The campaign’s aim was to make a significant and lasting contribution to the survival of ape species – almost all of which are either endangered or critically endangered – and their habitats.
Event highlights included behind-the-scenes access to some of Chester Zoo’s world-leading primate exhibits such as Realm of the Red Ape and Monkey Islands, and a summer barbecue, which included a private tour of the zoo and an auction of memorabilia, ape artwork and animal encounters, all donated by Chester Zoo.
The barbecue evening was sponsored by local accounting firms Philip Bates and Co. Ltd. and Phillip Bates and Co. Financial Services Ltd. who are based in nearby Neston on the Wirral.
“Our two businesses were delighted to jointly sponsor the recent barbecue for the EAZA Campaign at Chester Zoo,” said Chairman Philip Bates.
“It was great to see such clear commitment and enthusiasm from those attending to, and for their cause. Our team and their families certainly enjoyed the evening enormously and were particularly excited to see the jaguars and spectacled bears.
“Thanks for a wonderful evening and well done for raising funds for such a worthy cause.”
All the events were organised by NEZS member Stuart Robinson. “We would like to thank Philip Bates and his staff for their generosity and for embracing the campaign’s important conservation message,” Stuart commented.
“In addition, I couldn’t have made this happen without the full support of Director General Dr. Mark Pilgrim and Curator of Mammals Tim Rowlands, who organised such privileged access to the zoo.
“I’d also like to thank Head of Discovery and Learning Stephen McKeown, Jane Redfern and Dominic Strange on the business and events team, conservation officers Scott Wilson and Catherine Barton, The Oakfield staff and all the keepers who gave their valuable time to the cause and made the barbecue evening so enjoyable for everyone concerned.”
www.eaza.netThe European Association of Zoos and Aquaria (EAZA), represents and links more than three hundred institutions and organisations in thirty-six countries. Formed in 1992, EAZA’s mission is to facilitate cooperation within the European zoo and aquarium community towards the goals of education, research and conservation.
www.pbatesfs.co.ukPhillip Bates and Co. Financial Services Ltd. are independent financial advisers based in Neston, Cheshire.
www.pbates.co.ukPhilip Bates and Co. Ltd. are independent chartered accountants, registered auditors and business development advisers located in Neston, Cheshire.