Smart little zoo deserves support
In the wake of a Nelson City Council decision cutting funding sought for Natureland zoo, director Meg Rutledge makes a case for its value to the city.
Zoos are not all made equal. They reflect the leadership, values and investment of the communities that sustain them.
When underpinned with an ethic of respect, a high standard of welfare, and a commitment to conservation, zoos in turn inspire their communities through advocacy, learning, and nature play.
Zoos that collaborate have influenced conservation legislation, saved species from extinction, and created more environmentally conscious citizens. Zoos, like Natureland, bring the world to our doorstep.
Only 21 of the technically identified 80 ‘‘zoos’’ in New Zealand have passed animal welfare accreditation by the region’s peak body, the Zoo and Aquarium Association Australasia. Accreditation ensures these zoos are going beyond meeting minimum requirements; they’re setting tomorrow’s higher standards.
Using an international measure for conservation contributions, Natureland ranks the highest percentage-wise in New Zealand.
Like so many organisations in Nelson, we punch above our weight. We have demonstrated that size is no barrier to excellence, and our smart little zoo brings the wild to Nelson.
Natureland breeds native animals for release into protected areas, enriching the biodiversity of our community.
We are the primary site for wildlife rehabilitation in the top of the south. We are educators to school groups, and a safe place for your children to enjoy our wild community.
We are an integral part of Nelson, and are beloved and well visited by locals and tourists alike. We are home to the animals of Natureland, and we must provide them with care 365 days a year.
Our vision is to remain an icon for Nelson, one based on our values for a wild community where nature, education and conservation are connected and we are not compromising on standards.
We want to stride forward, not tread water or fall behind. Cutting back on costs in a conservation charity like ours is cutting back on visitor experience, the livelihoods of our 10 staff, and conservation outcomes.
To continue to deliver on the outcomes we value, Natureland needs ongoing community support.
As a charitable trust, there is no private business portion, and it is not a family trust, though I consider the team I work with family by now.
Currently, a little less than half of our financial support comes from Nelson City Council. The rest comes from entrance fees, and we strive to keep the zoo as accessible as possible for the Nelson community.
Natureland Wildlife Trust is faced with re-evaluating our next steps.
I am so proud of what the team of staff, volunteers, service groups and the trust board has accomplished in the last five years. Thanks to everyone who has supported us during this time.
We wholly appreciate the support of Nelson City Council, for being our primary sponsor. We remain grateful and encouraged by the families that have made the zoo a part of their lives, and made Natureland feel like a true community hub.
There is nothing like the joy on a kid’s face when they come face to face with an animal they have only seen in books or on television. We are helping to make memories that families will treasure.
For the sake of our children and grandchildren, a great little zoo like Natureland seems a worthy investment indeed.
Our vision is to remain an icon for Nelson, one based on our values for a wild community where nature, education and conservation are connected.