Proud to support Durrell
10 September 2008
MY COMPANY AND OTHER
ANIMALS
Fairbairn Private Bank is pleased to announce
that it has just entered into a three-year partnership with Durrell
Wildlife Conservation Trust to sponsor their black and white ruffed
lemurs. Based at Durrell’s Trust in Jersey, these father and
son lemurs are more commonly known as Dad and Gutless.
The animal sponsorship programme has only just
been developed by the Trust as a way of engaging with corporate
sponsors in a more meaningful relationship. The partnership with
Fairbairn Private Bank will enable Durrell to educate people on the
complexity of saving species and it demonstrates how business and
Durrell can work together. Mark Powell, Commercial Director at
Durrell, described the approach taken by the bank as
'inspiring’.
Sponsorship deals like this will enable
Durrell to maintain the highest level of animal welfare. This
includes specialist enclosures and environment, the correct insect
and grub food supply, and help in the support and development of
animal keepers. However, the objective of this particular
sponsorship partnership is not simply to pay towards the upkeep of
Dad and Gutless, but to develop an ongoing relationship, which
gives support to the chosen species and its survival in the
wild.
Originating from the island of Madagascar,
these very distinctive and vocal primates are threatened with
extinction in their native environment, due to rapid habitat loss
caused by an impoverished and ever increasing human population. The
first black and white ruffed lemurs arrived at Durrell in 1982 and
those bred over the years have formed a valuable part of a captive
breeding programme so, should the worst happen in the wild, this
delightful animal would not be lost forever.
Durrell has many well-established links with
Madagascar, especially involving the conservation of lemurs. Since
1964, a great deal of expertise has been gained both in Jersey and
in the wild. As well as captive breeding, vitally important habitat
protection, research, education and training programmes are
ongoing. A number of Madagascan students have completed courses at
Durrell’s International Training Centre and returned home with the
skills they need to carry out important work and help save their
native wildlife.
David Stearn, head of private banking at
Fairbairn Private Bank, who visited the Trust in early September to
mark the start of the relationship, commented: “We are delighted to
become a conservation partner of Durrell and look forward to
supporting its vital conservation work around the world to save
species from extinction.”
Durrell's Marketing Manager, Kelly Manuel,
described the importance of working in partnerships: "Sponsorship
packages such as these allow Durrell to carry out the vitally
important work it currently does in countries around the world.
However, it still remains imperative that the Trust can continue
its conservation work here in Jersey, on species such as our black
and white ruffed lemurs. We hope that this three-year deal will be
the first of many the Trust is able to secure and we are extremely
grateful to Fairbairn Private Bank for agreeing to partner us in
this way."
Ends
For further information:
Janet Taylor or Lesley Allegro, Fairbairn
Private Bank
Tel: +44 (0)1624 645000
Issued by:
Kara Hughes-Jones, Isle of Man Advertising and
PR
Ltd
Tel: +44 (0)1624 620440
Photographs available.
Notes to Editor:
About Durrell
Over the course of the last 50 years, the
Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust has built up a worldwide
reputation for its pioneering conservation techniques, developed
under the leadership of its founder, the late, renowned author and
naturalist Gerald Durrell. In all cases, the trust believes
in working closely with local communities and governments, forestry
departments and local stakeholders to tackle threats in ways that
are effective, sustainable and have the support of those living in
these regions and communities, which is vital for lasting
success.
For more information on Durrell and its work
to save species from extinction, visit its website.