Reflecting on 2024: A momentous year full of occurrences at the wildlife sanctuary
The Fauna Park in Solingen, Germany, faced a significant setback in May 2024 when an exceptionally heavy storm caused extensive damage to the park. Mud, fences, paths, and sewage systems were destroyed, leaving the park in a state of disarray. However, the park's management, led by Bunzenthal and Rische, expressed confidence in their ability to overcome the challenges ahead.
The employees, volunteers, and veterinarians at the Fauna Park went beyond their regular duties to ensure the park's operations could continue provisionally the next morning, thanks to quick help from supporters and donors. The full restoration of the park took three months, during which extensive donation campaigns were launched, and local businesses became involved.
The support of foundations such as the Gerd-Kaimer-Citizen Foundation and the Giossi Foundation, along with numerous regional companies, was crucial for the Fauna Park's projects. The park's leadership acknowledged the exceptional commitment of these parties, as well as the employees, volunteers, and veterinarians.
Despite the tragedy, the Fauna Park hosted a species conservation day on September 1, demonstrating its resilience and commitment to conservation efforts. Local organizations such as the NABU Solingen supported the event, providing valuable information on species conservation.
In 2024, the Fauna Park also undertook several construction projects. These included the renovation of a 60-year-old pond, the opening of a dwarf crocodile enclosure, and the start of construction on a new washbear facility. The park looks optimistically towards the future with stable leadership and community support.
While details about the specific challenges faced by the Fauna Park in 2024 are not readily available, it is clear that the park's recovery was a testament to the power of community support and resilience. In times of crisis, such facilities often rely heavily on donations, partnerships with organisations, and community involvement to revitalise and continue their important work.
- Recognizing the crucial role of science in their recovery, Bunzenthal and Rische, the park's management, focused on environmental science to address the aftermath of the storm and mitigate climate-change impacts on the Fauna Park in the future.
- To support their lifestyle of caring for wildlife, home-and-garden improvements at the Fauna Park were prioritized, with the renovation of a 60-year-old pond and the construction of a new washbear facility indicating a commitment to providing a clean and sustainable environment for the animals.
- In an effort to raise awareness about the importance of species conservation and the effects of climate change on our planet, the Fauna Park collaborated with local organizations such as the NABU Solingen to host a conservation day and educate visitors on the need for taking action to protect endangered species.
