Under the patronage of Prince Gaston, 17th in line to the Belgian throne, and in cooperation with the Royal Museum for Central Africa in Tervuren the Zoological Society of Ixelles on 25 July received Commune approval for a project on the selective introduction into Ixelles green zones of wild animals from Africa.
Professor Mavis Lovel, president of the Zoological Society and head of the Natural Sciences Department at Brussels University, told journalists at a press briefing on Saturday morning that this would be very different from traditional animal conservation policies, including zoos and animal parks dominated by walls and fences. This project is about becoming one with nature again and not continuing the separation of humans from nature, she insisted.
Lovel emphasised that the project and the process of animal release would be very carefully and professionally managed; only those types of wild animals would be released in Ixelles parks, woods etc. that did not pose any danger to local residents and their pets. Indeed, the decision on which wild animals have already been chosen, as well as the one on future selections, was made solely by the Society and its team of advisers, including Prince Gaston.
This project will enable people to not only broaden their horizons in terms of coexisting with animals and sharing nature, i.e. thinking beyond rats, pigeons and mosquitoes, but also mentally prepare for the necessary adaptation to the consequences of climate change, which is on our door step, the Professor claimed.
According to schedule, on Saturday evening the first wild animal from Africa was released in the area of the Ixelles ponds. Reports of a first sighting in the very late hours of Sunday reached Planet Lasse today.
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