A special meeting
A Malagasy conservationist has met the lemur who shares her name.
This is the moment a Malagasy conservationist met the little lemur who shares her name.
To celebrate 20 years of protecting Madagascar’s wildlife, a team from Madagasikara Voakajy (MV) visited Chester Zoo this month. Their trip marked a milestone in a collaboration that’s helped safeguard some of the world’s most endangered species.
Among the delegates was Sydonie Rabarison, Fundraising and Partnership Officer for MV, who had the chance to meet a very special sifaka – a Coquerel’s sifaka born here at Chester Zoo, and named Sydonie.
When I first heard that the lemur would be named Sydonie, I cried out of happiness. When I saw her in person, I was so excited that I jumped – like a sifaka’s mother! Meeting her made me proud of the work we do with Chester Zoo and inspired me to continue with my conservation work at MV.
Sydonie Rabarison, Fundraising and Partnership Officer for MV
The birth of Sydonie the sifaka at Chester Zoo is part of an international conservation breeding programme to protect this critically endangered species. Wild sifakas are only found in Madagascar, where their numbers have plummeted by up to 80% due to deforestation.
Working with Chester Zoo has been instrumental in our mission to protect Madagascar’s biodiversity. Their support helps us face the challenges of deforestation and protect the species that need it most.
Julie Razafimanahaka, Executive Director of MV
Chester Zoo has supported MV for 15 years, with funding, expertise, and hands-on collaboration. This partnership is vital in the fight to prevent the extinction of Madagascar’s unique species.
Sydonie the sifaka continues to thrive at Chester Zoo, and as she grows, her story embodies the power of collaboration in global conservation efforts. The zoo will continue to support MV, with a team traveling to Madagascar later this year to further strengthen the partnership.
