Jersey Zoo Teams Stranded After Cyclones Devastate Madagascar Conservation Projects

Conservation staff linked to Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust in Jersey have been left without reliable food, shelter or clean water after powerful cyclones tore through parts of Madagascar.

The charity said some of the hardest-hit regions include key conservation sites where projects protect endangered tortoises and lemurs.

Field programmes manager Eleanor Harvie has appealed to islanders to support an emergency fundraising drive to help affected communities rebuild, describing local residents as essential to the charity’s work safeguarding wildlife.

Madagascar was struck by two major storms earlier this month — Cyclone Fytia followed by Cyclone Gezani — leaving widespread destruction and displacing hundreds of thousands of people. Officials have characterised the situation as chaotic, with flooding and damage across large areas.

According to Durrell, the Baly Bay National Park and the Lake Alaotra Protected Area were among the worst affected. These regions are home to critically endangered species including the ploughshare tortoise and the Alaotran gentle lemur.

Community rangers, conservation partners and their families are among those impacted. Many have lost homes and crops, while floodwaters have forced thousands to flee. Buildings used for conservation work — including facilities caring for young tortoises — have been severely damaged or destroyed.

Emergency aid has been delivered in partnership with Jersey Overseas Aid, but the charity says urgent needs remain. Supplies such as food, safe drinking water, hygiene products and materials to rebuild homes, schools and clinics are in short supply.

Durrell warned the disaster threatens not only local communities but also long-running conservation programmes that depend on them. The organisation is aiming to raise more than £50,000 to support relief and recovery efforts.