Conservation and projects
Cambridgeshire's Wildlife Breeding Centre
This page contains details of conservation projects we are currently involved with through captive breeeding programmes here at the zoo and through fund raising activities for field projects around the world.
The ShellShock Campaign
William Wells Presents Kim Simmons with a cheque for the Tiger Conservation Fund
Tiger head sale will help protect tigers in wild
Over £1,000 raised from the sale of a 1930s tiger head in a Great Dunmow auction will help protect wild tigers in the Russian Far East.
The head of the Indian tiger, which had been shot in 1934, was preserved and mounted by taxidermist Van Ingen of Mysore. It recently went under the hammer at Mullucks Wells’ auction rooms for £1,150.
Both the owner of the item and the auctioneers Mullucks Wells have donated the proceeds of the sale to Linton Zoo’s Conservation Fund.
William Wells said: “Unfortunately, hunting wild animals in days gone by led to some species being wiped out altogether. We want to make sure that the sale of a tiger head from the past helps to prevent a similar fate happening to other wild tigers in the future.”
Kim Simmons said: “We’re thrilled that our charity has been selected to receive such a substantial sum. The money will help pay for rangers, equipment and anti-poaching patrols in Russia. Most importantly, every penny will go directly to the cause, without anything being spent on administration.”
Linton Zoo currently has four tigers in their collection – breeding pair Deja and Mirko and year-old cubs Katinka and Makari, both of whom will shortly be sent to another zoo as part of an international breeding programme.
William Wells added: “These are beautiful animals, much better alive than as a trophy mounted on a plaque. We wanted to do all we could to help put a stop to such senseless activity in the years to come.”
Kim Simmons agreed: “This poor tiger lost its life over 70 years ago. But at least the money raised will help others of the species. We need to look after our fragile planet, and still have lots more work to do, to secure safe future for these magnificent animals.”
