of study of global significance.
