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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
ou and I stand at a unique
time in history. For nearly
Y 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.
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- this plan will define to rewrite the future for these iconic primates. It takes
winning Madagascar Fauna and Flora Group (MFG), an international courage to shape history, especially when the path isn’t set in stone. That’s
consortium of zoos, botanical gardens, and universities now spanning why I’m reaching out for someone who sees the world not only as it is, but
five continents. A site under MFG’s care was one of only two in as it can be. You can help create a campus alive with Malagasy professionals,
Madagascar to grow forest cover in the last decade—achieving 12% teaching and providing world-class care for Madagascar’s rare lemurs across
growth versus a 20% loss elsewhere—and years earlier, we restocked the island – ensuring their genetics and their story endure. Or you can turn
lemurs from US zoos into that very forest. But I never imagined how the page. But maybe you can become the person history records for getting
fast lemur populations would plummet or that my journey would bring lemurs through this historical turning point. Is this your moment?
MFG’s International Headquarters to Naples Zoo in 2018 and that, as Naming opportunities will abound for facilities, endowments, and key
Chair, I would steward a vision to ensure lemurs see the next century. roles, ensuring your family’s commitment is celebrated for generations.
Yet here we are, a generation with the historic opportunity to ensure If you want your name to be synonymous with saving living lemurs, I’d
future generations don’t see us like we see those who stole our chance to welcome a conversation. Or maybe you know someone who could make
see a gorilla-sized lemur. that happen. Extinctions have already happened on the island, but it’s
While others must address forest loss, the MFG is the leading zoo- not too late. The next few years will decide what survives. But it will only
based organization with the expertise to support a managed breeding happen if someone steps forward to make an impact that truly outlasts us
program for lemurs in human care across the island, something being all.
piloted now with one species. MFG’s Parc Ivoloina stands uniquely The need is urgent. MFG has the vision. The choice is yours. Will
positioned to become the hub for lemur husbandry and ensuring genetic you help ensure lemurs don’t become a regrettable chapter on extinction
health. in our great grandchildren’s schoolbooks? If you’re ready to be a catalyst
But here’s the truth: Like all transformational projects, this one for something extraordinary, contact me directly at tim@napleszoo.org.
doesn’t start with a finished blueprint. We have the vision, the track Together, we can tip the scales toward survival and give the world a story to
record, and the proven partners. I’m seeking a champion to launch this celebrate.
game-changing master plan, beginning with a $25,000 investment to
develop the island-wide strategy and secure support from the Ministry Contact me at tim@napleszoo.org
of Environment in Madagascar. Then, we’ll need the larger investment 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.
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