Charity Runs
If you want to save endangered species, you can take part in a traditional charity run organized by the Ostrava Zoo. Proceeds from the entry fees will support a particular rescue program that helps endangered species in the wild.
In 2023, we ran for corals. These colourful and intriguing species belong to the same group as anemones and jellyfish. Despite their resemblance to plants or rocks, corals are living creatures – invertebrates.
This species is essential for all life on this planet. Although coral reefs cover only 0,1% of the ocean floor, they support at least 25% of all known marine species. They symbolise a separate ecosystem, a remarkable mini world which provides a home to millions of species, for instance, colourful fish, sea urchins, octopuses, turtles, shrimps and other crustaceans. About 800 million species depend on coral reefs worldwide. Moreover, these “rain forests of the oceans” affect the amount of carbon dioxide in the oceans as well as in the world (the calcareous coral shell is formed by processing carbon dioxide).
Unfortunately, coral reefs are on the brink of disaster as they are threatened by global warming, ocean acidification, overfishing or pollution.
Vesna Panglao Conservation is a non-profit organization which strives for coral reefs conservation on Panglao island in the Philippines. The organization protects the precious ecosystem by establishing marine reservations and sanctuaries and supports environmental awareness and sustainable development. In addition, it provides guidelines for international research activities and a platform for discussion among local communities and government. Ostrava Zoo has decided to support this project and donate all the proceeds from the charity run.
In previous years, we ran for:
2022 – Mynas
2021 – Pangolins
2019 – Gibbons
2018 – Lemurs
2017 – Langurs
2016 – Kukang Rescue Program
All charity runs at the Ostrava Zoo have raised more than 1 million CZK to support rescue projects in various parts of the world. We appreciate all participants running for good cause and helping to save endangered species all over the Earth!
