A Moment Unlike Any Before— Naples’ Chance to Change History

Will you be the visionary to save something irreplaceable?

by Tim L. Tetzlaff, Director of Conservation,
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

You and I stand at a unique time in history. For nearly all humanity’s history, nature stood dominant over us. Sure, we did our share of condemning a few notable species to the history books. Just over a thousand years ago, our forbearers robbed us of the chance to see a gorilla-sized lemur. But, overall, nature ruled.

Tim L. Tetzlaff,

Madagascar’s King Radama I once said his best defenders were General Forest and General Fever, a truth proved in 1895 when France invaded. For every French soldier killed by a bullet, those “generals” killed 250. Today, that relationship is tragically reversed. Just since the launch of the Xerox machine in 1950, Madagascar has lost nearly half its forests. Today, three-quarters of lemurs face a “very high” or “extremely high” risk of extinction, making them the most endangered group of mammals on Earth. That’s on our watch.

My watch began in the 1980s when I first cared for a troop of ring-tailed lemurs. By the mid-90s, I connected with the award-winning Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (MFG), an international consortium of zoos, botanical gardens, and universities now spanning five continents. A site under MFG’s care was one of only two in Madagascar to grow forest cover in the last decade—achieving 12% growth versus a 20% loss elsewhere—and years earlier, we restocked lemurs from US zoos into that very forest. But I never imagined how fast lemur populations would plummet or that my journey would bring MFG’s International Headquarters to Naples Zoo in 2018 and that, as Chair, I would steward a vision to ensure lemurs see the next century. Yet here we are, a generation with the historic opportunity to ensure future generations don’t see us like we see those who stole our chance to see a gorilla-sized lemur.

While others must address forest loss, the MFG is the leading zoo based organization with the expertise to support a managed breeding program for lemurs in human care across the island, something being piloted now with one species. MFG’s Parc Ivoloina stands uniquely positioned to become the hub for lemur husbandry and ensuring genetic health.

But here’s the truth: Like all transformational projects, this one doesn’t start with a finished blueprint. We have the vision, the track record, and the proven partners. I’m seeking a champion to launch this game-changing master plan, beginning with a $25,000 investment to develop the island-wide strategy and secure support from the Ministry of Environment in Madagascar. Then, we’ll need the larger investment this plan will define to rewrite the future for these iconic primates. It takes courage to shape history, especially when the path isn’t set in stone. That’s why I’m reaching out for someone who sees the world not only as it is, but as it can be. You can help create a campus alive with Malagasy professionals, teaching and providing world-class care for Madagascar’s rare lemurs across the island – ensuring their genetics and their story endure. Or you can turn the page. But maybe you can become the person history records for getting lemurs through this historical turning point. Is this your moment?

Naming opportunities will abound for facilities, endowments, and key roles, ensuring your family’s commitment is celebrated for generations. If you want your name to be synonymous with saving living lemurs, I’d welcome a conversation. Or maybe you know someone who could make that happen. Extinctions have already happened on the island, but it’s not too late. The next few years will decide what survives. But it will only happen if someone steps forward to make an impact that truly outlasts us
all.

The need is urgent. MFG has the vision. The choice is yours. Will you help ensure lemurs don’t become a regrettable chapter on extinction in our great grandchildren’s schoolbooks? If you’re ready to be a catalyst for something extraordinary, contact me directly at tim@napleszoo.org. Together, we can tip the scales toward survival and give the world a story to celebrate.

Contact me at tim@napleszoo.org To learn more or support these efforts, visit NaplesZoo.org/conserve

Together, we can create a brighter, more resilient future for people and wildlife.

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a private 501(c)(3) nonprofit entrusted with educating families and caring for rare species in a century old historic garden. Since 2014, Naples Zoo has invested over $3.5 million saving plants and animals in the wild and fully funds the annual salary of 27 field staff in 7 countries including three wildlife veterinarians.

To learn more about how you can invest in a better future for people and wildlife, email tim@napleszoo.org