Ceva Wildlife Research Fund expands wildlife protection efforts with african penguin vaccination against HPAI at Pairi Daiza

Building on the success of its previous wildlife initiatives, the Ceva Wildlife Research Fund has once again in September 2024 joined forces with Pairi Daiza Zoo, one of Europe’s most celebrated conservation institutions, to support a pioneering vaccination project—this time, aimed at safeguarding African penguins. This marks a significant expansion of the partnership between the research fund and Pairi Daiza, which previously collaborated on a successful vaccination program for pelicans and peacocks against Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza, demonstrating their commitment to wildlife health and preservation. 

This new project focuses on protecting African penguins from diseases such as avian malaria and respiratory infections, which are becoming more common due to climate change and shifting environmental conditions. 

A continued Legacy of protection 

This vaccination program follows the earlier success of Ceva Wildlife Research Fund and Pairi Daiza’s first collaborative effort, which targeted another vulnerable species at the zoo. The initial project not only provided valuable insights into wildlife health management in captivity but also served as a foundation for future efforts, proving the effectiveness of vaccinations in preventing disease outbreaks. 

“The success of our previous collaboration demonstrated the powerful impact that targeted health interventions can have on wildlife conservation,” said Pierre- Marie Borne, director at Ceva Wildlife Reseach Fund. “With the African penguins, we are taking this effort to the next level, using what we’ve learned to protect and ensure their long-term survival.” 

An example for global conservation 

By tackling these emerging health challenges, the African penguin vaccination project reinforces the fund and Pairi Daiza’s leadership in wildlife care. Pairi Daiza’s expertise in conservation, combined with Ceva Wildlife Research Fund’s scientific knowledge, creates an ideal setting for testing new approaches to species protection. The success of this initiative could inspire similar efforts around the world. 

“Protecting endangered wildlife from avian influenza through vaccination is a crucial step toward preserving biodiversity and our animals, with the promising hope that this solution can one day be extended beyond zoos to protect wild species in their natural environments.” – Alicia Quiévy, Veterinary Officer at Pairi Daiza. 

Did you know that…? 

African Penguins (Spheniscus demersus ) has been classified as “Endangered” on the IUCN Red List since 2019, a status driven by a dramatic population decline. This decline is primarily due to overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss, all of which threaten the survival of this species.