€700,000 Boost for Fota Wildlife Park's Conservation Programmes
Fota Wildlife Park secures €700,000 funding to continue vital conservation work for endangered Irish species including Natterjack Toad and White-clawed Crayfish.
Minister for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O'Sullivan TD has announced €700,000 in funding to support vital conservation work at Fota Wildlife Park, securing the future of programmes protecting some of Ireland's most threatened species.
The funding, delivered in partnership with the National Parks and Wildlife Service, will support conservation efforts for endangered native species including Natterjack Toad, White-clawed Crayfish, Curlew, Dunlin and Corncrake.
The investment will bolster delivery of actions under the 4th National Biodiversity Action Plan, supporting both on-site breeding programmes and public engagement initiatives at the popular Cork attraction, which welcomes over 400,000 visitors annually.
Minister Christopher O'Sullivan:
"Fota Wildlife Park has been doing fantastic work with the NPWS for many years to give the best possible start to some of our most vulnerable species. The early weeks and months are crucial for the long-term success of these species, as they are easy prey for hungry predators. This funding is going to ensure the future of these programmes, and contribute to the broader conservation efforts that the NPWS are leading on to protect these species into the future."
The park's conservation work includes head-starting programmes, where young animals are captured in the wild as eggs, spawn or hatchlings, then reared in captivity until strong enough to be released back into their natural habitats.
Aileen Tennant, Director of Fota Wildlife Park:
"Fota Wildlife Park is incredibly grateful for this vital intervention from the National Parks and Wildlife Service and the State during a very challenging time. This financial support will secure critical investment in Ireland's biodiversity infrastructure, and allows our dedicated teams to continue with our native species work and international conservation programmes."
The park has released over 13,000 natterjack toadlets into the wild and in 2024 partnered with NPWS in a multi-agency rescue of 152 white-clawed crayfish from a tributary of the River Blackwater before disease eliminated the population. The facility also provides incubation and rearing services for breeding waders and supports research into Corncrake conservation.
