Mazda helping drive Zoo conservation efforts

Mazda New Zealand is growing its support for Auckland Zoo, coming on board as a principal partner – a move that’s helping the Zoo with its conservation efforts in Auckland and throughout the country.

Three vehicles, a Mazda 3, a Mazda BT-50 and a Mazda CX-9 are now covering all bases for the Zoo to relocate or release animals, transport staff, and also transport equipment for fieldwork activities – a growing role.

The Zoo’s Ectotherms team were delighted to be the first to road-test the new alligator-themed Mazda CX-9. “The CX-9 enabled us to chaperone one of our five alligators, Doris, to a Northland facility and carry out the important role of settling her in with an amorous male. A spacious seven-seater, this vehicle was ideal for this team effort, and being such a beautiful beast, we felt it only appropriate to officially name her Doris,” says Ectotherms team leader, Don McFarlane.

Auckland Zoo director Jonathan Wilcken says it’s fantastic to be welcoming Mazda as a principal partner.

“Mazda has been supporting the Zoo since 2012, and we really appreciate this increased commitment. Their support is, at a very practical level, helping to drive our conservation efforts throughout the Auckland region, and further afield. The Zoo is very proud to be involved in some 28 native species projects throughout New Zealand – from bats, birds, reptiles and invertebrates, to predator control. For North Island projects that we’re very actively involved in, having a reliable fleet of vehicles for staff to use is absolutely essential,” says Mr Wilcken.

Glenn Harris, General Manager, Vehicle Sales and Marketing at Mazda New Zealand says the company is thrilled to be strengthening the relationship and commends its sterling conservation work.

“We’re proud that our vehicles play such an integral role in the ongoing conservation efforts of the Zoo and help raise the profile of this work. Whether that’s releasing creatures back into their natural habitat, collecting furry friends from the airport or mobilising an education programme, it is great to keep them moving.”

In February next year, Mazda and the Zoo will be giving Auckland Zoo visitors the opportunity to participate in ‘Monkeys in a Mazda’ – a competition to win a new Mazda 2.

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